I would like to ask for assistance in identifying the correct 6x9 film back for my newly acquired Wista Rosewood (am not sure of correct model, pictures are below), I think it may just be called the Wista Field 45, it does not have the graflock, the glass back has a slot at the bottom and two "clamps at top, ....I would be awfully grateful for any assistance offered....as it os a expensive mistake to buy the wrong one.......Thank you in advance.....Lee
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6x9 filmback for Wista wooden
- Thread starter Leeston
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Wista made a 6x9 back that has a plate on the rear that fits under the ground glass focu screen frame, so doesn't tough the glass. The back opens much wider that typical spring backs. You do see them on eBay occasionally. I bought mine new in the late 1980s, while I've not used it since probably the late 90s I always have it handy for long days outshooting.
Alternately there are thin 6x9 rf backs that slip under a spring back. These are rather sort after.
Ian
Alternately there are thin 6x9 rf backs that slip under a spring back. These are rather sort after.
Ian
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- Joined
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I was surprised the postage to the UK was reasonable, (I assume to you as well), but then it's using eBays Global Shipping Program, not the fastest. The item sits at the GSP warehouse until there's sufficient items going to a country to ship as a bulk air package.
Looking at the listing initially you'd assume it was a regular Wista 6x9 back. I'd have used this photo as the first
You were lucky I knew what to look for.
Ian
Looking at the listing initially you'd assume it was a regular Wista 6x9 back. I'd have used this photo as the first
You were lucky I knew what to look for.
Ian
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Lucky to find the right version back. Mine came from Teamwork as well.
The thin RF holder for 5x4 spring backs are all rather old now, they look a bit like a Polaroid back but have a more bulbous end as it has to take the roll of film and the take up spool as well as the winde. They also take the film 180º over a small roller at the other end, which could cause problems with flim not staying flat. This is a Calumet 6x7 one of the same style.
Ian
The thin RF holder for 5x4 spring backs are all rather old now, they look a bit like a Polaroid back but have a more bulbous end as it has to take the roll of film and the take up spool as well as the winde. They also take the film 180º over a small roller at the other end, which could cause problems with flim not staying flat. This is a Calumet 6x7 one of the same style.
Ian
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I had one of these Calumet type backs in a mixed auction lot. Can’t remember which brand. I tried to load it and decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Too many chances of scratching the film. It sold very quickly.
Sinar made a similar design back called a Zoom. It could do all formats up to 6x12 with adjustable blinds, even on the same roll. Quite complex. The design flaw is the rubber belt it uses internally. They dry up and break with age. Good luck finding a replacement belt.
the big plate is to fit where the film holder usually sits that back is likely for a different smaller format adapter - small grafloc like a Graflex 23 , usually on a Wista that fits on a sliding back adapter on the metal Wistas.
So no don’t get it as it will not fit
So no don’t get it as it will not fit
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I have a C2 slide-in 6x9 holder I use quite a bit on my Wista. It's never given me trouble, but I tend to use the roll fairly fast, and not leave it in the holder.
Lately I have more interest in 6x12, and rather than hunt for a slide-in 6x12, I made a Graflok compatible back for the camera. Not everyone's solution, I suppose, but it works for what I need. I do miss the Wista ground glass with the alternative back.
Wista Graflok (Yes, it is 'http'. I probably have to fund an SSL certificate, but is not as though the site pays for itself.)
Lately I have more interest in 6x12, and rather than hunt for a slide-in 6x12, I made a Graflok compatible back for the camera. Not everyone's solution, I suppose, but it works for what I need. I do miss the Wista ground glass with the alternative back.
Wista Graflok (Yes, it is 'http'. I probably have to fund an SSL certificate, but is not as though the site pays for itself.)
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But he has no Graflock on the Wista?
The non grafloc Wistae have a spring back that opens far enough to slide the whole back in , so it holds the back securely
The front plate of the back has the same profile as a film holder including the raise part that fits in the camera back notch.
The 5x7 grafloc style is the same principle used for the 6x17 roll film backs and really works well as no adapted ground glass holder extension is used
phdgent
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Correct me if I am wrong, but on the photos Leeston showed, I can't see the Graflock clamps needed to hold a 23 to 4"x5" adopted roll film back.
I had a Horseman 6x9 roll film back for my Linhof Kardan GT 4"x5" camera, and as you can see on the first photo attached, the sliders marked with "off" are used to slide out these clamps which are gripping on the flat flanges of the film holder you can see these in the second photo I attached.
BTW, for a 23 roll film holder, thus fitting a 6x9 camera, these clamps are there too but smaler (see photo 3 of my Silvestri SLV), this is called a "Graflock 23".
PS: as per info, I attached a Wista product brochure.
I had a Horseman 6x9 roll film back for my Linhof Kardan GT 4"x5" camera, and as you can see on the first photo attached, the sliders marked with "off" are used to slide out these clamps which are gripping on the flat flanges of the film holder you can see these in the second photo I attached.
BTW, for a 23 roll film holder, thus fitting a 6x9 camera, these clamps are there too but smaler (see photo 3 of my Silvestri SLV), this is called a "Graflock 23".
PS: as per info, I attached a Wista product brochure.
Well, it will fit or it won't, either way I am grateful for all the advice received above but ultimately I am responsible for making any decision to purchase and if it happens to be a incorrect buy, well that is my bad luck, I have also purchased a TOYO 69/45 Roll Film Back Holder 6x9 which I feel I will be able to definitely use....which of course is taking forever to even get posted from the States.....
Attachments
you are correct but OP did not buy the 23 type Wista back, earlier in the thread is the Wista back made for the wooden Wistas, there was an wooden Wista with a grafloc back they are quite rare and it’s not a pretty , metal Wista have the grafloc sliders.