Ultimate Grafmatic 45 Guide

[@dnewma04]

Curious if there are any plans to add a 120 option to the 65/70mm options in the future?

[@mercurycamera]

No current plans, but we could always create a custom 120 septum if wanted. 120 has much more curl than 65mm and 70mm film, and is thus less convenient and less flat (and is also narrower, making it more difficult to hold evenly in place), but it can be done!

[@dnewma04]

@@mercurycamera i had suspected the curl may be the primary concern. I was thinking more along the lines of wide availability but I appreciate the feedback.

[@SamCyanide]

Thanks. I got one of these recently. It works nicely but I was a little confused playing with it trying to get it to do all of the intended functions. I also didn't know you could pick any sheet you wanted as your next one. I thought it went linearly. For maintenance, what kind of lube would you recommend using? I was thinking maybe some silicon or something in a very very small quantity just to keep it moving nicely.

[@mercurycamera]

I'm glad this was helpful! Indeed, Grafmatics are easy to use, but not intuitive to learn. I see them used incorrectly in KZbin videos all the time, and thought I'd set the record straight! I've never lubed these, but if it feels like it needs it, I'd recommend a very small amount of white lithium grease. It shouldn't break down or travel to the septums like oil would.

[@andyvan5692]

one other point you missed, there is also a crescent shaped darkslide lock, which allows you to remove the holder (using the darkslide ring, say on a lf camera with a spring back), so you don't operate the system, just remove it!! {the flat of the lock goes parallel to the slide for OFF, or free}.

[@mercurycamera]

Yes, I did forget to mention the darkslide lock. Thanks!

[@andyvan5692]

that x position is a double exposure safety, to stop you re-shooting film or septum 1, as in journalism, where this device was used (to enable off the cuff shooting with a grafflex slr camera), there was no safety features on LF cameras, everything is muscle memory, not just how to do things, but when {some people, like Mat Marrash(LFF KZbin channel) call this 'the Dance', the series of actions to operate these LF cameras}; these mechanics help with this, esp. on the double exposure issue.

[@mercurycamera]

Yes, absolutely! It's easy to get overzealous with the Grafmatic, and the "X" position stops you and reminds you that you have cycled through all of the septums. "Do you really want to keep going?"

[@firstletterofthealphabet7308]

The amount of “test sheets” being exposed to light made me cry. That’s color 4x5! That stuff costs half a fortune!

[@mercurycamera]

Ha ha! Don't worry, "no film was harmed in the making of this video!" All film shown in the light was dummy film (used, old, previously exposed to light). But yes, 4x5 does cost a fortune. That's why we recommend shooting with 65mm and/or 70mm in the Grafmatic (it costs significantly less). You just need these septums: mercuryworks.store/products/custom-grafmatic-45-septum-65mm-or-70mm?_pos=1&_sid=9f86f66c3&_ss=r