Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

Anybody have experience and advice as to recommended roll film backs for 6x7, 6x9 for Smaller technical field cameras? Mamiya etc? I’m comfortable with all other aspects of the 2x3 field cams, but have heard different caveats regarding roll film backs, thanks in advance

MSW

I have run the venerable RB 67 and the Bronica ETRSi 645, both of which use backs. they are quite handy, since they make reloads very quick when you run out of film. the downside, of course, is that they're a bit pricey, and they have to be loaded in advance. my only other complaint with film backs is the dark slide, which only one company (the Mamiya 645 if I remember correctly) managed to engineer a slot in the back itself, so you have this bit of metal sloshing around in you shirt pocket or whatever. if you lose it, you have to go through all manner of machinations to get the back off - a real PIA... I always had a spare in my bag ... the nice thing about the Bronica backs is that they are available in 120, 220, and 35mm, and there is even a back for Polaroid (do they even make polaroid film anymore?) ... you can still shoot 35mm through your really nice Bronica lenses. As nearly as I can recall, the RB has only 120 and 220 size backs. If you hot the MegaMillions, I think there might be a digital back for the RB - but it's very expensive (well into the four figure range).

I have always been a sucker for the 2 1/4 inch format, because you can make really huge enlargements without blowing out grain.

Good luck with your project - despite the advances in digital, there is still an undeniable magic to halide film - like shooting a flintlock or shaving with a straight razor or writing with a fountain pen (all of which I do).

p.s. ... just ducked onto Flea-Bay ... the backs aren't as pricey as I had thought ... I guess their decrease in popularity due to the digital revolution has driven the price down ... supply & demand and all that goo microeconomics stuff

Say Cheese Loc: Eastern PA

When I had my Bronica the film backs were about $250 each, I had 3 of them, my wife changed film for me when things got busy.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Been a million years since I used one, but I did use a Voitlander roll film back on an old 6x9 30's field view I used to have. Typical ground glass focusing like whatever 6x7/9 technical field you're using (maybe a Linhof?), and swap the gg back with the slide in roll film back. Pull the dark slide and off you go. Never a moment's problem using either 120 or 220 films. Bet Adorama or B&H has a few such backs laying around for $5 or so.

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

Thanks!

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

This comes with a Mamiya 6x7 back but I’ve heard of problems with film flatness with them, my experience with MF is Brad and Rolleiflex TLR, so I’m unsure what to get, thanks ever so much guys for the advice

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Sweet camera! Used exactly that (sans the Linhof lens) before switching over to Pentax 6x7. Look for a Linhof roll film back. No problem whatsoever with film flatness.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Graflex and Mamiya 120 and 220 backs are interchangeable.
I used both on my RB67, though the Graflex had no double exposure prevention.
The Graflex was a bit lose compared with the Mamiya, but I never had sharpness issues with either.
Graflex backs go as big as 6 x 9. This ONE sells for about $50 on ebay.
I think Horseman backs were better made.
Check out this Horseman 6x9 back: HERE

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

There are 6x6, 6x7 and 6x4.5 film backs for the RB/RZ 67 as well as Polaroid (for whatever that’s worth). They used to be in the $300 range, but you can pick them up for ~$100 now - just make sure the foam seals are good. You can load either 120 or 220, but 220 is getting hard to find last time I looked. I thought I remembered that the ProS had a slot to hold the dark slide, but I’d have to go look. Very handy having interchangeable backs...

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I think RZ backs had a dark slide holder, but not any of my Pro-S backs.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You’re probably right, but it’s a good reason to drag out my RB and shoot a roll or two of B&W - haven’t been in the darkroom in awhile. Also a good excuse to drop by my local camera store and check on RB lenses - they are just dirt cheap now.

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

Wow thanks guys, you’ve all been a bunch of help, can’t believe I’m venturing back to film, I just miss that “look”, and haven’t found it with digital

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I really miss my "Beast".
Have fun!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You should get another. I see complete RBs with finder, back and lens for $350 pretty regularly and sometimes less. I think I paid $70 for a pristine 180mm last year.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Tempting but I have to conserve for our vacation....
Need more batteries for my little Fuji.