Medium format roll film backs
Apr 10, 2018 08:59:48 #
Always used an anti-static cloth (like for negatives in the darkroom) to wipe the insides of the film backs in the winter time to avoid any static electricity
Apr 10, 2018 09:02:26 #
GraveyDave wrote:
Always used an anti-static cloth (like for negatives in the darkroom) to wipe the insides of the film backs in the winter time to avoid any static electricity
Great idea! thanks
Apr 10, 2018 09:48:44 #
I started to answer this and goofed somehow and lost all. So here goes try two.
I had one 645 and two 6x7 Mamiya Graflok (spelling) backs for my RB-67. These backs came in either 120 or 200 models. The Mamiya Graflok backs had dark slides and, if I remember correctly, could prevent the shutter being tripped if the dark slide was still in the back. I heard that the Mamiya and Graflex backs were interchangeable but I never tried. When I was in the studio we used Graflex compact press and Graflex backs.
For my Mamiya Super-23 Compact Press I used only Mamiya 6x7 backs. https://emulsive.org/reviews/camera-reviews/mamiya-camera-reviews/mamiya-press-super-23-and-mamiya-universal-press-by-kikie-wilkins#component-comparisons-filmbacks
These backs, with the throw of a switch and reversing of the pressure plate could go from 120 to 220 film. These backs used a dark slide enabling the removal of a back mid-roll without damaging the film. One needed to remember to pull the dark slide. You could run a whole roll with out exposing it if you forgot to pull the dark slide.
The Mamiya Universal Compact Press could take Graflok backs or Mamiya backs through the use of an adapter.
Once the AF went digital I got out of wet processing. Shame because I have a "new out of the box" Besler 67S Dichroic enlarger that I've never used. And I don't have room to set up a darkroom. If I win the lotto I will have a B&W darkroom. I love medium format film and sure do miss working with film.
I had one 645 and two 6x7 Mamiya Graflok (spelling) backs for my RB-67. These backs came in either 120 or 200 models. The Mamiya Graflok backs had dark slides and, if I remember correctly, could prevent the shutter being tripped if the dark slide was still in the back. I heard that the Mamiya and Graflex backs were interchangeable but I never tried. When I was in the studio we used Graflex compact press and Graflex backs.
For my Mamiya Super-23 Compact Press I used only Mamiya 6x7 backs. https://emulsive.org/reviews/camera-reviews/mamiya-camera-reviews/mamiya-press-super-23-and-mamiya-universal-press-by-kikie-wilkins#component-comparisons-filmbacks
These backs, with the throw of a switch and reversing of the pressure plate could go from 120 to 220 film. These backs used a dark slide enabling the removal of a back mid-roll without damaging the film. One needed to remember to pull the dark slide. You could run a whole roll with out exposing it if you forgot to pull the dark slide.
The Mamiya Universal Compact Press could take Graflok backs or Mamiya backs through the use of an adapter.
Once the AF went digital I got out of wet processing. Shame because I have a "new out of the box" Besler 67S Dichroic enlarger that I've never used. And I don't have room to set up a darkroom. If I win the lotto I will have a B&W darkroom. I love medium format film and sure do miss working with film.
Apr 10, 2018 10:12:27 #
Film Flatness=sharpness on roll film backs. two points to remember.
I shot MF for a long time, Mamiya, Bronica, Graflex, etc. roll film backs.
First problem resulting in film not flat in the holder.... loading the film loose, ie. keep tension on the film leader until you hit the line, or close the back.
Many roll fill backs have two components. The back, and secondly the reloadable inserts. With inserts loaded and carried in their own box you preload a halv dozen inserts and you don't take the back off the camera, but instead, open the door on the back and exchange an unexposed insert for the one exposed. So much better in the field. Bronica and later Mamiya backs worked this way. Considerably less expensive as you just bought one back and a number of inserts. These sell separately on eBay.
On later film backs, like Graflex, there were additional "pin rollers" at each end of the film plane opening. These were specifically added to improve film flatness. You need to open these backs and see if they have these chrome rollers across each end of the film opening. Very important for film flatness.
Last tip, Mamiya Universal MF... Great lenses, and the film holders introduced an "S" curve into the film path. BEST MF backs for film flatness fount in MF camera's. Proprietary to the Mamiya Press line. Bulky camera's but some of the best in MF. Also Graflex XL, making sure the Graflex backs had the later "pin rollers". (Caution on Graflex,Many currently have one of the three tabs in the focus ring missing. Be sure to make sure all three tabs are present. Best lenses on both 100mm f2.8 (not often found in MF) Both have very good rangefinder focusing.
Ultimately I ended up shooting Fujifilm rangefinder GL690 and GSW690. "Big Texas Leica" rangefinder 6X9 CM (no roll film backs) but the best lenses of all the MF I every used, including Hasselblad. No film backs and Horizontal film transport.
I shot MF for a long time, Mamiya, Bronica, Graflex, etc. roll film backs.
First problem resulting in film not flat in the holder.... loading the film loose, ie. keep tension on the film leader until you hit the line, or close the back.
Many roll fill backs have two components. The back, and secondly the reloadable inserts. With inserts loaded and carried in their own box you preload a halv dozen inserts and you don't take the back off the camera, but instead, open the door on the back and exchange an unexposed insert for the one exposed. So much better in the field. Bronica and later Mamiya backs worked this way. Considerably less expensive as you just bought one back and a number of inserts. These sell separately on eBay.
On later film backs, like Graflex, there were additional "pin rollers" at each end of the film plane opening. These were specifically added to improve film flatness. You need to open these backs and see if they have these chrome rollers across each end of the film opening. Very important for film flatness.
