Great tutorial. I have two Grafmatics. They are a marvel of engineering. The thing I do differently is I always push the dark slide back in before doing the exposure. It will go in behind the septum in front and provides more rigidity. You can feel the difference if you push gently on the septum in front with an unloaded Grafmatic. That is also the way its use is described in the user manual: Pull and push the dark slide D ring; take the shot; pull and push the D ring while pushing on the silver button to advance to the next septum.
Just within the past month I've acquired a Grafmatic. Well, I should correctly say, I've acquired *two* Grafmatics and a set of spare septums. I've straightened the septums in the first unit and the spares (yes, it's possible -- but I'd also point out that I fix stuff for a living), barely opened the box for the second, but I've wanted these since they were still being manufactured (yes, I've been interested in large format for more than fifty years). With a willingness to repair or replace septums, I was able to pay substantially less than $100 each for mine. I would point out, however, that in my research, I've understood that it's recommended to *reinsert* the dark slide before making your exposure -- that is, pull, and push back in; expose, then hold the tab while you pull and push back in (which protects your freshly exposed film sheet). This is because the dark slide supports the "active" septum so it stays flat in the correct focal plane to give an overall sharp image (assuming you did your part in terms of focusing the camera). If you leave the dark slide out, as you did in your video, the active septum is supported by the springs, but may not stay perfectly parallel with the front plane of the unit -- which will give the equivalent of a rear tilt or swing. Now, I've got a 1940's vintage Anniversary Speed Graphic with the Kalart rangefinder calibrated for the 13.5 cm f/4.5 Tessar mounted on it (which has no shutter, but that's okay, the focal plane shutter works fine). It's time to load up the septums in my Grafmatics and take my Speed Graphic out and pretend I'm Weejee. I've got the hat, but I'll pass on the cigar...
Best practice with a grafmatic is to re-insert the darkslide BEFORE exposure. The septums have a u-shaped cutout in the corner where the film notches are, so when the darkslide is out it is possible for the other five sheets to be fogged THROUGH the one being exposed. As is evident in this video, this doesn't always happen, it depends on the particular film as well as the brightness of the scene. After the darkslide is re-inserted it sits behind the exposed sheet, blocking any possible light coming through the cutout. The sheet is not covered until the mechanism is cycled. This means that unlike traditional film holders, there is no way to cover a prepped but unexposed sheet without cycling that sheet to the back of the stack. In this case it is necessary to cycle through the other 5 sheets to return to the one that was missed. In use for press photography, this is not a huge concern, but it could be an annoyance for the more methodical large format shooter.
Mat, I think you want to put the darkslide back in before taking your shot. The film will still be ready for exposure. This will prevent light from bleeding through the notch in the septums. If you shoot without putting the darkslide back in, the only thing blocking light to the other sheets through the notch is the current piece of film! At least this is true with mine, you can confirm or deny this by examining it without any film in the first septum.
I’m so glad you made this video! I’ve had one of these for a while, but I wasn’t really sure how it worked. Now that I see how simple it is, I’ll load it up and take it on a road trip with me next weekend and save a little space in my bag!
I am thinking about getting a 4*5 view camera (Intrepid) for shooting 120 film. Is this any sense or is it better to get a medium format 120mm film camera.
Very good question! The larger size of the 4x5 camera will give you several aspect ratio options for medium format, ranging from 6x7 to 6x12. There are even some specialty holders that can change formats but are a little more pricey. The biggest advantage is the movements; being able to shift the plane of focus, alter the composition, and even modify some shape in the image. All things that can only be done partially with select lenses and cameras in medium format.
Great if you only shoot a single film stock - I personally have different films in each holder - color and 3 different speeds of B&W (2 sheets of each) so I'd need a few of those - ha ha :)
Richard you've just pointed out one of the areas where quick loads and ready loads stole the show from the Grafmatic. Multiple emulsions, low weight, and reduced dust!
I have 3 of them and used to use them on long (multi-day) walks, no real savings in weight IIRC but a big difference in volume. I have had one jam open once though, had to put the entire camera into a change bag to free it up. These days I mostly use a 6x12 RFH so the Grafmatics don't get out much.
Only one jam in all of that is a pretty solid track record. I've had one of those "stop everything and try to save the film" moments, very nerve wracking!
I love the Grafmatick from both an engineering and a philosophy of use perspective. I don’t take them out in the field but use them often when shooting indoor portraits.
I would love to see someone tackle an intricate task like this, however there is a LOT of spring pressure and thin metal that makes the Grafmatic work. It would definitely be an uphill battle.
