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Which back for my Speed Graphic?

 
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rwagner



Joined: 20 Mar 2003
Posts: 3
Location: Atlanta, GA

PostPosted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 8:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I inherited what appears to be a Pre-Anniversary Speed Graphic with no back. There is a metal lip along the bottom that forms a groove, presumably for a back and a sliding metal plate that would hold the top edge of the back against the camera frame. What type back do I need, or should I just make one?
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Les



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 2682
Location: Detroit, MI

PostPosted: Thu Mar 20, 2003 11:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Actually that's Graflex back. It takes Graflex type film holders that are slightly wider and have a groove at the top and bottom.

You need to find a Spring Back, which would be the cheapest, or a Graflok back which are sought after.
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rwagner



Joined: 20 Mar 2003
Posts: 3
Location: Atlanta, GA

PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 3:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Please pardon my ignorance, but does this mean I need either a graflex spring back or a Graflok back, and then I could add a roll film holder such as an RH 20? Would the graflex or Graflok back contain a ground glass and a slot or similar provision for inserting Graflex type film holders? To use a roll film holder do you remove the ground glass, the entire back or simply insert it where a film holder would go in the Graflok or Graflex back? Perhaps I'm making this more complicated than it is but I just can't wrap my mind around how this all fits together.
Thank you for your patience
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jdman



Joined: 13 May 2001
Posts: 302
Location: Midwest

PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 4:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Depends on what you want to use. If film holders only or Grafmatic then a Spring back is all you need. If you want to use the Rollfilm adaptor then You need the Graflok. When using film holders the ground glass stays on with both types. The Ground glass comes off when using the rollfilm with the Graflok. Russ
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Les



Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 2682
Location: Detroit, MI

PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 11:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Graflex back had a ground glass frame that MUST be removed to put any film holder/roll holder in place. They did make roll film holders for graflex backs, and I've seen them on ebay. You just have to know what to look for and look everyday. Most of the time they aren't advertized as such.

A Graphic or Spring back has the ground glass semi-permanently screwed in place with flat springs. You can't use an RH-10 roll holder, or any of the Graphic roll holders, but Calumet sells 6x7 roll holder that can handle 120 or 220 and it slides in behind (in front?) of the ground glass just like a film holder.

The Graflok back is sort of the best of both worlds. The ground glass can be left inplace for film holders, certain Polaroid backs and the same Calumet roll back above. It can also be removed easily for the Graphic roll backs that can shoot 6x6 6x7 6x9. and even 70mm. The hazard with this back is that it's expensive to buy when found. Spring backs can be had for $15-$45 while I sold a Graflok back last month for $165, probably more than you paid for your camera. Also I'm not absolutely certain a Graflok back will fit a Pre-Ann. There may have been subtle changes made in say 30 years that preculde its use.

I say find a nice Anny or Pace Spring back and if your desperate for roll film, go with a Calumet holder. I think it's your cheapest/best bang for the buck option.

Choice two is to find Graflex film holders and/or a Graflex roll back and a ground glass frame. Certainly more 'historically correct' but will take time.

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rwagner



Joined: 20 Mar 2003
Posts: 3
Location: Atlanta, GA

PostPosted: Fri Mar 21, 2003 2:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks so much for your help. If I could return the favor I would, however my medium format experience is limited to older Bronica focal plane (EC, S, ect.), and I'm just starting in large format.
Best regards to all
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