Last tip, Mamiya Universal MF... Great lenses, and the film holders introduced an "S" curve into the film path. BEST MF backs for film flatness fount in MF camera's. Proprietary to the Mamiya Press line. Bulky camera's but some of the best in MF. Also Graflex XL, making sure the Graflex backs had the later "pin rollers". (Caution on Graflex,Many currently have one of the three tabs in the focus ring missing. Be sure to make sure all three tabs are present. Best lenses on both 100mm f2.8 (not often found in MF) Both have very good rangefinder focusing.
Ultimately I ended up shooting Fujifilm rangefinder GL690 and GSW690. "Big Texas Leica" rangefinder 6X9 CM (no roll film backs) but the best lenses of all the MF I every used, including Hasselblad. No film backs and Horizontal film transport.
Apr 10, 2018 10:14:52 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
The only caveat I'd have is that some backs can be use with both 120 and 220 film. Some others are either/or... they work with just 120, or only with 220.
Today it's pretty easy to find 120 film... but 220 is very scarce. Even if you do find some, it also may be difficult to get 220 processed if you don't do it yourself. So I'd recommend avoiding any backs that are limited to 220 only.
I have a Koni-Omegaflex twin lens reflex that shoots 6x7, several lenses and around eight or ten backs for it. Some of those are 220-only and largely unusable now, due to that film being unavailable. Not sure if I can get them modified to work with 120. I only paid $10 apiece for the 220s, so am not out much either way. I've paid around $20 or $25 each for 120 backs.
Today it's pretty easy to find 120 film... but 220 is very scarce. Even if you do find some, it also may be difficult to get 220 processed if you don't do it yourself. So I'd recommend avoiding any backs that are limited to 220 only.
I have a Koni-Omegaflex twin lens reflex that shoots 6x7, several lenses and around eight or ten backs for it. Some of those are 220-only and largely unusable now, due to that film being unavailable. Not sure if I can get them modified to work with 120. I only paid $10 apiece for the 220s, so am not out much either way. I've paid around $20 or $25 each for 120 backs.
Apr 10, 2018 10:18:20 #
Flickwet wrote:
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
Ah yes! I load up my film Fujica GL690, put on my "Digital Sux" hoody and hit the road. For Wide 65mm lens, I take along my GSW690 with EBC glass and go "landscape" shooting (6X9 format)
Apr 10, 2018 10:25:10 #
Two weeks ago I came in possession of a Voigtlander VAG with two plates and leather case. Size of plates is for 6.5X9 film. I don't have room to set up a darkroom, so I will be getting film back that I can use 120mm film. Camera itself has no pin holes everything else is work fine on the camera. Lens is still good. Camera was made sometime between 1931 and 1934. After 1931, double rails for lens standard and focusing. Just waiting for the weather to get better so I can get outside to put this camera on tripod see what happen.
Apr 10, 2018 10:52:35 #
Ron Dial
Loc: Cuenca, Ecuador
I have a Mamiya RZ67. Love it, great camera. The only downside is the weight. I have 120 and 220 film backs. Mamiya has a place to temporarily store the metal slide. If you are shooting and run out of film, quickly replacing the back is an easy way to get going again. Much better than having to reload a 35mm. Especially great when using B&W Infrared film. Change backs without requiring a black film changing bag.
Apr 10, 2018 12:03:40 #
Hey guys, thanks so much for the productive info, I’ve seen a Linhof back that had the Mamiya “curve” on eBay, think it might work? I may pull the trigger, again, I’m grateful for the advice, Flick
Apr 10, 2018 12:35:03 #
It's nice to see that there are a number of photographers who still use film. Digital offers some amazing options, but can you imagine painting artists deciding to only use one medium for all paintings? Similarly, I see the choice of medium in photography to depend on your needs and preferences. Maybe, eventually, we will be able to get back to having a somewhat wider selection of equipment and supplies available for film shooters.
Apr 10, 2018 20:42:56 #
MSW wrote:
I have run the venerable RB 67 and the Bronica ETR... (show quote)
Bronica ETRSi 220 backs are cheap. But they should be since there's no new supply of 220 film. The Polaroid backs are cheap too… and they should be… because there's no more Polaroid pack film, Polaroid Originals (AKA Impossible Project) doesn't make it either. Fuji still makes instant film in the size that fits the packs but #1 it's obscenely expensive and #2 being discontinued in a few months anyway. So basically the ETRSi needs only the 120 back. I still have 5 frozen rolls of Ektachrome 64 in 220 for the Bronica and my Pentax 6x7 but when I use them up that's it.
Apr 10, 2018 22:06:16 #
Flickwet wrote:
Hey guys, thanks so much for the productive info, I’ve seen a Linhof back that had the Mamiya “curve” on eBay, think it might work? I may pull the trigger, again, I’m grateful for the advice, Flick
Hi Erik, thanks for buying my camera - the Century Graphic you show above !
With the RB pro S back, there is an interlock for the dark slide- the back must be mounted on the camera in order to remove the dark slide. IMO, the Mamiya back is a much nicer more refined back than the Graflex ones - nicer built - more modern technology ! ( I have used both).......Larry
P.S. The Mamiya is a single stroke to advance while the Graflex ( lever wind versions) are double stroke....
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Apr 10, 2018 22:21:21 #
How cool is this! I cannot wait! You made my day, I should also tell you that I “offered” while I convinced my wife how badly I needed extra money this week! Thanks ever so much!
Apr 10, 2018 22:30:02 #
Apr 10, 2018 22:34:46 #
Flickwet wrote:
Will the Mamiya Press backs work?
No......but the new style (black) Horseman backs - I am 98% sure will work. They are also nicer than the Graflex versions - about equal to the Mamiya. - Horseman is also double stroke.
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