I didn't even know these backs existed, thank you for the information. As the price of film holders, I have been keeping an eye for 5X7 ones for a while. They are asking over $150.00 for a couple of tatty old holders that probably leak light like a sieve. In the past year the price of film cameras and accessories have gone up by 50% in the UK. You can figure out why. Every vlogger who waved the latest super 50 mp, 50 autofocus mode digital camera around yesterday is now wasting film in all formats. My first time with this film, format and the rest, Pentax 67 V Mamiya RZ, Hasselblad V C330 and these sort of nonsense. Great to see you back.
The fixed market of available film cameras does come with the downside of pricing alongside popularity. Hopefully there will be more niche products introduced to help alleviate some of this strain.
At some point after Linhof stopped selling them, Fuji started producing the exact same older as "Fuji Quick Changer". They are way newer then the Grafmatic and better quality. The Grafmatics had extrem quality problems. Thats why linhof stopped selling them at some point, they had to send back around 80% they got because they where not properly working. But as said before fuji later improved them.
Man, this topic is opening up a whole new world to these alternative film holders. The only other alternative holders I've seen (but haven't used) are the Mido which seemed to have high build quality but were very short lived. Based on what you're saying about the Fuji, might also be for similar reasons. Thanks!
Now that you mention it - I think my friend's holders which I mentioned in my other comment might have been Linhof as well, since he was all-in about this (otherwise more than reliable) brand... Good to know that there are alternatives.
A friend of a friend gave me an old Calumet 400-series 4x5 camera a few years ago. I already had one, but not to look a gift horse in the mouth.... When I opened up the case, in addition to the camera there were something like eight Grafmatic holders. For free. 7 of them even worked. Love these things. I even wound up buying one of the 1168 models that work with the old Graflex SLRs (the Graflok ones are model 1268, that's basically how you tell the difference, other than a doubling in price for the 1168).
I'm really glad you showed how these work on the inside. I have been wondering about that for years. I saw one once at a camera show and that was it. BTW, nice hound. Must be pretty funny to see strudel and him chase each other around the yard 😁
Thanks Francois! Zill, our greyhound, only wants to love and play with Strudel and even after all these years he barely wants to play. Thankfully we have neighbors with lots of dogs and lots of space to chase them up and down the fence line.
i love this video! i picked up a 1955 Crown Graphic last year. i shot a roll of 120 in a roll film back (6x7) and i just finished up my first 10 sheets of Tmax100. i found one of these with septums for $125 on the 'bay and just put in an offer for $115. we'll see what happens! beautiful models you have too.
Was there anything like this for glass plates? I'm involved in digitising my local newspapers archive. At the moment we're looking at 4x5 glass plates from the 1950s and I was wondering about all the different ways they'd be shooting them. We have some action shots of sports events which look really good, they really freeze the action on a glass plate.
Oh that's really cool Jeni, thanks for the question! I don't know of any multiple-shot glass plate holders. Many of the ones I see come up for sale are older wooden holders that have a deep well for glass plates, but then can add in a metal septum to fit films coated on plastic. Glass plates have a wonderful depth to them and makes you really respect the craft of working photographers of the time.
The dry plate bag mags are not easy to find. I got lucky and got one with a camera I bought a couple of years ago, and it came with sheet film adapters. The other problem is that the leather bags that give bag mags their name wear out; it's rare to find a bag mag with an intact bag. Fortunately, there's a guy on eBay who sells replacements, and now that I sent him my dry plate bag mag so he could replace the bag, he has a template for the bags.
Cool. I’m using these on my 4x5. You didn’t show the cool feature at end The darkslide & Magazine lockout when U reach “X”. This is important when it’s off the camera. U have to roll the dial to 1 or to release when ready to open in your dark room or bag. My Grafmatic 23 magazine doesn’t lock at end so idk if it’s malfunctioning or a design difference
I believe the usual practice is to pull dark slide but also push it back in to separate that septum with film Infront block light from exposing the rest of other 5 sheets. Make your picture then push silver level while pulling loop handle advancing the to the next sheet
I made another important discovery about my Grafmatics today: they're faster and easier both to load and to unload than regular film holders. I can load *two* Grafmatics (twelve exposures) in about the time it would take me to load three double dark slides (six exposures), and unload them even faster. And I'll never misload and not find out until I try to put the dark slide back in (you know how that feels), because you can easily feel a misload in the dark, and you can't close the dark slide over a stack of septums with a misloaded sheet.
I noticed you shot with the dark slide up ? I just got one for my RB SUPER D and it's a Graflex model but I believe you're supposed to pull the dark slide and then push it back in behind the film so that no extraneous light hits the ones behind. Then you pull the silver button and pull out the box then push it back in and you'll be at next shot to do it all again. I think that's correct. LarryMac
There was an earlier version called the bag back. There was an actually a bag connected to the back. You would have to manually remove the septum by pulling it into the bag and slip it under the unexposed septum. Wierd, but it worked.
