Graflex "23" Graphic: roll film holder for 4x5 camera

[@BenjahPhotography]

Here in 2022, and this video was incredibly helpful for getting me comfortable with my Graflex

[@malcolmanderson7385]

Thank you so much, this was so simple and easy to understand!

[@truthsayers8725]

thank you for the video! i think i watched it about a year ago, but definitely didnt remember all of the steps for resetting the counter and the arrows on the paper. last time i used this, my range finder (on my crown graphic) was out of order so it took me about 2+ hours to shoot 8 photos. opening the lens wide open, locking the shutter open, focusing on the glass, closing the shutter, setting the shutter speed and aperture, removing the glass, installing the back, taking the photo, then reversing the steps. i shot everything off a tripod and hand metered all of the shots. this ought to be a lot more fun!

[@randymcatee]

That was excellent! Thanks, like David Krueger said: "This video saved me from having to trust my intuition on how this thing worked." Very clear and concise. I applaud you!

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

You are very kind. It makes me very happy to hear the videos are useful!

[@nathanjohansen7169]

Thank you. This helped me figure out what I was doing wrong.

[@hartgetzen7867]

Your tutorial is the model of perfection!

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

You are very kind. 😁

[@cappysdad383]

Thank you, I was able to confidently use a 23 for the first time on my miniature speed graphic today thanks to your video!

[@davekrueger]

Nice job. Thanks. I've had one of these for a couple decades and am only now getting around to using it. I usually just shoot 4x5 when I need view camera movements, but now I have a perfect project to finally get some use out of this. This video saved me from having to trust my intuition on how this thing worked. I didn't even notice that little arrow in there and I should have since I regularly use an RB-67.

[@randallstewart175]

Before this encourages you to go out and buy one of these 4x5 to 120 roll adapters, or the basic adapter unit for use in a 6x9cm Graphic back camera, note that this series of roll film backs in 6x9 (or 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 inch) format were famous for poor film flatness. This issue did not carry over to the same backs showing a 6x7 or 6x6 format. The problem was just poor design. When Singer bought the failing Graflex Corp, it modified the back and added a third roller to control flatness. These "Singer" backs are noted by use of a 35mm style rapid wind lever replacing the older knob wind.

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

Thank you for the great tips! I wish I had one with the winding lever, also because the knob is quite difficult.

[@AtlantaTerry]

Randall, you may want to edit your posting to correct the most important word in it: rapid WIND lever, not bind

[@truthsayers8725]

and the singer is exactly what i have, because of this. i read it someplace before i started looking for a film back

[@jopicter]

Excellent and to the point, I appreciate that!

[@aramb]

Glad I found your video - thank you!

[@pccgbvideochannel8822]

Really clear instructions and filming - thank you! (I wondered what that white arrow on the inside left was for!)

[@derekfaust9354]

Fantastic Tutorial! Thank you!!

[@bodudas8346]

Ok, that's easy. I was pushing it in wrong, Now I see to push it down 1st. thank you...

[@willieboisen219]

Excellent. Very well explained.

[@tempestaire22]

Hello Thanks for the great video!! Could you tell me if the graflex 4X5 graphic film pack holder would fit any other 4X5 modern view camera, just like a fidelity holder? thanks!

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

Yes, many modern cameras will take the same style of film adapter! Look for a camera with a "graflok" type back. Those ones allow the removal of the ground glass frame so you can use many different adapters.

[@casswilson8163]

This is the best!!

[@idontknow6950]

I'm new to your channel so I'm sorry if you've already addressed this, but I'm curious where you purchased your film and develop the film. I just got a graflex camera, which appears to be in great condition, so I'm eager to try it out.

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

Hi, the answer really depends on where you live. I like to support local businesses as much as possible. This is important in SF where a lot of local photo suppliers are being pushed out. If I can't get something locally, I purchase film from two online suppliers: bhphotovideo.com and freestyle photo.biz. Each supplier has pros and cons. Freestyle offers reasonable generic called Arista, while b&h offers very fresh films at competitive pricing.

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

Hi, sorry for the late response. I try to buy my film locally whenever I can. If there is nothing near you, B&H photo is a good option for online ordering. The film is always fresh and prices competitive. Depending on your location, it's usually delivered in 2-5 days. I process all my own film in the darkroom.

[@AtlantaTerry]

I buy Shanghai B&W film from eBay sellers. It is good film. There are many videos on KZbin that teach you how to develop film and even mix up your own B&W developer and fixer.

[@1911geek]

Feed it right away into the take up spool avoiding sweeping paper backing on counter or any surface static charge picking up dust and or... Avoiding tear or snag of loose paper. Good video kool

[@jimpurcell]

Thanks!

[@dummbephotos]

Great job, Thank you very much

[@dialac1]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@ejdrad]

Thanks

[@clarakyme]

I just want to know, so basically for this, you have to first have an empty spool from a used medium format film? What happens if you have a 'new' back and there's nothing inside and you don't have a spool? waste a roll? O_O

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

A new back should come with an empty spool. If the spool is not there, you can obtain one from a local lab or college photo dept. People usually just recycle them, so there's always plenty to spare.

[@like2view]

Well Done!

[@arlopezguerrero]

Thanks a lot!

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

I'm glad it was useful!

[@macbookdieter]

It might be obvious, but I guess when you find an image that you want shoot, you must focus on the ground glass first, then replace the Graflex back to expose the film.

[@stevenlederman3208]

Not if you're using the rangefinder on a Graflex or a Linhof press camera.

[@PhotoTeacherBlog]

The Graflex rangefinder is separate from the main camera body, so it doesn't affect the film area. But you cannot see the exact composition, because the exposure area for this film holder is smaller.

[@1911geek]

Feed it right away into the take up spool avoiding sweeping paper backing on counter or any surface static charge picking up dust and or... Avoiding tear or snag of loose paper. Good video kool