Lomography LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back [Instant Review]
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- Instax Wide film receives a game-changing lifeline with the LomoGraflok Back, a simple but spectacular tool for large format shooters by Lomography. The results have me pretty much spinning out honestly.
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Special thanks to my man Matty Ice (aka Matt Lucier) for helping with this episode! Follow him @whoismattlucier
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I don’t have a 4x5 camera YET!!!👆🏼 and I still bought the back 😂 I literally fell in love with film because of you so thank you!
Wow an absolute honor to hear that!! So glad you aspirationally acquired this back even without the light box yet. Def good to have for when that time comes!
Instax Wide has such a huge underused potential
Fuji made a horrible mistake by discontinuing the FP-100C peel apart film... it doesn't replace it but the instax wide film and new film back will be a great addition to my LF arsenal for that instant images gratification
Absolutely agreed Alejandra!
Amazing what a good lens (and a good photog) can do for instant film, thank you for the great preview!
Most def, thank you so much B.B.!
I am so, so, stupidly excited for this. I wish they were coming out NOW. My Crown and Sinar are begging for this beast.
I'm definitely ACTIVELY VIBRATING in anticipation for the final product to drop!! We must feed the beast!
the goose ~
THE GOOOOOOOOOOSE
This has been the most inspiring AND hilarious video.
ALL ONE COULD HOPE FOR!!
Honestly mind blowing just how good this is pushing and making instax wide. Who knew it could be so good?! The comparisons with fp-100c are unreal, it's is not AS good, but bloody hell! Not a kick in the arse off it! I'd love a huge 4x5 camera but being realistic I just don't think I'd use it enough to justify buying one, the portability factor is a biggie for me. Unbelievable image quality though, I'll just have to live this one vicariously, and through a green tinted lens!
It's definitely getting us as close to FP as possible! Comparing those side by side was a pretty wild experience - a couple of them are pretty damn near similar. There are some portable 4x5 options maybe to look at down the road - either way happy to be tracked vicariously! Thanks Mock!
For what it's worth, you can get a Crown Graphic (the no-focal-plane-shutter version of a Pacemaker Speed Graphic, which had a Graflok back from the factory) for around $200 without a lens, a suitable 1930s or 1940s vintage lens in working shutter for another $100 or so, a lens board for another $25+ (or make your own, if you have some shop tools) and have a hand holdable large format camera -- which will also shoot regular 4x5 film holders, Grafmatics, and various roll film adapters. Get the version with the Kalart side rangefinder, and you can calibrate the RF to whatever lens you choose to mount, and then use a block behind the infinity stops to be able to use the RF with the LomoGraflok.
Discord gang
rise upppp
@@InAnInstant From the IRC grave
discord gang
My crown graphic 4x5 is waiting patiently for this. Ima be that guy hand held shooting instax 4x5 zone focusing - I’m ready 🤣
Haha Matty Ice and I just picked up a Speed!! Can’t wait to rock it with one of those, not sure how to pull off focusing with that yet (considering the spacer insert is how that works) but I’m sure some calculations could be made
For those who, like me, are likely to use this on a Speed Graphic, the workflow can be significantly streamlined -- by using an offset block the same thickness as the framing mask when extending the bellows (on opening the camera), a rangefinder calibrated for the mounted lens will focus correctly. A paper or card mask can be installed in the viewfinder to correct framing, and the entire camera now becomes a fast-shooting rangefinder instant camera, but with a 1940s vibe. Open camera (either with adjusted infinity stops set for the LomoGraflok or by using the offset block), focus with RF, cock (or, for focal plane, set and wind) shutter, frame, and fire. I presume the LomoGraflok is capable of ejecting the print while still mounted, based on the illustrations -- so the whole thing becomes an extra heavy Polaroid 110 for Instax Wide, but with interchangeable lenses. Of course, ground glass focusing and composing are still available...
Most definitely to all you said - although the film does not eject while mounted, it will smash into the clips and contort. It might not do that on the Speed, will def try it with ours when I get my Lomo unit!
This looks so good.