I've always wanted to try one, but despite running a rangefinder equipped Crown, I use my ground glass in 100% of my workflow. And I have had one come across my travels, but the film was never held flat...and buckled during the advance process. Which is apparently a common issue with the older units.
Since I haven't played with it using thicker, modern emulsions, I'm wondering if there will be a different feel loading and advancing frames? Will have to borrow it again for some more tests!
Great to have you back, Mat. Story time: A photo friend of mine got three of these, when they were still available new. He had to find out the hard way that there are too many points of failure due to the delicate construction. One day he would return with 12 ruined sheets out of 18 due to bended film inserts that caused scratches in one cassette and light leaks in another. And that was when LF film was relatively "cheap". Return policies of online shopping platforms won't compensate for that kind of loss if one buys an outworn item. I wonder if a project would have a chance to get crowdfunded if these specific parts were made of carbon fiber. Patents shouldn't be an issue any more, they are probably expired nowadays.
Thanks Olaf and sorry to hear about your friend's luck with the Grafmatics. I would LOVE to see a project take on the challenge of updating/replacing elements from this film holder. Probably the closest, and shortest lived specialty film holder close to this would be the Mido system (made in 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, and 4x10!). Cheers!
@@MatMarrash Srolling thru the latest comments it seems that there are (/have been) other brands and manufacturers as well, which is good to lnow. By the way, he has given up on photography meanwhile, but for other reasons than these sheet film holders :-D
I have heard of attempts to make replacement septums and other pieces but the thing is there's just so many parts still available for these things that it's not worth the trouble at least right now to manufacture anything new. These things are in abundance with how much they were used by media back in the day. Nice to know there is a fallback in case parts start becoming hard it come by!
@@areallyrealisticguyd4333 A lot of things may have evolved in the course of the last 2 years… Do you remember specifics which can point us to some direction, e.g. what to google for?
Thanks for the question Adam! There aren't any that are currently made that are like the Grafmatic but Graflex also made the "bag mag" a multi-shot holder that had a leather bag for holding even more sheets of film.
And that's how G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) gets a foothold. "I got this lens for the cost of shipping -- now I need a camera in this mount, and four more lenses, and the other two viewfinders..." Next thing you know, that "free" lens has cost you a thousand bucks. BTW, I recommend a Pacemaker Speed -- the focal plane shutter lets you use barrel lenses, the Graflok back mounts all sorts of stuff besides Grafmatics (Instax Wide, anyone?), and if you get one with the Kalart rangefinder, you don't need to worry about cams or only being able to use the RF with these two lenses -- you can adjust it for any lens you choose (in about ten minutes). Camera body, around $200, lens in shutter $60 to $150 plus $25 to $50 for a lens board.
Years ago, I picked up a Grafmatic to use with my MF view camera, which otherwise I mostly used with roll film backs. Film was limited in 6x9 sheet format, but luckily, Ilford was my brand anyway. While fairly logical, the operating sequence for these can confuse when you are out in the field doing your business. It just takes a little dry run practice. Why use in MF? I used it when I shot in odd lighting situations where separate development of each sheet of film would benefit, i.e., push a sheet rather than a roll. Last use: Upper Antelope Canyon (slot canyon), which has severe lighting contrasts. The MF versions are more rare than the 4x5.
Great Channel. Thanks for opportunity to learn! I use mine with Crown Graphic. But newest idea for Studio is with Sinar Norma and Rapid Adapter. Hopefully, if this works: make image, quick refocus, slide Rapid Adapter then switch septum to rapidly make 4x5 another image, focusing as needed. We'll see.
Thanks Steve and that's a pretty cool idea to use with the Rapid Adapter! Definitely reduces time for setting up between shots without relying on a rangefinder or alternative focus.
LFF is back. I have a Grafmatic back home yet unable to travel back to get it. Sure could use it from my 4x5 Street Photography Series with the Graflex SLR. Any excellent combination. Now I’m physc’d to get out an shoot Saturday am. Thanks
I’ve just been reading about an early 20th century box camera that used a similar mechanism for moving exposed sheet film from front to back. It was called the Frena. The film was mostly medium format but model No. 3 used 4 by 5.
Those things are great, especially because they use regular thick sheet film, not the roll-film-weight film used in the old film pack setup. One of my first jobs in high school was processing and printing photos for a photographer at a large textile machinery company, he shot with a Crown Graphic on a a tripod and add pops from a flash for fill. Unload the Grafmatic backs, process in deep tanks in holders, process prints with a stabilization processing machine (a kind of semi-permanent print; the paper went on rollers through a developer, fix, and squeegee, then you hung up the damp prints, which always smelled a little like fixer!)
Robert, you've just answered something I'd been thinking about with the Grafmatic. I was wondering if thicker films would be troublesome; well now I've got to put some Kodak 4x5 through this!
