It's ugly, but I like it (part two)

[Farside]

6. Stripped and rubbed down frame offered up for size.


7. The ex-GG frame was a touch too small on the inside dimensions, so was filed and ground out. As there was plenty of spare material in the frame, the finished size was nicely matched to the opening required for a 4x5.


8. The frame was then Araldited to the spring back and left to cure.


9. Finished article. An Ihagee with a 4x5 film holder stuck on it, and easily removeable.

Full size pic here http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/...207b4882_o.jpg

10. With a Polaroid 405 film pack holder, which is what the mod of the springs was all about.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/...bc3e37fc_o.jpg

Not totally finished yet. I've light-sealed the ends of the frame and might have to find some velvet for light trapping.

A new lease of life for an old camera and the great thing is, I can still use it for 9x12 or the Rada rollfilm back - and it also fits my two Weltas.

[Ian Grant]

Nice idea.

I must get around to doing something similar. I've completely rebuilt an older Speed Graphic back and it would be easy to make something entirely from scratch - I think

Ian

[Farside]

Thanks.
I'd thought about simply making up a 4x5 guide frame out of L channel brass or plastic and have a couple of stretchy springs across it, top to bottom to hold in the film holders, etc. Of course, that would have meant making up a new GG holder. The nice thing about the Graflex back is that everything is guaranteed to fit to it, with minimal hassle and I already have a viewing hood that fits it. I'll probably re-inforce the top and bottom and trim the overhanging edges, next.

[ntenny]

This is great. I've long wanted to do something like this, but so far I haven't yet had the right combination of parts, time, and organisation.

The focal plane moved back a bit, right? Can you still focus at infinity?

-NT

[Farside]

This is great. I've long wanted to do something like this, but so far I haven't yet had the right combination of parts, time, and organisation.

I thought I didn't, until an inspiron struck

The focal plane moved back a bit, right? Can you still focus at infinity?
-NT

Oh yes, there's plenty of leeway on the front sleds. The 18cm Eurynar I've been using isn't really all that (hazy elements), but it's slightly closer to the focus scale with the back on, and I've just scored an old Freidrich Coronar 13.5cm and a 6" no-name which will probably suit. The front of the camera has a 44mm(approx) threaded lens mount, so I have a great deal of flexibility there.
The focus scale on the camera when I got it, is a home-made one, though what lens matched it I don't know.

[Ian Grant]

The focal plane moved back a bit, right? Can you still focus at infinity?
-NT

Most 9x12 cameras would be fine with their normal standard lens, usually a 135mm or 150mm, but some like my two Patent Etui's need the lens standard pulled to the Infinity position to lock rigid.

There's a camera technician/repairman, I think semi retired, who makes occasional one off 5x4 conversion backs mainly for 9x12/Quarter plate Recomar's, he's somewhere in the US and has been making them for many years, someone posted a link either here or the LFPI forum some time ago.

Ian