It makes me wish I could afford it lol
Why are they even bothering with all this stuff. Just bring back the real Polaroid sheet film. Type 55 pos/neg. Fuji can do it !
Save the lateral meniscus!!! NO need for them to be hurt in the LF process...
#MeniscusGang
Okay, this video is a little older, but there is a question I have to ask. It actually refers back to user question No. 4 from this video, how do I know whether a 4x5 camera supports a graflok back. I tried looking up this info from current manufacturers of 4x5 cameras like Intrepid or others. It's basically stated NOWHERE in the specs. I asked manufacturers that do like wooden pinhole cams like ONDU or others. Sometimes I got an answer, sometimes not, but no real help. Except from ONDU a while back referring to something about to come, which now everybody knows is the new ONDU EIKAN 4x5 camera, with which it will apparently work. It was incredibly hard to get info on that. And with the exception of ONDU unsuccessful. And that only in the sense that his new cam will support that. I was acutally looking for a pinhole 4x5 camera. Still don't know what to do there. Where can I get these infos??? Who can help me??? PLEASE!!!!!
a 4x5 rangefinder is probably the best way to use this. On my speed graphic, I have a 2nd set of stops that put the lens at the right distance so I dont have to re-calibrate my range finder. A 4x5 SLR is probabaly another good alternative for using the lomograflok without the insert. since the ground glass is on top, not behind the film plane, you can leave a spacer in after you're done focusing. You can find files online to 3d print your own spacer for graflex 4x5 SLRs.
I think the Lomograflok is one of the best pieces of photography equipment of the last 20+ years. Finding a way to make it a lot cheaper to get into large format photography is excellent since 4x5 sheet film can be expensive.
Great video and thanks for the shout-out! i have one on pre-order and I have some hope for a workaround for the 600se, at least for portrait photography.
Can’t wait to see what you create and how you develop that workaround. And appreciate the kind words on the vid, will always support what you’re doing!
🌟 Hi, Ben! I enjoyed this very much... even though large format photography and those beast cameras are beyond my abilities (and checkbook) you make this an interesting video. You make me feel smarter after I watch one of your videos. At the 0:55 mark, you showed a quick image of the Diana Instant Square... have you ever used one? Apparently it has an optional glass lens and a boatload of accessories and add-ons. The cute little Diana is one that fits in my hobby budget, and a review or unboxing would be fun, interesting and helpful. --- As always... I wish you continued success with your channel and career. 🥂🍾
Hi Allen! Thank you! I have not used the Diane Instant Square, but it's an awesome camera - really something different and produces an alternative look to anything else out there which i think is pretty cool! Best wishes!!
Jumping in a year late, but any idea if these work on the Polaroid pack film cameras? Specifically this 450 that I can’t use anymore 😭
Hi Ben, I got my graflok back a few month ago, and I noticed that the focusing mask is off by a few mm and I have to add some thick tapes to offset that. Are people having the same problem too?
my mans pupils tho..
Someone else pointed that out to me, didn't even realize it initially. Absolutely INSANE pupils from Matty Ice. It's not like he didn't have a light pretty right pointed right at him so honestly I'm not sure what accounts for that. Bruddah's seeing at f1.2
Every time I see a cameo of myself in one of your fabulous episodes I seem to myself to be increasingly more portly. Call it Covid-25. This episode triggered an epiphany. I am going to strap on a large format device creating the mirage that I am actually smaller. That along with a LomoGraflok back will give me a high fidelity advantage with instant gratification at my disposal. Brilliant!
Oh gosh, too hard on yourself! You look great and everyone knows it. I do endorse any large format contraption you strap to yourself, as the community needs more human-camera fused shooters!
My Lomo instant wide has produced some amazing portraits but I end up with 3 times more out of focus pictures than in focus.
MASSIVE FOR B.
HUMUNGOUS FOR B!!
I saw a guy rock a press camera (speed graphic like) with this back. It was nice but I don't think it's for me.
Great video. The comparison to FP100C was very helpful. Lomography did well with this one. Let’s hope Fuji doesn’t mess up the Instax line of film
Mate I know, always a bit nervous with Fuji and the idea they could drop Instax Wide randomly. Hopefully with the success of their instant products overall they keep those ticking for a while. Glad you enjoyed the vid!!