Enjoyed the video...I bought a Graflex kit a couple of years ago...believe it or not it came with the original steel case and about 30 film holders...including a Grafmatic. I haven't tried the Grafmatic yet...but I might be one step closer after watching this video!
Nice review, happy to have Season 3 going. I got a Grafmatic as part of the package with my Crown Graphic. It's a very fun gadget! I presume it was for press photographers who might need to shoot fast using the rangefinder for focusing. When I got my Wista 4x5 field camera, I tried it but the mechanism was too stiff so I kept breaking the light seal while changing films on the camera. So I sold it with the Crown. Users beware.
Mark thanks for the comment and for your experiences with the Grafmatic. Just playing with in in the spring back of my Tachihara it's heavy enough to sit but could see it shifting without a grip on the holder while shifting frames.
Thank you! I've been looking at this film holder for quite some time and have watched a bunch of videos on it but could never figure out how it cycles through the sheets. Thanks for showing that! Makes so much sense now haha
And if you can find the exceptionally rare grafmatics with the slots for a graflex back, they’re excellent for handheld 4x5 SLR’s like the super D. Otherwise the bag mags if they’re in good shape, will suffice.
@@MatMarrash Definitely worthwhile. Although the same rules apply about septums not being bent. And you also need one with a bag that is intact, though there is an ebay seller who makes new bags if you need one (and for a price, will install it for you). If you have a 5x7 camera or reducing back, the fairchild/graflex cut film magazine is also a good bet. (the bag mags were available in 2x3, 3x4, 4x5, and 5x7 regularly, and in 3x5 and other postcard sizes, very rarely.)
They're a cool alternative to regular film holders, but not 100% necessary for all large format shooters. I always recommend modern, plastic holders first, then branch out from there. Cheers!
Nope! The scratches were from the "mystery" film which was revealed a week later to be an aerial film that doesn't like to be tray processed. In stainless steel hangers and tanks this film does a lot better!
Great tutorial. I have two Grafmatics. They are a marvel of engineering. The thing I do differently is I always push the dark slide back in before doing the exposure. It will go in behind the septum in front and provides more rigidity. You can feel the difference if you push gently on the septum in front with an unloaded Grafmatic. That is also the way its use is described in the user manual: Pull and push the dark slide D ring; take the shot; pull and push the D ring while pushing on the silver button to advance to the next septum.
Correct !
Someone also said the dark slide should be pushed in before exposure to avoid light leaking to the unexposed sheets in the "drawer".
Just within the past month I've acquired a Grafmatic. Well, I should correctly say, I've acquired *two* Grafmatics and a set of spare septums. I've straightened the septums in the first unit and the spares (yes, it's possible -- but I'd also point out that I fix stuff for a living), barely opened the box for the second, but I've wanted these since they were still being manufactured (yes, I've been interested in large format for more than fifty years). With a willingness to repair or replace septums, I was able to pay substantially less than $100 each for mine. I would point out, however, that in my research, I've understood that it's recommended to *reinsert* the dark slide before making your exposure -- that is, pull, and push back in; expose, then hold the tab while you pull and push back in (which protects your freshly exposed film sheet).
This is because the dark slide supports the "active" septum so it stays flat in the correct focal plane to give an overall sharp image (assuming you did your part in terms of focusing the camera). If you leave the dark slide out, as you did in your video, the active septum is supported by the springs, but may not stay perfectly parallel with the front plane of the unit -- which will give the equivalent of a rear tilt or swing.
Now, I've got a 1940's vintage Anniversary Speed Graphic with the Kalart rangefinder calibrated for the 13.5 cm f/4.5 Tessar mounted on it (which has no shutter, but that's okay, the focal plane shutter works fine). It's time to load up the septums in my Grafmatics and take my Speed Graphic out and pretend I'm Weejee. I've got the hat, but I'll pass on the cigar...
I use these backs on my modified Polaroid 110B . It has a rangefinder and let's me be very mobile, almost like doing street photography with a Leica
I feel like these would be good for people who do street photography on 4x5, definitely a cool product
That's exactly what they were made for originally. People like Weegee would use them.
Definitely a Weegee-style 4x5 accessory! Now to find a "bag mag" for even more shots.
Best practice with a grafmatic is to re-insert the darkslide BEFORE exposure. The septums have a u-shaped cutout in the corner where the film notches are, so when the darkslide is out it is possible for the other five sheets to be fogged THROUGH the one being exposed. As is evident in this video, this doesn't always happen, it depends on the particular film as well as the brightness of the scene. After the darkslide is re-inserted it sits behind the exposed sheet, blocking any possible light coming through the cutout. The sheet is not covered until the mechanism is cycled. This means that unlike traditional film holders, there is no way to cover a prepped but unexposed sheet without cycling that sheet to the back of the stack. In this case it is necessary to cycle through the other 5 sheets to return to the one that was missed. In use for press photography, this is not a huge concern, but it could be an annoyance for the more methodical large format shooter.
