Century Graphic & Horsman Bcak

[ARCHIVIST]

Can anyone tell me if I need to remove the two retaining 'hooks' on the rear of the Century Graphic in order to fit the latter version Horseman 6x9 roll film back?
I am referring to the two little hooks that retain the g/glass back.

Regards
Peter

 

[BTMarcais]

Probably not so helpful, but I use a graflex roll back on my horseman VH with no modifications. Which is exactly the opposite of what you're trying to do, I know.

-Brian

 

[FPjohn]

The Horseman backs do not quite fit securely in my experience. The later graflex backs do.

yours
FPJ

 

[besk]

If you use the later (all black) Horseman backs you will find that the tabs on the slides interfere with the back and don't allow them to be slid completely into place to lock the back.

Also, the light baffle at the end of the Century likely is too thick (or too high is maybe a better description) and keeps the back from fully seating against the rear of the camera.

My G (Graflex) back for the Mamiya Universal had that problem, but after cutting appropriate notches in the slides and filling down the lightbaffle my Horseman back fits perfectly. The same may work with your Century but I don't have a Century to compare.

 

[johannielscom]

Before saying anything definite on the question: what kind of Horseman back do you own?

The oldest 1960s ones are covered with grey vulcanite and have a lever
The 1960s Press back is black and has a large knob to wind on
The newer Horseman back is black and has a lever, with the Horseman logo on it.

I own a Horseman 970 (early press edition of the VH-R) and an 842 (convertible camera, 6x7 cm wire frame). The Press back fits the 970 but not the 842, the old-style lever back fits both. At one time I had a Graflex RB23 back that did fit both. Noexperience with the newer model back.

 

[ARCHIVIST]

I do not own a back yet.
I thought I would ask the appropriate Qs first.
The latest all black back with the lever wind would be the one I'd go for if I knew it could be fitted.

Peter

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I have this camera and recent black Horseman back. No you do not have to remove the spring arms. But, the back does not fit properly.

Looking at the back of the camera, the problem is the vertical bar on the left. It is too thick. It keeps left side of the back too far from the lens, and the slide latches usually do not close. Same problem with the Mamiya Press G adapter.

Solution is to reduce the thickness of the vertical bar. On Mamiya Press G adapter, you can remove three screws, thin the bar, and replace it. The Century Graphic is all one piece in that area. I was about to go at it with a flat file, but put the project aside.

 

[ARCHIVIST]

Thanks for the info ColSebastianMoran.
I think I will draw the line at using a flat file. Never have muched like doing unreversable mods.
I may end up sticking with my sheet film holders - 21/4" x 31/4" sheet film availablity is not an issue. I only shoot B/W anyway.

Regards
Peter