Fuji needs to produce a better instax film, it’s too soft, doesn’t have any resolution.
I ordered this lomo graflok back immediately it was announced. It's taken so long...
Like large format, it just takes time and patience!
Is there an instant back that would work with there Zenza Bronica ETR ?
I'm so stoked for this. I'm one of those who pre ordered it before even owning a large format camera lol
Haha just had to be done!
Join us into the fire Solomon 😍
Just received my Lomograflok back today:)
Its been 6 months since i preordered the back can’t wait to get it for my 4x5
Yeah. Looks like it will work on an Mamiya RB67, or not?
Hey brother! Awesome content! Could you tell me where i can find that red large format 4x5 camera?... I’d like to check it out! I’m super convinced about this new release from Lomo but I would need to acquire the main thing first! 🤓
Hey Swan! That’s an Intrepod 8x10 - they make a 4x5 version which many people adore, check out Intrepid Camera’s site! For a modern camera with active customer support and accessory production, it’s a pretty great price. You can find a cheaper vintage 4x5 camera but there are some definite pluses with Intrepid
I ordered that back when I saw it announced originally. I have a little camera to pop it on too.
Gotta love a little camera to pop it on!
I ordered it and I don’t even have a camera to pop it on too
Haha I love that energy
Came for a Lomograflok back video...now I love you...a lot. Now binging all your videos. SUBBED.
I love you and I’m IN love with you!
I got excited about this until I found out the film plane is farther back than regular Graflok backs. I wanted to use it on my Graflex RB, which is an SLR type large format camera.
You can manually calibrate the Graflex RB ground glass for this with risers, if you’re bothered to! people are 3D printing solutions to this, or just using cardboard
Did you go to Union College? That crewneck is a throwback to college days for me!
My wife did! Always gotta represent the real U 🙌
so excited to see what the modding community does with this back. Already looking at a 3D printed body that accepts press lenses for this thing 👀
Def gonna be something to keep an eye out for!!
My video on this is going to be so bad compared to this. Lmao perfect review and summary.
😂😂 Eyy what’s up Bryan! So excited for your video on this and honored you dug this review. Anyone seeing this comment, peep Bryan’s channel ASAP - when are you planning to drop that vid?
@@InAnInstant need to get out and shoot today and tomorrow. Just picked up some monochrome for it as well. Stoked to see what that looks like 👊🏻
@@BryanBirks Hell yeah, very hyped to see what you do with the back. The monochrome film really takes on a new life on LF - often fell a bit flat to me prior to this but now that you can really shape it, it's gangbusters.
Seems great and will look in to pre ordering one based on this video. I’d be interested to know if it is at all useful for previewing exposure like you could with the old peel apart film? It’s iso might make that a bit off maybe.
Hey Dan! Good question - the ISO being 800 is what sort of throws off, but metering properly and doing some mental extrapolation can make it useful! I haven’t used the back for that purpose and I probably wouldn’t, but I think it’s definitely a utility for it!
Instant Companies sending you their unreleased products? I think your channel is... Big 4 Business.
YOU are big for b! ❤️
First! this is for you, eicas!
Iconic
Hello ! Do we have to develop the pictures ourselves or can we just to to a photographer and ask him to develop, like disposable Kodak ?
Hi Lou, this product is for a format called Instax Wide, which is an instant film that develops itself.
Do you know if this would work with a polaroid automatic 210?
The back of the camera would have to be modified to take Graflok clips, and focusing would have to be recalibrated, but in the hands of a crafty engineer it’s certainly possible!
7:36 That was a serious question! What kind of resolution can you get with Instax Wide and sharp glass lens?
Apparently at 10 lines/mm, maximum resolving power equates to around 10 megapixels of resolution possible with Instax Wide. Frankly I don't understand that math and will just say I scanned these at approx 8000x10100 (80.1 MP) and I think the enhanced scan with this setup packs a serious punch. Definitely overkill, but I have no doubts this scanned resolution allows you to actually see significantly more detail than a 10 MP scan.