I have four of these amazing backs. I'd love to get two more soon. Save so much room in my backpack and they're convenient af.
The Only 4x5 Holder You Need. Full Metal Construction Mechanical Awesomeness.
Mat, I think you want to put the darkslide back in before taking your shot. The film will still be ready for exposure. This will prevent light from bleeding through the notch in the septums. If you shoot without putting the darkslide back in, the only thing blocking light to the other sheets through the notch is the current piece of film! At least this is true with mine, you can confirm or deny this by examining it without any film in the first septum.
These exist for other formats too. I have one for 2,25"x3,25".
I’m so glad you made this video! I’ve had one of these for a while, but I wasn’t really sure how it worked. Now that I see how simple it is, I’ll load it up and take it on a road trip with me next weekend and save a little space in my bag!
Very cool Shannon, glad this was helpful and have fun with the Grafmatic!
I am thinking about getting a 4*5 view camera (Intrepid) for shooting 120 film. Is this any sense or is it better to get a medium format 120mm film camera.
Very good question! The larger size of the 4x5 camera will give you several aspect ratio options for medium format, ranging from 6x7 to 6x12. There are even some specialty holders that can change formats but are a little more pricey. The biggest advantage is the movements; being able to shift the plane of focus, alter the composition, and even modify some shape in the image. All things that can only be done partially with select lenses and cameras in medium format.
Great if you only shoot a single film stock - I personally have different films in each holder - color and 3 different speeds of B&W (2 sheets of each) so I'd need a few of those - ha ha :)
Richard you've just pointed out one of the areas where quick loads and ready loads stole the show from the Grafmatic. Multiple emulsions, low weight, and reduced dust!
I have 3 of them and used to use them on long (multi-day) walks, no real savings in weight IIRC but a big difference in volume. I have had one jam open once though, had to put the entire camera into a change bag to free it up.
These days I mostly use a 6x12 RFH so the Grafmatics don't get out much.
Only one jam in all of that is a pretty solid track record. I've had one of those "stop everything and try to save the film" moments, very nerve wracking!
@@MatMarrash Yeah, especially if you already have a few in the bag that you don't want to lose.
I love the Grafmatick from both an engineering and a philosophy of use perspective. I don’t take them out in the field but use them often when shooting indoor portraits.
I feel like a cheap 3d printed version could be made. If someone is up for the task of figuring out the dimensions
I would love to see someone tackle an intricate task like this, however there is a LOT of spring pressure and thin metal that makes the Grafmatic work. It would definitely be an uphill battle.
So cool to see it in action ... I actually have one that came with a camera I bought in the 90s ... never tried it ... will do now!!!
I didn't even know these backs existed, thank you for the information. As the price of film holders, I have been keeping an eye for 5X7 ones for a while. They are asking over $150.00 for a couple of tatty old holders that probably leak light like a sieve. In the past year the price of film cameras and accessories have gone up by 50% in the UK. You can figure out why. Every vlogger who waved the latest super 50 mp, 50 autofocus mode digital camera around yesterday is now wasting film in all formats. My first time with this film, format and the rest, Pentax 67 V Mamiya RZ, Hasselblad V C330 and these sort of nonsense. Great to see you back.
The fixed market of available film cameras does come with the downside of pricing alongside popularity. Hopefully there will be more niche products introduced to help alleviate some of this strain.
At some point after Linhof stopped selling them, Fuji started producing the exact same older as "Fuji Quick Changer". They are way newer then the Grafmatic and better quality. The Grafmatics had extrem quality problems. Thats why linhof stopped selling them at some point, they had to send back around 80% they got because they where not properly working. But as said before fuji later improved them.
Man, this topic is opening up a whole new world to these alternative film holders. The only other alternative holders I've seen (but haven't used) are the Mido which seemed to have high build quality but were very short lived. Based on what you're saying about the Fuji, might also be for similar reasons. Thanks!
Now that you mention it - I think my friend's holders which I mentioned in my other comment might have been Linhof as well, since he was all-in about this (otherwise more than reliable) brand... Good to know that there are alternatives.
A friend of a friend gave me an old Calumet 400-series 4x5 camera a few years ago. I already had one, but not to look a gift horse in the mouth.... When I opened up the case, in addition to the camera there were something like eight Grafmatic holders. For free. 7 of them even worked. Love these things. I even wound up buying one of the 1168 models that work with the old Graflex SLRs (the Graflok ones are model 1268, that's basically how you tell the difference, other than a doubling in price for the 1168).
