"Best" 6x7 Roll film holder out there ( new or used )

thoughts on the best available 6x7 RFH out there ? For me, film

flatness is the most important issue. Thanks

There are two varieties that are available...

 

1. The version that inserts into the back of the camera like a regular film holder. In this

case, I'd highly recommend the Sinar version. The Zoom 2 allows for multi-formats

ranging from 6x4.5 to 6x12... but it'll cost an arm and leg!

 

New OR used! :) You see them every so often on *ba*

 

2. The one where you remove the groundglass back and attach it directly to the back of

the camera. In this case, I'd highly recommend the Linhof version. It's built like a tank and

is very, very smooth. It also comes in different formats (6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, and 6x12).

 

These go for a very reasonable amount on *ba*.

 

Alternatively, the Wista version is quite well built and I've not heard about film flatness

issues with them either.

 

I've not had any experience with the Horseman roll film holders... so, I won't speak to it.

 

Cheers

the best? you want either a Sinar or a Linhof RFH.

Toyo makes a good RFH that slips under the GG like the Sinar model. It may not be built like a rolls royce, as the Sinar is, but when you compare the prices and realize that film flatness for both of them is well within the focussing tolerances of most any lens for 4x5, you may decide that "best" is relative.

Three or four years ago there was a real flurry of discussion on this topic at Photo.net. At that time, concensus was that the later Horseman roll film backs were miles ahead of everything else in film flatness. Personally, I have several Graflex/Singer RFBs which aren't particularly flat, and an old Linhof which isn't any better.

How does one know that a Horseman rollfilm back is one of the later ones, then?

Ditto on The Sinar. The Toyo is a significant amount thicker then the Sinar and in some cases (Toyo VX125)is hard to slide into the back and must be mounted via Graphlock..EC

im happy with my Horseman 6x12 back that I got new from midwest this spring. It's the only one I've used, so it's the best for me. I'd hesitate buying a used one sight-unseen from EBAY though.

While discussing this, would it be better to get and use a 220 model instead of a 120? There are less emulsions available in 220 film, but still, if the result is flatter film, this should be a factor in making a choice. Or has anyone had better results with 120 in terms of film flatness?

I don't remember this "real flurry of discussion" that supposedly reached a consensus on Horseman backs as superior to all others in film flatness. Maybe if someone would find a link to this discussion?

 

Mostly people are going to recommend the brand that they have used. There are many quality brands, and useless someone has used all of them, how can they know which is best?

 

I have used the Calumet insert model, and a Linhof Super Rollex. The Linhof is completely superior to the Calumet in construction quality, but also costs much more if purchased new. The way to buy is used, but avoid the Rollex (and oldest Super Rollex ?) because repair parts are unavailable.

 

The models that insert under the ground glass like a film holder are more convenient, but probably less conducive to film flatness because of the sharp bend the film makes. The style that mounts to the an International (Graplock) back generally has a more gentle film path. The Linhof Super Rollex has a fairly strong film tension.

 

Re buying a 220 back: I would be concerned about film choices declining even further.

Can't speak for any but the Calument/Cambo model I use. I would quibble with the view that it lacks construction quality; it's a Sherman tank. Film flatness is not a problem in that it has a reverse-curl approach as the film passes over the focal plane. It is a bit bigger and heavier than the ones that attach directly to the back, but it doesn't require removing the ground-glass, and in the field, that's a plus for me. It's just another (if heavier and clunkier) film holder in my bag.