Grafmatic 6 sheets 4x5 film folder

[sai_kit_ng]

Hi, I wonder if the factory still make this film holder?

Sound like they stop the production? But why? If there are defects of

this products? How much did they cost when new in box?

Thanks.

Kit

[enrique_vila1]

Nope... Their are no longer in production. Only available used

(several are for sale at ebay and used dealers) for around 60$. Last

I saw new was 120$.

 

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I personally have one of my own, and don´t like it very much. It is

old and jams frequently, is heavy (equivalent to 3 regular holders,

wich translates on the same weigth) but definitely less bulky in size.

 

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Some peaople love them, is a matter of taste.

 

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Enrique.-

[j._mose]

The Grafmatic film holder has been out of production for over 25

years. The manufacturer, Graflex Corp. went out of business in 1973

(at this point, Graflex was a division under Singer). The product

remains quite popular in today's market. A Grafmatic provides an easy

method for advancing 6 sheets of film in one holder. Plus, each sheet

of film is held flat if the holder and its 6 septums are in good

shape. Often times the septums would get bent due to improper

handling. The unit may also jam if the tracks are not maintained

(periodic cleaning and light lubrication of tracks is required).

 

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This has always been considered a quality product. Just make sure the

unit is in good shape before purchasing it. Also, make sure it is

compatible with a Graflok back, as models were also offered for a

"Graflex" back. Good luck.

 

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Best regards,

 

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J. P. Mose

[sai_kit_ng]

Thanks Enrique, J.P.. It make me think twice before purchase a used

one in the market, I rather go for a Quickchange. By the way what is

the different between a Graflok back and a Graflex back?

Thanks.

Kit

[bob_salomon2]

"1973 (at this point, Graflex was a division under Singer)"

 

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At the end Grafmatics were made by a company that purchased

the tools that was located in Florida.

 

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We were buying them from them for Linhof who distributed them

in Germany. But Linhof was rejecting over 60% of them as being

too far out of spec and they would easily scratch film.

 

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The holders disappeared with this company shortly later.

[edward_burlew]

If you look at the "dark slide" in the back and if it has scratches

then so too will you film be scratched. As long as that slide is

unscratched your film will not be and the light seal will be good too.

As fsar as being out of spec. tell that to WEEGEE, f8 and be there!

[harry_martin]

If you are interested, there is an online copy of the Grafmatic

Manual on 'www.angelfire.com/art/architecturalphoto'. At the web

site just click 'Graflex Directory.....' link to view manual.

[j._mose]

Kit,

 

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The Graflok back was developed in the early 1950's (I think it was

introduced by Graflex in late '50 or early '51...way before my time!).

It provided the advantage of the other two backs offered by Graflex

("Graphic" and "Graflex") in one. These backs were provided on

Graflex cameras with film formats 2 1/4" X 3 1/4" and larger (or

cameras that utilized sheet/plate film).

 

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The "Graphic" back is a spring back the is not meant to be removed

(although there are mod kits with large springs for inserting a roll

film back). The back has a ground glass screen. The film holders

were supported against the camera by the pressure of the spring back.

This back allowed for use of the standard 2 sheet film/plate

holders and film pack adapters only. As new accessories were added

such as Roll Film backs, Graflarger back (cold light box for utilizing

the camera as an enlarger) and Polaroid back, the need for a different

system became evident. The Graphic back was around for decades prior

to the introduction of the Graflok back, which replaced it. It should

be noted that film holders for a Graphic back remained compatible with

the Graflok back.

 

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The "Graflex" back was commonly used on Graflex reflex cameras (but

was also available on their other cameras such as Crown and Speed

Graphics). This back also contains a ground glass panel for focusing.

It MUST be removed before film holders are attached to the camera.

The film holders are held in place by two retaining clips.

Additionally, the Graflex film holders had a different design/shape

that IS NOT COMPATIBLE with the Graphic or Graflok back (in

otherwords, a film holder for a Graflex back has a unique design).

Since the Graflex was removable, accessories such as roll film backs

were available. It was available through 1963 on the 3 1/4 X 4 1/4

Super D Graphic. I think its availabilty on the press cameras was

phased out during the early 1950's.

 

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The "Graflok" back, which has the advantage of being a spring back

and/or removable back for larger accessories, is the universal large

format back since the early 1950's. Of course, the back has a

ground glass focusing screen as well. Other large format

manufacturers, such as Linhof, Sinar, etc. adapted this style too.

All large format accessories for the past five decades have been

designed for compatibility with this back. For this reason, many

camera owners have retrofit Graflok backs in place of the Graflex and

Graphic backs.

 

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In summary, many accessories by Graflex were made in two formats:

 

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1) for the long time Graflex back, primarily used on Graflex SLR's.

 

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2) for use with the Graphic or Graflok (now the standard).

 

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Hence there are two style Grafmatic backs. The Graflex version is

much more rare.

 

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Hope this explains it without too much confusion.

 

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J. P. Mose

[erik_asgeirsson]

I received one as a gift a while ago. In addition to the convenience,

it's great for film tests since it imprints a number on each sheet.

That way, you don't have to cut corners on the sheets before

development, you can just refer back to your notes when you are ready

to print.

[catherine_constantinou]

Hi If the black sheet at the back is scratched, might I just as well throw the Grafmatic film holder away? Catherine

[chauncey_walden]

Catherine, I have 8 Grafmatics that I use. They have all been well used and show various wear marks, but none scratch the film. Test it.