Graflex.org

[zparras]

Fairy 69, I just wanted to add one more voice about how much fun and easy the grafmatic backs are. I own 4 of them and only one double film holder (DFH). I find the grafmatic septums much easier to load in the dark than the DFH.

Each of my grafmatic backs are numbered and the film type I am using is written on a piece of masking tape on each holder, so I know at a glace what film is in which holder (masking tape comes off easy and doesn't wreck the finish on the grafmatic back). I also keep a record of my shots in a little photo book I carry with me (with 4 backs and using 2 or 3 different types of film at one time keeping track of shots can get confusing). I know some people don't like the numbering wheel and sometimes remove them. But I have found them invaluable. When I started with my Speed I was new to LF so I would make notes for all my shots (f stop and shutter speed) and then review each picture and notes to see which pictures turned out and which didn't. When you are taking 6 pictures of the same sunset after 5-10 min intervals, it really pays to have a little number on the side of the picture to be able to differenciate between shots. I really love the grafmatic backs and am suprised that more people don't use them more.

I like to shoot hand held with my Speed Graphic and the grafmatic backs are really fast and efficient. I can really appreciate how handy the grafmatic backs were for the press photographers in the 1950's, and how after a while they become second nature to use.

Take the advice of the suggestions made here, read the manual, and go through using the grafmatic back without film a few times to get used to it. And if you have any exposed film, practice loading it in daylight and then inthe dark. I hope you enjoy using them, that is after all the reason we all chose to buy this old equipment, for enjoyment in our picture taking.

Take care,
Zissis

_________________
Anthro photo guy

[Murray@uptowngallery.org]

Say, someone mentioned the chrome (horizontal?) tabs.

I think you're talking about the Graphlock back? I gave up trying to figure out what they were for. I figured maybe the 23 holder, as they do nothing for a Polaroid 545. I haven't tried a reg. filmholder yet.

Do the felt strips on the back need replacement if they are dead flat? Still there, but no 'nap' to them.

Thanks

Murray

[troublemaker]

Yup, that is wher the "loc" in Graflok comes from. The 545 should have grooves in it that will lock the polaroid holder in place. The Graflok will also facilitate locking down various roll film backs, on 4x5 as well as 2x3. They are also important for holding the Grafmatic being discussed herein.
Fairy,
Note that inside the Grafmatic, when the septums are out, there is a slide kicker that advances the counter wheel. I read that it is recomended to slide this out of the way when loading septums. I never knew this and my unit works OK, but check out what the manual says and maybe someone else can clarify...
Stephen

[fairy69]

Stephen,
I will check it out when I get a chance but I don't remember reading anything about it in the manual...will look again, though - thanks!


_________________
cheers,
AnnMarie
www.annmarietornabene.net

[troublemaker]

With the Grafmatic lying down in front of you, and the dark slides out to the right, and the septums out of the holder, the slide in question would be at the bottom towards the right. I may unload mine later and check and see if it is an issue. Since it has been working I am not sure why this is mentioned in the repair manual, but not in the opperating manual, which is probably the one you read. Both are at Rich's southbristol site. When the exposed film septum is sent to the back, and the body slid back in, that septum gets run in underneath the others and also pushes the counter slide to change the numbered dial on the back. I will get back later...
Stephen