Nice to see you again! Welcome back :-)
I'm really glad you showed how these work on the inside. I have been wondering about that for years. I saw one once at a camera show and that was it.
BTW, nice hound. Must be pretty funny to see strudel and him chase each other around the yard 😁
Thanks Francois! Zill, our greyhound, only wants to love and play with Strudel and even after all these years he barely wants to play. Thankfully we have neighbors with lots of dogs and lots of space to chase them up and down the fence line.
I love my Grafmatic it makes shooting kind of fun getting to the next shot.
i love this video! i picked up a 1955 Crown Graphic last year. i shot a roll of 120 in a roll film back (6x7) and i just finished up my first 10 sheets of Tmax100.
i found one of these with septums for $125 on the 'bay and just put in an offer for $115.
we'll see what happens!
beautiful models you have too.
Was there anything like this for glass plates? I'm involved in digitising my local newspapers archive. At the moment we're looking at 4x5 glass plates from the 1950s and I was wondering about all the different ways they'd be shooting them. We have some action shots of sports events which look really good, they really freeze the action on a glass plate.
Oh that's really cool Jeni, thanks for the question! I don't know of any multiple-shot glass plate holders. Many of the ones I see come up for sale are older wooden holders that have a deep well for glass plates, but then can add in a metal septum to fit films coated on plastic. Glass plates have a wonderful depth to them and makes you really respect the craft of working photographers of the time.
Yes, they made bag mags for sheet film and for glass plates if you look at the old Graflex catalogs.
The dry plate bag mags are not easy to find. I got lucky and got one with a camera I bought a couple of years ago, and it came with sheet film adapters. The other problem is that the leather bags that give bag mags their name wear out; it's rare to find a bag mag with an intact bag. Fortunately, there's a guy on eBay who sells replacements, and now that I sent him my dry plate bag mag so he could replace the bag, he has a template for the bags.
Cool. I’m using these on my 4x5.
You didn’t show the cool feature at end The darkslide & Magazine lockout when U reach “X”. This is important when it’s off the camera. U have to roll the dial to 1 or to release when ready to open in your dark room or bag.
My Grafmatic 23 magazine doesn’t lock at end so idk if it’s malfunctioning or a design difference
Great to see you back. Good luck with the improvements.
Thanks Phillip! It's not going to be a quick remodel, but hopefully a new, more usable space emerges.
You were doing so well …then the first exposure Dark slide out then back in then shoot. You fogged the film behind the first septum. Lol lol lol
Yep! Thanks to y'all in the comments I'm ready for my next Grafmatic shoots!
@@MatMarrash to bad they did not make an 8x10. Lol lol. Try a show on film development. I use a custom 2 bath developer
This thing blows my mind every time.
They're a lot of fun to use, but loading them is the tricky part.
I believe the usual practice is to pull dark slide but also push it back in to separate that septum with film Infront block light from exposing the rest of other 5 sheets. Make your picture then push silver level while pulling loop handle advancing the to the next sheet
I made another important discovery about my Grafmatics today: they're faster and easier both to load and to unload than regular film holders. I can load *two* Grafmatics (twelve exposures) in about the time it would take me to load three double dark slides (six exposures), and unload them even faster. And I'll never misload and not find out until I try to put the dark slide back in (you know how that feels), because you can easily feel a misload in the dark, and you can't close the dark slide over a stack of septums with a misloaded sheet.
It's fascinating to see the kinds of tools people used to use. Thanks for the thorough explanation and use cases!
Thanks Trey! There were some pretty rad, ingenious solutions for photographers. I really wish all modern tools were built as solid!
Suggest to have a video on Graflex now that the subject is on the table covering the SLRs.
Agreed, somebody send me one of those chonkers to talk about!
@@MatMarrash Need Jeff out of WA, Graham out of MN or John Minnicks of NC to graciously show up at LFF
I noticed you shot with the dark slide up ? I just got one for my RB SUPER D and it's a Graflex model but I believe you're supposed to pull the dark slide and then push it back in behind the film so that no extraneous light hits the ones behind. Then you pull the silver button and pull out the box then push it back in and you'll be at next shot to do it all again. I think that's correct. LarryMac
There was an earlier version called the bag back. There was an actually a bag connected to the back. You would have to manually remove the septum by pulling it into the bag and slip it under the unexposed septum. Wierd, but it worked.
I've always wanted to try one, but despite running a rangefinder equipped Crown, I use my ground glass in 100% of my workflow. And I have had one come across my travels, but the film was never held flat...and buckled during the advance process. Which is apparently a common issue with the older units.
Since I haven't played with it using thicker, modern emulsions, I'm wondering if there will be a different feel loading and advancing frames? Will have to borrow it again for some more tests!
Great to have you back, Mat.
