Grafmatic Large Format Film Holder Tips

In this video today, I share three tips for using the Grafmatic large format film holder in your 4×5 camera.

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Published by Tim Layton

Tim Layton is an Ozarks-based photographer working in 19th-century processes. Using large format cameras and traditional darkroom methods, he creates handmade photographic prints that document the region’s historic landmarks—water-powered mills, covered bridges, and old towns—before they are lost to time. His work is rooted in craft, patience, and the belief that these places deserve to be preserved with the same care with which they were built.

2 thoughts on “Grafmatic Large Format Film Holder Tips

  1. Hi Tim, I follow your great channel over on YouTube and we’ve spoke in the comment section a time or two. Just watched this episode on your Grafmatic holder. I picked up a Grafmatic for my Speed Graphic a few months ago. It seems to be pristine aside from the frame counter, which appears to be somewhat sluggish (doesn’t reset fully/count is off). I assume it operates on a type of seer spring. If you don’t mind me asking, have you ever completely disassembled one of these holders? I’d be curious if you had any knowledge of the mechanism controlling that frame counter. Thanks a lot for all the work you put into sharing what you do!

    1. Hi Adam, It’s good to hear from you, and I follow you as well!! Yes, I have completely disassembled the holders before. I have never had an issue with the wheel that controls the frame count, but I have a couple of the holders apart on my workbench right now and I will look a little closer at this mechanism and if I can help in some way, I will reply back again with anything I find out. Stay in touch.

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