@@InAnInstant Weird, 10 MP sounds really low for what's essentially large format film.
@@maxdoes_ It does, and I don't have a good enough understanding of the science of max resolving power with Instax to really contest it other than it's very clear to me that it can resolve much more detail than that lmao. Perhaps that rating has to do with the limit of their camera's native capabilities, I have no clue.
Lomography needs to make the focusing adapter with a built in ground glass (or ground acrylic) permanently attached, since you have to remove your camera’s GG to fit the back on anyway.
This is definitely a good idea! Someone at the very least should get to doing this third-party
can i ask link for what 4x5 camera is this ?
I had no idea FP-100C was that good
i may an take tourist pics in town to sell. so may make bid to buy as was/am interested in gettin back into film.
It would definitely be great for that! I recommend getting in on the pre-order
Hi! I have 2 Polaroid 101 landcameras and really would love to shoot them one day! Such awesome looking beasts! I heard you have to adapt the battery packs to fit modern battery's and that although they still make film for it it's pretty pricey. Was just wondering if you thought there was a way of adapting the back of a landcamera to take this camera back from the video so that I could finally use the beloved landcamera?
Hmm, I love the motivation behind it but right now there’s not a great way to do this. There is a project called New Land Camera that seeks to remedy this exact problem and make these cameras compatible with 600 film - so stay tuned!
@@InAnInstant ahhh that sounds awesome, land cameras are everywhere in perfect working condition! I love the look of them so much and promised myself I would try and shoot one, no matter the cost....one day! Do they have a UA-cam channel or a website so that I could keep in touch with that?
What a beautiful camera, and that lens... I dare not Google what it might have cost. I am but a mere mortal of limited means.
Even so, I'm embarking on my own modding of a Polaroid Pathfinder 110a mashed with a 900 Electric Eye and a broken Instax 300. Still getting the components and tools together, and have to measure up and draw up plans. The final step for me was figuring out how to eject the film manually without any electronics. Still not sure I can pull it off.
I was worried about what to expect from Instax Wide, now I know. Very informative video. Would be great if they produced Instax Wide 100 ISO film, even if a B&W stock.
Hello, thanks for the video - a simple question: can i use the LomoGraflok with Mamiya RB67 or with the Horseman 985?
Hi Andrea, not with the RB67 but yes with the horseman if you’ve got a back with graflok clips.
@@InAnInstant i don't know; the horseman 985 is a folding camera fo the medium format (6x9 - 6x7) not 4x5.
maybe it would be simpler with the lomography belair instax back.
Lmao 🤣😂 "are waffles just pancakes with abs!?"
It’s a valid question
that fp100c comparison is WILD
Yeah pretty much insanely close for 2/3 of those!
Waffles just pancakes with abs 😅😅😅 you made my day...
I am a boomer, I have two 4×5 with Rodenstock lenses. I am not sure I will want to haul that huge suitcase size case around anymore. I am sure glad to see people like you discovering the old ways. I had a full, I mean a full darkroom I have been living in the Southwest desert for nearly 40 years, water is at a premium today, I can not justify the necessary washing needed to process film, and prints.
Love your videos.
This back looks to be too thick to permit you from getting your eye close enough to use any of the viewfinders on a crown or speed graphic (or other press cameras for that matter). So only ground glass focusing looks to be possible. Would be interested to read comments from other graphic users.
You have to use the focusing mask anyway, so it’s a ground glass-only tool
@@InAnInstant Not necessarily, you could move the front standard back from the infinity stops the thickness of the focusing mask and lock it there, then the rangefinder would track. A new mask for the viewfinder would take care of the image offset from center. But apparently it was designed for "ground glass - tripod only" use, short sided thinking on Lomo's part.
Hi ben!👋
Hi Dude's Son!!
Gotta shoot it like slide film. I used square on my rb67
Precisely!
I bought the back. I have a Century wiyh Graflok adapter. With this work with the smaller baby Graflok.
My Speed Graphic has a spring back. No clips. Can I change this or do i need to biy another camera
Digital guy who found a Polaroid impulse af and more in my attic. Love the vids, love your attitude and jokes. Falling down the rabbit hole of your vids. Very much like
Thanks for showing us the new backs. Do you know if there will be any backs made for medium ,120 film cameras? Thanks
works with a 4x5 graflex speed graphic?
