Graflok puzzle...what the..?!

[arizonafilm]

Greetings,

I have a Speed Graphic equipped with what I believed to be a 4x5 Graflok back. The back sure looks like those seen that were sold and for sale on a popular auction site, down to the detail. It does not show any Graflok manufacturer's markings, but I carefully studied pictures and compared mine. But I have no experience with Graflok accessories, only basic 4x5 film holders, etc. on both the Speed and a Toyo 4x5 view camera without a Graflok holder.

Recently, I acquired a Grafmatic "45" filmfolder, holding six sheets, and it won't fit the alleged Graflok back on the Speed. (this is after I removed the folding viewer). It's too wide on the rails by about 3/16 of an inch or so. Of course, all the RiteWay film holders work beautifully on both the Speed and the view camera. What gives? Were there different sizes of these, or am I missing some golden kernel of truth?

[ic-racer]

I'd bet your Grafmatic is for the Graflex back, not the Graflok.

[arizonafilm]

If it is indeed for the Graflex and not the Graflok, can I interchange the right back to the Speed?

[brian d]

The information on this page might be helpful
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~paul.../grafmatic.htm

[David A. Goldfarb]

If you have a Grafmatic for a Graflex-type back, your best bet is to sell it and buy one for a Graflok-type back.

[snederhiser]

Hello;
Please post a picture, would sure save on the speculation and maybe get you the right answer. Steven.

[mdarnton]

For what it's worth, on a Graflok back the tiny light-lock strip on the right side of the back, towards the top of the holder between the film and the dark slide, is a ridge on the holder and a hollow on the back, closer to the film than the dark slide handle. On a Graflex back the ridge is on the back, and the hollow it goes into is on the holder, closer to the slide handle than to the film.

[arizonafilm]

Thanks to all who replied. I am new to this site, but love film, so I think I am in the right place. Thanks especially to "brian d" who provided a very helpful link to a nice little photo-heavy explanation to the mirad differences. I will study this and also "mdarnton's" description for that insight, too. At first glance, I will take the suggestion to find a more appropriate home for this holder, and get one that fits my equipment without modification. Thanks again!

[Sirius Glass]

The information on this page might be helpful
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~paulewins/resources/grafmatic.htm

Thank you. I found this useful and interesting too.

Steve

[djacobox372]

the grafmatic should fit into any back that takes standard 4x5 film holders, graflok or not. Are u sure your camera or grafmatic isnt 3x4.