Roll-film backs for 4x5 camera ...

[Oren Grad]

Thank you guys, still no clear opinions as regarding Super-Rolex vs. Horseman backs though.

Alex, the Linhof Super Rollex and Horseman roll holders are both fine products. The difference is that the Super Rollex is "overengineered" and built to last a lifetime. As a consequence, it's much heavier and, when purchased new, much more expensive. It's also possible that it maintains film plane register with slightly greater precision. But most users (myself included) find that the Horseman works well too, so it's really a personal choice as to whether the superior construction of the Linhof is worth the extra money and weight.

Other modern roll holders more or less readily available include Sinar, Calumet, Wista and Toyo. Most recently some Chinese vendors have also entered the market with 6x12 and 6x17 "multiformat" holders of fairly primitive design but reasonably solid construction.

[AllanD]

Linhof Super Rollex RFH are heavy but well made. Apparently, a late model will have more robust gearing, so is preferable. Mine have shiny film rollers which can cause flare at the edges of the film aperture when using very wide angle lenses (47 on 6x7). The film wind is very rapid.

Linhof also make a thing called a Rapid Rollex. This a "slip-in" type RFH. These are lighter, more convenient and have blacked film rollers. They are only available as 6x7. These RFH have a reputation for holding the film very flat, but I haven't noticed any difference compared with a Super Rollex.

[Alexz]

Thanks guys, understood.

[raucousimages]

I have had good luck with a toyo 6x9 back. I load it with Kodak UC 400 to back up some of my 4x5 B&W in color.

[Early Riser]

I use a couple of Sinar Zoom backs. They are really superb with several interlocks to keep you from screwing up, they add to the complexity a bit but they are worth it. They hold the film flatter than any 6x12 back I have yet seen with the exception of the Fotoman 612 camera which allows you to tighten the film just prior to exposure.They will shift on the fly to and from any format, 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, and 6x12. The downsides are that you need to keep them very clean in side to prevent scratching and that due to their weight may make a light weight field camera back lean out of focus. If you are careful with these 2 problems they are the best out there.