Jump to content

Zeiss Maximar 207/7& adapting a Graflok back ??


Recommended Posts

<p>I have a Zeiss 207/7 I'm itching to run some rollfilm through. Lens looks nice and shutter sounds dead-on.<br>

Trouble locating the right Rada/Suydam rollfilm back for this. The couple I picked up blind don't mate up with the little lock on top of the camera and slip out too easily.<br>

I'm told I can graft a Graflok back onto this plate camera. Not a big deal if some butchery is involved. Camera isn't mint and looks like it had hard service through the years. It sports a Kalart Rangefinder (that doesn't seem to be aligned correctly) and a hefty flashgun bracket. The back is a Voigtlander plate holder. No groundglass with this camera.<br>

Is it worth modifying further? Well, I'd like to use it regularly as an alternative to my Bessas and Ikontas. I'd prefer this over a Speed Graphic when I go into the streets and do portraiture of passers-by. The looks of the Maximar alone are reason enough to try to get it running in a practical fashion.<br>

Anyone adapt a Graflok to one of these? Should I just Fleabay it and snag me a Speed Graphic instead (two in my area are going for a little more than the price of a month's worth of licorice sticks; one has a Schneider the other an Ektar).</p><div>00TIbo-132889584.jpg.9b48b04bbccda4387b0a2132c4f1a723.jpg</div>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm surprised your Suydam and Rada 120 holders don't fit the Maximar, as it uses the most common size of 6.5x9cm

holders. Perhaps your 120 holders are for the less-common Zeiss Ideal or Etui sizes? If so, they might have additional

resale value. I can't give you prices, but I think loose Graflock backs sell for the price of your Maximar, so it might be easier

finding the correct 120 rollfilm holder. In your last picture which describes the Voitlander back as a plate holder, but it

actually is a FILM PACK adapter for the long-gone 6.5x9cm film packs. If you don't have a ground glass back, you can

probably easily put a ground glass inside the film pack adapter and remove the hinged cover.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>Yes, filmpack holder - you're right!<br>

The deal with the rollfilm holders I <em>had</em> (traded for some flash tubes for my monolights) ... they wouldn't sit<br>

right or lock into place on the Maximar. No such problem on a crusty Plaubel 9x12 I have (bad bellows and dial-set Compur). And, since I don't have them anymore, I really can't try to Frankenstein them into a working plate camera.<br>

I think I'll follow the wife's advise and thin the herd and stop dreaming. Too many nice toys to play with as it is. I'd post it tonite, but I might have luck this weekend when I go scout out some estate sales.</p>

<p> </p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<p>If it is a 207/7 it is a 9x12 camera. You can put a ground glass in the pack film holder and just get some plate holders for it and you're all set. I have always found the Rollex pat film holders to be the best for the plate cameras, but don't use them on the 9x12 cameras, seems like a waste of real estate to me.. If you want to use a roll film back, get a 61/2 x 9 207/3 Maximar. It has a Tessar lens so should make fine photos.</p>
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...