Story time: A photo friend of mine got three of these, when they were still available new. He had to find out the hard way that there are too many points of failure due to the delicate construction. One day he would return with 12 ruined sheets out of 18 due to bended film inserts that caused scratches in one cassette and light leaks in another. And that was when LF film was relatively "cheap". Return policies of online shopping platforms won't compensate for that kind of loss if one buys an outworn item.
I wonder if a project would have a chance to get crowdfunded if these specific parts were made of carbon fiber. Patents shouldn't be an issue any more, they are probably expired nowadays.
Thanks Olaf and sorry to hear about your friend's luck with the Grafmatics. I would LOVE to see a project take on the challenge of updating/replacing elements from this film holder. Probably the closest, and shortest lived specialty film holder close to this would be the Mido system (made in 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, and 4x10!). Cheers!
@@MatMarrash Srolling thru the latest comments it seems that there are (/have been) other brands and manufacturers as well, which is good to lnow.
By the way, he has given up on photography meanwhile, but for other reasons than these sheet film holders :-D
I have heard of attempts to make replacement septums and other pieces but the thing is there's just so many parts still available for these things that it's not worth the trouble at least right now to manufacture anything new. These things are in abundance with how much they were used by media back in the day. Nice to know there is a fallback in case parts start becoming hard it come by!
@@areallyrealisticguyd4333 A lot of things may have evolved in the course of the last 2 years… Do you remember specifics which can point us to some direction, e.g. what to google for?
are there other 4x5 brand holders that are similar?
Thanks for the question Adam! There aren't any that are currently made that are like the Grafmatic but Graflex also made the "bag mag" a multi-shot holder that had a leather bag for holding even more sheets of film.
Welcome back! Glad that you have season 3 underway. I am going to have to find one of these for my Crown Graphic.
I got one of these at an antiques store for like, $3. Now I just need a large format camera to go with it!
This comment is far too relatable. I've 100% bought something small of a film camera kit to justify the rest of it!
And that's how G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) gets a foothold. "I got this lens for the cost of shipping -- now I need a camera in this mount, and four more lenses, and the other two viewfinders..." Next thing you know, that "free" lens has cost you a thousand bucks.
BTW, I recommend a Pacemaker Speed -- the focal plane shutter lets you use barrel lenses, the Graflok back mounts all sorts of stuff besides Grafmatics (Instax Wide, anyone?), and if you get one with the Kalart rangefinder, you don't need to worry about cams or only being able to use the RF with these two lenses -- you can adjust it for any lens you choose (in about ten minutes). Camera body, around $200, lens in shutter $60 to $150 plus $25 to $50 for a lens board.
Okay for the first time after shooting film for a while this makes me wanna get into large format.
It's only a matter of time Edmund! ;)
good demo
Those holders are awesome, and also the prices hahahaha, But the can make a real difference when shoting LF :D
at last!
Years ago, I picked up a Grafmatic to use with my MF view camera, which otherwise I mostly used with roll film backs. Film was limited in 6x9 sheet format, but luckily, Ilford was my brand anyway. While fairly logical, the operating sequence for these can confuse when you are out in the field doing your business. It just takes a little dry run practice. Why use in MF? I used it when I shot in odd lighting situations where separate development of each sheet of film would benefit, i.e., push a sheet rather than a roll. Last use: Upper Antelope Canyon (slot canyon), which has severe lighting contrasts. The MF versions are more rare than the 4x5.
Wow I didn't know these came in MF as well, very cool. Thanks Randall!
If i finished 1, ready for 2 but need to remove, can i get dark soide back in front if correctly exposed ?
Great Channel. Thanks for opportunity to learn! I use mine with Crown Graphic. But newest idea for Studio is with Sinar Norma and Rapid Adapter. Hopefully, if this works: make image, quick refocus, slide Rapid Adapter then switch septum to rapidly make 4x5 another image, focusing as needed. We'll see.
Thanks Steve and that's a pretty cool idea to use with the Rapid Adapter! Definitely reduces time for setting up between shots without relying on a rangefinder or alternative focus.
LFF is back. I have a Grafmatic back home yet unable to travel back to get it. Sure could use it from my 4x5 Street Photography Series with the Graflex SLR. Any excellent combination. Now I’m physc’d to get out an shoot Saturday am. Thanks
A Grafmatic would totally fit with your shooting style with the Graflex SLR and those big barrel lenses!
great description, now I need one :)
Midwest Photo has two of them in their used department right now!
I’ve just been reading about an early 20th century box camera that used a similar mechanism for moving exposed sheet film from front to back. It was called the Frena. The film was mostly medium format but model No. 3 used 4 by 5.
Very cool Bernard, I'm going to look into the Frena system!
