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lunaaron · Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 14 Location: New York

someone recently offered me a Graflok back for a 4x5 graflex. i have a miniature speed graphic will this back fit? or can it be adapted to fit?
Or do i need to look for a specificly 2x3 Graflok back?
Any suggestions would be most appreciated

45PSS · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2003 6:55 pm Post subject:

It would require a custom made adaptor board to fit as the camera bodies are different sizes.

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

lunaaron · Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 14 Location: New York

is a custom adapter board just the case of a neatly cut piece of plywood or is it a lot more complex than this?
is there anyone who could give me some guidance on this project?
thanks for your advice
Aaron

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I don't understand this thread. Why would you WANT to try and force a 4x5 back onto a 2x3 camera? Nothing on the camera would work right. It would seem to me no mater what size back you have, because of the construction of the camera the image produced will never be greater than 2x3. These kind of adaptations are done with view cameras, on a rail, NOT with a press camera.

I'd recommend you look for the right sized back for the 23, or, better still, find another body with the right back.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2003-09-04 12:19 ]

sobahguy · Joined: 09 Oct 2001 Posts: 173 Location: Massachusetts

I'm casting a vote with Alec, i'm a little mystified........
Does your mini-Speed currently have a fixed back attached with ground glass & viewing hood?
If not, then by all means try to locate a PROPER 2x3 back for your camera.
If so, than why not scrap your 4x5 Graflok back modification project and just get one of the appropriate roll-film backs which were made for the camera that you have???
You can get a "22","23", "RH-8" or "RH-10" roll back, depending what format you want to shoot. I would suggest one of the lever-advance "RH" backs which have the advantage of better film flatness than either of the earlier-model "22" or "23" backs.
Hope I've helped rather than hindered.....

[ This Message was edited by: sobahguy on 2003-09-04 15:14 ]

45PSS · Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2003 2:30 am Post subject:

i intended the adaptor as a hint that this is not pratical as well as what would be necessary. If you have both handy or not, measure the outside of the Mini and the outside of the 4x5 back. Subtract the Mini's deminsions from the 4x5's. That's how much of a lip that would be added to the size of the camera. Now the depth will increase by the thickness of the carefully routed piece of wood to fit onto the camera and the new back, the thiner the easier to break. Now if you manage to get this much done you still have the problem of having to purchase the more expensive 4x5 versions of the roll backs, and grafmatics will only fit the size they were made for resulting in having to buy 4x5 sheet film and only getting a 2x3 image in the center of each sheet. The only advantage is you can buy a variety of sheet film in 4x5. If you wish to pursue this endeavor consult a good woodworker/cabinet maker.

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.