If the Speed Graphic is fitted with Graflok clips, yes. If not, you could install them.
Yeah, chef´s french kiss!
Any 4x5 camera recommendations for it?
Maybe a Speed or Crown Graphic to start!
Actual real question, any thoughts on using other instax formats with this? Maybe by modding the pack so the back pushers don't interfere, or by Lomography releasing a different back, instant square style?
Great question, I'm guessing with spacers you MIGHT be able to shoot Instax Square with this? Either way I'm sure it will be modded by some folks to do so. But, I do think the primary benefit of this is to finally make the best use of the largest instant format Fuji offers.
Big for business!
Dude you’re fcking hilarious
I love you and I’m in love with you
This thing is definitely going on the back of my 4x5!!!
I miss Type 55😥
Complete large format noob question. Since Instax has a fairly high 800 ISO, could you use a Speed Graphic with this, stop down the lens to f16, and use the rangefinder on the camera to focus (not quite run and gun but maybe a little quicker)? I don't have any context for if f16 on large format would give you enough depth to focus like that. Or does the change to the focal plane make that all moot?
Hey Rich! f16 might get you somewhat close for distant subjects but with large format there's still quite a bit of depth focally there. You might be able to mentally get some of the way there by guestimating the focal plane difference but this sounds like a headache to me. I'd recommend somebody give this a shot as long as you've got the backup option of using the framing insert if this method really doesn't cut it!
Biggest question is When? Ordered one last year and was hoping for April.
Looks like July release!
I have to make it's magic with my Super Angulon 90 mm on my Toyo D45M. Also doing test shots before using chrome films...
Hell yes David!! Solid for testing slide
That focusing mask shim/insert looks pretty thick, is it thicker than a 4x5 film holder? Couldn't help but cringe watching those springs flex.
It is thick for sure, maybe marginally thicker than a holder but definitely feels quite tense fitting it between the ground glass. My concerns have abated doing it over and over again but at first I was definitely cringing too 😂
Given Fuji's reputation of suddenly ending products, I am leary of ordering this back only to end up with yet another peice of useless equipment when Fuji decides to end Instax film.
Hey Tony, I hear ya man. The concern about Instax Wide’s survival in the hands of Fuji is definitely a concern of mine as well. With all things in this analog revival period, though, I think accepting that risk is just part of it any investment. Luckily Instax is an extremely successful product line - the question remains whether the Wide film is still worth it to them, but we know otherwise Instax outsells their digital and remains a focus of their consumer-facing business. I think for $134 it’s worth the risk for the amount of years you’ll still be able to use this back regardless of what happens.
Looks like my Speed and Crown Graphic are going to get are going to get a new life.....this from a guy who misses Polaroid Type 55 . :)
Hell yeah Bob!! Fire those bad boys up, love to hear this.
Thanks.
Must have this back 👀 also...found the comparison between instax wide and FP-100C interesting!
Thanks Daniel! Was super curious about that. The Aztec and Skylark are pretty damn close to the FP!
does this work with intrepid 4x5
Yes!
Still not comfortable with the fact that Americans use the word ‘Fam’ now. Doesn’t have the same ring to it 🤦🏾♂️
Haha it's all love, all family, and all positivity!
👍Thanks for the video.
I've been longing to use my Speed graphic 4x5 that I have in my analogue collection but the price of the film and the processing has always put me off. This looks like an affordable way to go. New Subscriber 🙂
For someone like you this product couldn’t be more perfect IMO, a great way to get out with a vintage large format camera and have some relatively inexpensive fun!! Thanks for the sub and appreciate your support!
Looking at the side by side photos it seems like the instax just just as well in the highlights but falls apart in the shadows, I think that’s why people shooting this manually tend to rate it at 640 instead of 800 to mitigate the muddy shadows
True! losing highlights is one of my biggest concern on Instax though - there's nothing I hate more than a white sky on that film. I'd rather lose some shadow tbh
i may want if aford also. started in the 70's. bot a 4x5 speed graflex but need to set up etc. need darkroom etc to do ol school shots in field.
