6x9 filmback for Wista wooden

L

Leeston

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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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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
 
Thank you Ian, I find it a little hard to pick one from eBay pictures that will fit my camera, I shall look for the plate attached, I assume they are black in colour?

Thanks again
Lee
 
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 :D

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You were lucky I knew what to look for.

Ian
 
If Ian hadn’t replied I would’ve posted a picture of mine to show what to look for. :p I bought mine new from Teamwork in London back in 1990 and still have the box. From memory I think it’s called a Type N back.
 
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
 
Ian Grant said:
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
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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.
 
Is the model without the plate worth getting, I assume it is a black one such as the one below, would be good to have two.
 

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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
 
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