Large Format Photography: Film Holder Options and Types

[@andydreadsbmx]

Glad I found this, exactly what I need for an explanation to the 120 film back and how to attach and of course the template idea is necessary if you want to know your framing. Very much appreciate the content!!

[@edward_grabczewski]

Thanks for a very helpful video on these backs. I'm a newbie so all this help me to understand what's available and how to use it.

[@sushi_donut]

2021 and we're still learning! :) Thanks for the video!

[@jessejonel]

Thanks for the info on the medium format adapter!

[@larrymccormick3226]

Look at the title ! Great video regardless of your spelling ! Hard to find the Graflex film holders, but the Graphics are everywhere ! I wish the Graflok was the only one ! Would be so much easier. LarryMac

[@GRAYnomad]

Good one. The first time I've seen anyone mention the Grafmatic on KZbin. I've got three of them, great pieces of gear.

[@josephtimmins1974]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@larrymccormick3226]

I just got my first 4x5 Crown Graphic and shot my 22 back for the first time today. So I was really listening and learned a lot. Going to make those focusing mask's to make it more accurate and easier. I really enjoyed using my new old camera today and think I'm hooked ! Just subbed and am glad I found you. I just turned 66 a couple days ago and have been a photography nut since I was a kid, wonder why 4x5 took me so long ? Larry

[@joe_v]

Whenever you start your 4x5 journey is good timing. Creating the videos to help folks jumpstart their 4x5 experience is the reason I made them, so I appreciate the feedback. Enjoy your craft and your Crown Graphic - it truly is a great camera. 👍

[@viewfromthenorth92]

Excellent video. Thank you, Tim.

[@oibal60]

Thanks again. Yup, with my Linhof Super Technica IV, I mostly shoot 120, 8 exp. Instead of a cornflakes template, i took a black sharpie and lightly traced the 120 'size' onto the gg.

[@MrMarkpoole]

I have an adapt a rol holder that slides in like a cut film holder.Mine is 6 x 9 and it is supposed to use 620 film.120 will work fine if you use a 620 take up spool.

[@themaker5306]

Thanks for adding in that fact M Poole as I forgot to mention 220 film use on LF cameras For other folks watching 220 film is the same as 120 except twice as long and with a paper backing. That makes it a little thicker when rolled up but you get twice as many images. The backing helps give the film a bit more structure so it stays flat in wider formats As noted alternate 220 film backs are available for your LF camera. Happy shooting.

[@andyvan5692]

one major plus for roll film you missed is that loading and unloading are done in subdued light, NOT in the dark, so it is easier to change rolls in the field, as, and when desired; also, as each is a separate back, asa changes can be made on the fly, so not having to stick to the one stock (as they have a film reminder window on them, to show what you have inside). as well as trip duration, for 6x6 you have twelve exposures, so you can shoot for longer, as you are carrying more film for the given space, because there is only one holder!, yet multiple rolls of film.

[@andyvan5692]

with the graffic 23 roll film holder there is another framing option, with the field cameras, that is a "universal viewfinder" this replaces the Ground-Glass screen (composition) by giving paralax compensation, image circle/field of view of the focal length of the lens, and format, by a frame which clips on the front, which is also rotatable, to mirror the roll film holders orientation. these are common for the Linhof Technika cameras, they even have masks for the 6.5x9/ 4x5 & 5x7 formats, so you can leave the film back on the camera, no risk of breaking the ground glass while removing eplacing it.

[@proshotsfiji]

learnt a lot thanks

[@mikebowden7376]

The holders for film in the graph matic back are called Septums not plenums, just thought I would help you out.

[@andydreadsbmx]

I about lost my shit before watching this video, thought I was going to have to buy different film holders but luckily I'm good.

[@TheGconrad]

Joe are there any roll film holders that can be used on a 8 x 10? I have no desire to use 4 x 5 film, I am a hobbyist that just wants to do this just for grins. 8 x 10 cameras are a work of art IMHO and I want one just to have one.

[@4by5photography89]

Hello Gary. Full agreement on 8x10 format from this photo taker. It's been a while but I have seen 8x10 backs for 120 film where you take three 6x24 images and also single image holders that slip in like an 8x10 film holder. All very expensive and rarely seen. Your best bet may be to find an 4x5 graflok reducing film back for and 8x10 camera. Graflok format would then allow you to mount the type of 120 film holders shown in this video. Look first for the reducing backs to see which 8x10 cameras they work with and then decide if those camera options are good. If you are handy, you could mount a 120 film back permanently on an 8x10 film holder that you cut the right size for the film back. You just have to make sure that the distance from of the front of the film back to the film in the 120 back is the same distance as the distance front to the 8x10 film when mounted in the holder. Otherwise, an image in focus on the ground glass would be slightly out of focus on the 120 film. Keep in mind that you would not need the very expensive 8x10 format lenses with a 120 film back. A 4x5 lens would give more than enough coverage for the 120 film on a 8x10 camera. But, and 8x10 lens is part of the work of art! Good luck!

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

Other Graflok back that exist 6x12, even 6x17 (with a rear extension), instant photo, Lomo Graflok for Fuji Instax

[@andyvan5692]

as you have a graflock back, you can also have another type of film holder, the "lomograflok back", which is a polaroid (instax wide cartridge) film, there is a spacer for focussing as well, to account for the recess in film position as compared with standard holders. also with std. holders you forgot to mention plate holders, to hold glass plates, for wet plate and dry plate old process positives.

[@andyvan5692]

one IMPORTANT advantage of mf roll film in lf cameras, is NO vignetting!, as the neg is so small, it DEFINITELY is in the cone of coverage!, esp. since the lens is designed to cover, NOT just the film diagonal, but extra, for the movements as well!! of 4x5, or even 5x7, 8x10 so no worries!!, and you are getting the image from the creme of the lens area, at the best part of it.

[@joeking4389]

I have trouble taking off the ground glass and putting on the film holder, any suggestions

[@4by5photography89]

Hey Joe. If you have a Graflok back like the one shown in this video, and you are trying to use a 120 or other film holder that does not slide in, then make sure you slide the tabs down after placing the holder on the back (see video at the 11:05 minute mark). If your camera back is different, similar to the one in this link: www.pacificrimcamera.com/pp/graflex/gbacks/cback1.jpg you may have the original attached spring back that will not work.

[@joeking4389]

4by5photography Ok, thanks

[@MarsKvaratskhelia]

I can’t see your videos on your Channel only few and rest are closed for example if I want to see say part 2 I have to see if it’s suggested mostly not i end up typing it down and only then if I see your video from bunch

[@larrymccormick3226]

Only thing you forgot was instant film !

[@h.sinclair]

SEPTUM not "plenum" LOLLLLLLL