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Post by barbarian on Sept 21, 2012 20:31:16 GMT -5
So I got an older model Speed Graphic Five wooden(!) film holders. Some other stuff I can't identify, and something that looks like the handle of a light saber. Everything seems to work. Rangefinder is on, glass is clear. Can't find any light leaks in the bellows. Focal plane shutter is a bit slow, but I wasn't planning on using it. How practical is it to use the film holders and get them developed? I'm not starting a darkroom now. Are there 120 film holders that work with one this old? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Dave
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Post by Dave on Sept 21, 2012 20:46:08 GMT -5
It looks to me like you have a mini Speed Graphic. I have one too. The most practical answer is to get a roll film holder. It will use 120 film. They come in three formats. The most common two are 2 1/4 by 3 1/4, essentially the same size as the sheet film used by the camera, 8 exposures/roll. The second is 2 1/4 by 2 1/4, 12 exposures per roll. You will need a new mask for the viewfinder since the negative size is reduced. The third, and less common is 6cm by 7cm, 10 exposures per roll. I am not certain there are viewfinder masks for this size. I haven't been able to find one. I have all three. The advantage, obviously, is that you don't have to deal with loading or developing sheet film in holders. The disadvantage is that once you mount the roll film holder, you lose the use of the ground glass back. Also, finding the fittings for the roll film holder on a Mini Speed Graphic with the old spring back can be a challenge. But you can jerry rig something.
Anyway, the camera is fun to use. I've had mine for about 50 years.
Dave
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Post by barbarian on Sept 21, 2012 21:49:17 GMT -5
Do you have a source for the rollfilm holders or the masks? Sounds like a fun project; I just found a scanner that will do 120 negatives, so if I can get a rollfilm back on it, I'm set.
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Sept 21, 2012 22:55:14 GMT -5
Barbarian, Google 'Graflex/Graphic Roll Film Holder'. There is a wealth of information available there. The camera is 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 Century Graphic. This back will take 6 x 6 cm pictures on 120 roll film. Mickey P.S. I have altered this posting as I found I had made some incorrect statements. P.P.S. I have a large quantity of Kodak 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 single sheet film holders. They are all used but in useable condition. If you, or anyone, want some they are yours for the postage. M.O.
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col
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Post by col on Sept 21, 2012 23:54:46 GMT -5
Hello Barbarian Take some 5x4 and process three sheets at a time in a 120 film tank. Only one problem, the film is slightly wider than the tank and you end up with a stress mark down one edge. I cut-up one of those plastic table mats into strips 5.1/4 X 3.3/4, using elastic bands so they held in a taco shape so each sheet of film can slip in.
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col
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Post by col on Sept 22, 2012 0:13:40 GMT -5
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Berndt
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Post by Berndt on Sept 22, 2012 4:57:10 GMT -5
You can also give the camera a first try by using photo paper ( with the wooden plate holders ). I did that with my large format camera. A simple and efficient way for a first test. The ASA of photo paper should be around 12.5, still good enough for daylight if the objects are not moving.
Another idea ... but frankly speaking, I never tried it and would like to know myself if and how it works ... instant film ( like polaroid ). That would probably be the simplest solution at all.
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Post by barbarian on Sept 22, 2012 10:01:35 GMT -5
Gentlemen, thank you all for you very helpful advice. Lots of good ideas and information. Valuable resources we have here.
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Sept 22, 2012 10:05:24 GMT -5
col,
Ingenious.
Question. Is there no anti halation backing on the film you used? Or is it not used any more?
Mickey
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mickeyobe
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Post by mickeyobe on Sept 22, 2012 10:14:15 GMT -5
Another idea ... but frankly speaking, I never tried it and would like to know myself if and how it works ... instant film ( like polaroid ). That would probably be the simplest solution at all. This would mean acquiring a Polaroid back for your camera and some still viable Polaroid film if it is available. I think the paper negative is the best option and it can be reversed in your computer to a positive. If you use something like Ilford Multigrade you wont even need a totally dark darkroom. Mickey
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Berndt
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Post by Berndt on Sept 22, 2012 10:51:52 GMT -5
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col
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Post by col on Sept 22, 2012 18:53:09 GMT -5
Mickey the anti halation backing can be a problem, once the film has fixed enough I remove from the tank and give extra fixing time in trays, also wash in trays.
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Post by catire on Sept 24, 2012 13:46:33 GMT -5
Sheet film can be, and often was, developed in trays. As long as you have copmplete darkness, it's very easy. Three small trays, and a larger washing tray. Wear gloves.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2012 18:02:49 GMT -5
I have my dad's 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Speed Graphic and I have a 120 roll film holder for it. It fits in place of the spring loaded back for cut film holders. That was a fairly common accessory for the small Speed Graphic so it should be possible to find one. Cut film (if available) is easy to develop but 120 roll film is even easier. They also made film packs for the Graphics. The packs contained a number of sheets of film and you pulled a paper tab out to pull the next piece of film into position to make an image. The film in the packs was thinner than regular cut film and messier to develop.
W.
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Post by barbarian on Nov 3, 2012 1:14:26 GMT -5
I just found a 120 rollfilm holder. But the camera has a spring back. I removed that, (including the ground glass) and the holder fits neatly into the space. But nothing holds it. I guess I can fabricate something to hold it, using the screws for the springs, but are those screws set in wood or metal?
I don't want to make the conversion permanent, or to damage the original functions in any way. Any ideas?
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