First post here, Im am not new to 4x5 (I shoot with a sinar F), but for a special project I am thinking of getting a Graflex. There is a View on the market here, but since I need to put on my polaroid packholder in, I must figure out if this is a Graflock back. I only have this picture. Can somebody identify if this a graflok back or one of the older graflex backs? (it seems like a View and not a View II frnt, but the packholder installed in the picture might suggest it is an newer type of back?)





Thanks![/img]

Looks to me like this one (on a 2x3): http://graflex.org/images/5th-column/back-2.jpg . The slots are slanted so as to indicate a 180º switcheroo has been made on the slider. Note same vintage film pack adapter as the one on yours. See also the illustration labeled "Graflex back" here: http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/features.html#GraphicBack

Graflex. Graflok have a different type of slider top and bottom. This back has a fixed bottom. Some late Graflex had sliders top and bottom but are straight and go in against the holder with no inward toward the camera body movement, Graflok sliders are angled and slide inward toward the holder and the camera back simultaneously. The sliders may move left or right to lock as Graflex Corp. used both on various camera models.

You'd probably want one like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GRAFLEX-GRAFLOK-4X5-CAMERA-BACK-ASSEMBLY-w-FRESNEL-SCREEN-VIEWING-HOOD-/141020022016?pt=US_Film_Backs_Holders&hash=item2 . Buy it now price seems a bit steep, but if you're going to do a lot of work with the Graflex View this is the sort of back to have. (OTOH, before I paid that asking price I'd check out listings on the 'bay for a complete View II with Graflok, which sometimes go for a bargain price.)

Henry, that back is for a Pacemaker Crown or Speed. It will work on a View only if one makes an adapter to fit it to the view back standard.

The View I & II original color is Gray which has turned greenish with age. It also has a hammered finish.

Yeah, it didn't look right to me; that's why I said "one like this," not "this one." Seems like I saw a listing on 'bay just the other day specifically for a Graflok back to fit a Graflex View, but it seems to have disappeared.

Thank you all for the help; it's good to know it wont fit in advance. I think I will now go for a speed graflex, (the View was decently priced, but the Graphic aren't luckely very expensive too)