Those things are great, especially because they use regular thick sheet film, not the roll-film-weight film used in the old film pack setup.
One of my first jobs in high school was processing and printing photos for a photographer at a large textile machinery company, he shot with a Crown Graphic on a a tripod and add pops from a flash for fill. Unload the Grafmatic backs, process in deep tanks in holders, process prints with a stabilization processing machine (a kind of semi-permanent print; the paper went on rollers through a developer, fix, and squeegee, then you hung up the damp prints, which always smelled a little like fixer!)
Robert, you've just answered something I'd been thinking about with the Grafmatic. I was wondering if thicker films would be troublesome; well now I've got to put some Kodak 4x5 through this!
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Enjoyed the video...I bought a Graflex kit a couple of years ago...believe it or not it came with the original steel case and about 30 film holders...including a Grafmatic. I haven't tried the Grafmatic yet...but I might be one step closer after watching this video!
Oh man, the steel case and loaded to the gills with holders, that's sweet! Fingers crossed the Grafmatic is in good working order!
Nice review, happy to have Season 3 going. I got a Grafmatic as part of the package with my Crown Graphic. It's a very fun gadget! I presume it was for press photographers who might need to shoot fast using the rangefinder for focusing. When I got my Wista 4x5 field camera, I tried it but the mechanism was too stiff so I kept breaking the light seal while changing films on the camera. So I sold it with the Crown. Users beware.
Mark thanks for the comment and for your experiences with the Grafmatic. Just playing with in in the spring back of my Tachihara it's heavy enough to sit but could see it shifting without a grip on the holder while shifting frames.
That’s a cool unit. I use Graflex roll film backs on my Bender 4x5. Made a special back for them with a hinged groundglass
Playing around with this Grafmatic has made me want to explore more of the alternative film holders that can be used in large format!
Thank you! I've been looking at this film holder for quite some time and have watched a bunch of videos on it but could never figure out how it cycles through the sheets. Thanks for showing that! Makes so much sense now haha
Glad I could help!
Next week, the even more rare Kinematic holder with 10 sheets 🙂
I want to play with ALL the rare holders! Somebody send me a Mido 8x10 system!
@@MatMarrash you have the bag mags too you could review
You look like Chet Baker
Whoa I can kinda see the resemblance!
Perfect timing. I'm looking at getting my first LF camera. Probably a Graflex and have been seeing these pop up while looking for a camera.
These pair wonderfully with a Graflex, just make sure to see those septums to make sure they're not bent. Good luck!
This was a great video providing information about using the grafmatic 6-short film holder. I have two of these and they are great devices.
I appreciate it Erich!
I literally loaded up one of these lady night for the first time. Road trip from NY to Florida. Great start to the new season
Great timing! :)
Back in business! I might have to pick one of these up.
It was surprisingly easy to get used to and not too different from the cadence of normal 4x5 shooting.
And if you can find the exceptionally rare grafmatics with the slots for a graflex back, they’re excellent for handheld 4x5 SLR’s like the super D. Otherwise the bag mags if they’re in good shape, will suffice.
Next up I've gotta try one of the bag mags. They seem even crazier than the Grafmatic!
@@MatMarrash Definitely worthwhile. Although the same rules apply about septums not being bent. And you also need one with a bag that is intact, though there is an ebay seller who makes new bags if you need one (and for a price, will install it for you). If you have a 5x7 camera or reducing back, the fairchild/graflex cut film magazine is also a good bet. (the bag mags were available in 2x3, 3x4, 4x5, and 5x7 regularly, and in 3x5 and other postcard sizes, very rarely.)
Welcome back Mat! You made my day. We have missed you man. Good luck with your construction site
Thanks a ton!
will that work with intrepid 4x5
Genius!! Great video Mat!
Finally you’re back!! Great start to season 3 ;-)
Thanks! :)
great tool, thanks for the presenting in your Video
Thanks Rolf! :)
Good to see you again. A warm welcome back.
Hey, thanks!
i may want one, not yet set up ol speed graflex bot to restart my 1st simi pro carreer.
They're a cool alternative to regular film holders, but not 100% necessary for all large format shooters. I always recommend modern, plastic holders first, then branch out from there. Cheers!
5:00 : I thought it was heart disease, not 4x5 holders
5:03 : oooh
I think we can all agree, the true cause of death was too many film cameras! ;)
What film did you use that had all that scratching?
Let's call it a mystery film for now since I'm not 100% sure myself!
Smile...!?
Thank you for this interesting post
Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh wow, this is so cool! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Whats with the Vanilla Ice hair doo?
I don't do hats, so big hair will have to do!
is that scrath from the dark slide
Nope! The scratches were from the "mystery" film which was revealed a week later to be an aerial film that doesn't like to be tray processed. In stainless steel hangers and tanks this film does a lot better!