Heck yeah Mark, have a blast with that rig!!
Another red hot video Ben, gear like this wants me to give large format a go!
Thank you DS!! Never a bad time to try
They need to make a back for the 500 series.
Shoutout to the baddies at Lomography for this one, super dope video as always :D
Cheers Cal!!
Yeah I also preordered the instant I saw sample images, I had just sold my rail camera but I’ve wanted to switch to a field camera anyway. Seriously, the quality seemed so much better than the Fuji 300 of course, but also my MiNT InstantKon RF70 and even my Konica Instant Press, which is my packfilm gold standard. Lookin’ good, lookin’ forward to it. Nice that 4x5 photographers have a genuine light testing tool again, like the original purpose with FP100C-although that massive Instax reciprocity failure at long shutter speeds won’t necessarily make it work for gauging long exposures on sheetfilm.
Oh definitely! This LF gear is just the tops, so getting to apply it to this film is such a wonderful gift (that costs money but still a gift overall 😂). Agreed about the use for testing, not sure I’ll really employ it for that, but an awesome creative tool nonetheless
No, no! Nooo large format before 2022! You don't make do it this time...!
Hehehehehehe
While this is a great piece of kit , I still wish lomo just rereleased the bel-air instax wide back again
Perhaps this will open the FILM door to more backs in the future! Seems to be a great success in the pre-sale!
Love it! Such a great move by lomography! I don’t have a large format camera but I’m very tempted to take the plunge and order this back and a camera!
This is a good push for some people to take that dive! I highly recommend it if you can spare the dough for the kit!
Hi, love your videos. Do you if the LomoGraflok 4X5 Instant Back would work with a Polaroid 110 converted with a Graflok back kit I see on ebay? (I don't own one, but am considering a project) My main concern is the spacer that's inserted to align the focus point on the ground glass to the Lomo back's film plane. I'm not sure if the converted mount would would allow that or does that depend on the mount used for the ground glass? Thanks
The spacer is 100% the issue there as you said. If you can get an experienced camera technician to work on that for you, they may be able to help calibrate it for you. Good luck Aki!!
@@InAnInstant Thanks
Now we just need an Lomo instant wide glass camera : )
Hey I have already Preorder my Lomo Graflok back for my 4x5 Graflex, now if they can re-design the same Graflok Lomo Back for the Medium size for the Graflex XL or the baby Graflex 23, or the Horseman RF 4x5 camera, and lets not forget the Linhof line of press cameras, and also the Mamiya Press, or even the Mamiya RB/RZ back to take Fuji Mini Instax film like the way they did it on the Diana camera with a Mini Instax back. But on the 4x5 back, It is better than anything than shooting Type 52, and 57 film...
Hi! I was wondering if you knew which graflex cameras are compatible with it ??
@@997aldo The models that has the Graf Lock back clips, and you use the ground glass to focus. Do not get a Graflex that was made from the 1940's or will NOT work with the Combat 45 model....
I L O V E Y O U
I love you and I’m in love with you
Can it shoot horizontal tho?
Yes of course! There are several horizontal shots in this video.
😭💀 bro I love ur videos
Bro I love you 😳
Came to your channel for a post-buying review of the Impulse AF (arriving today, super excited! Thank GOD it was the right choice) and already moved onto: 1. Binging your channel and 2. Looking at this as an option to take it to the next level!
As a complete newbie to this world, what 4x5s are some affordable options for us that may just be getting carried away with themselves too quick?!
Much love from a UK fan who also shares the same "did-you-know-you-look-like-Keith-Haring?" questions as in your Q&A session
Thanks!
Thank you Tom!! Regarding your 4x5 question, something like a Graflex 4x5 camera would be a good place to start, but you have to ensure it has the Graflok clips as not all of them do.
Regards,
Keith Haring
@@InAnInstant Amazing, thank you! I'll get to master the basics first (that Impulse is a beaut compared to my old 636 👌) but that wide format is too cool to ignore!
All the best,
also Keith Haring
Great content here again, Ben. Thanks!!