Mercury Rollback 23 Instructions Manual

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Mercury Rollback 23 Instructions

INTRODUCTION

The mercury Rollback 23 is an homage to the classic era of rollfilm: from the early 20

century

until the post-WWII industrial boom, medium format cameras made use of an ingenious,

inexpensive system for film advancing and frame counting. Numbers were printed on the film's

backing paper (something not possible with cartridge-based film systems). Precisely positioned

windows would reveal exactly the numbers that corresponded to the camera's frame size. Rather

than a complex geared system automatically advancing to the correct point for each shot, and

another complex geared system advancing a counter, the photographer would do the advancing,

peering through a red-tinted window. Whatever number appeared in the window was the current

frame's number. It was like using a magical window that revealed the inner workings of the

mysterious Film Camera. Well, because Mercury Works is all about magic windows, we chose to

revive this system in a 3D printed variant. Finally you can actually make use of those numbers

that are still, to this day, printed on the back of every reputable roll of 120 film. Yes, they are

really there: take a look!

It should be noted that this back is neither simple nor cheap to manufacture, and in most cases,

you're probably better off with one of the excellent metal, geared-advance Graflok 23 backs

available on the used market from Graflex, Mamiya, or Horseman. However, those with a

penchant for more manually-driven photography and magic windows will appreciate the Mercury

Rollback. For some, depending on local availability of vintage backs, it may be cost effective as

well, given that our two models represent two fairly rare film sizes (most vintage metal backs are

6x7).

Our Rollback comes in two versions: 6x9 and 6x6. Operation is identical between the two. Note

that neither version contains a darkslide system. This is the Rollback's greatest limitation. This

means that you will not be able to change lenses or film backs once you have advanced your film

to the first frame, until you finish the roll. Plan accordingly, intrepid photographer!

Like many of the best things in life, there may appear to be a lot of steps in what follows, but

operation is actually rather intuitive. It is important to carefully read these instructions the first

time you use the back. After that, you will probably find operation to be quite simple.

Table of Contents

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Summary of Contents for Mercury Rollback 23

Page 1 Mercury Rollback 23 Instructions INTRODUCTION The mercury Rollback 23 is an homage to the classic era of rollfilm: from the early 20 century until the post-WWII industrial boom, medium format cameras made use of an ingenious, inexpensive system for film advancing and frame counting. Numbers were printed on the film's backing paper (something not possible with cartridge-based film systems).
Page 2 LOADING (this can be done in subdued light) Remove the Mercury Rollback Cap from the top of the unit and remove any film spools that are inside. To load a roll of film, you'll need to unroll a bit of the backing paper and tape it to the empty takeup spool while it is still outside of the Rollback.
Page 3 The goal is to slide the film down so that it can be pushed, along with the pressure plate, until the front section of the film back. Don't do this until the film is flush with the top of that section.
Page 4 Insert the Foam Plate into the cavity that the Pressure Plate previously occupied. Depress the full length of the foam strips with your fingers before inserting, or it won't fit. Be particularly careful of the very bottom of the foam strips, which are inserted first. Failing to push the foam down and into the cavity could cause their adhesive to fail.
Page 5 Place the Rollback Cap on the top of the shell. You are going to press it down over the top, but as you do so you need to hold the Advance Knob on top and turn it slightly as you press down until the winder blade on the inside locks into the top of the takeup reel.
Page 6 10. Mount the Rollback onto your Mercury camera. Ensure that your lens is in place and your shutter is closed. You will now expose the film to the inside of your camera, so you will not be able to change lenses or film backs from this point on without exposing at least one frame of film.
Page 7 Place the Window Cap over the red window to block any stray light. You can remove this cap at any time to check your frame number or to advance to the next frame, but it is a good idea to keep it in place when you don't need to see through the window, especially if shooting in bright daylight.
Page 8 Remember that because the Rollback 23 doesn't have a darkslide system, you must not remove your lens, open your shutter, or remove your back until you have exposed your entire roll of film and unloaded it.