The GrafMatic is a film magazine for the cut-film (aka large-format) camera.  It allows the photographer to take a number of photos (usually six) instead of the two that a normal filmholder allows.

The two major models are the 45, which holds six sheets of 4-inch by 5-inch film, and the 23, which holds six sheets of 2-1/4 inch by 3-1/4 inch film.

The 45 further divides into the Graflok back, marked Graphic and catalog #1268, which will fit most Graflok 4x5 cameras, and the Graflex back, marked Graflex and catalog # 1168.  The Graflex back model will not fit most cameras, only those fitted with a Graflex back; the face of the Graflex model is wider than the body of the GrafMatic, and has a groove across the handle end whereas the Graflok model's face is the same width as the body and has two low ridges across the handle end.

The usual problems with Grafmatics, in order of frequency, are:

1. Missing/disabled film-number wheel (very common).  Some models of Grafmatic have a little wheel inside which imprints the number of the septum on the film at exposure.  Many people didn't like this (for any one of several reasons) and removed or disabled it.  This is not regarded as serious, but should be disclosed in the listing.
2. Missing septums (very common). There should be six thin sheet metal septums inside the Grafmatic to hold the sheets of film; it will partially function with fewer, but the counter will not work and (obviously) it will not hold its rated number of sheets (one sheet per septum).  Replacements can sometimes be obtained, usually in complete sets of six.
3. Bent septums (sometimes). Bent septums are not a problem unless they do not function smoothly.  If they do, do not attempt to straighten them, as this will almost certainly cause them to STOP functioning smoothly!  Frankly, I'd sell the Grafmatic as-is rather than trying to straighten the septums.  Of course, septums which have bends in them likely will not focus uniformly.
4. Broken/cracked/missing dark slide (occasional).  The dark slide is the cover that keeps light away from the film; obviously, if it is broken, cracked or entirely missing, this renders the GrafMatic unusable!  Not necessarily a no-sale defect, since replacements can be made or sometimes obtained, but it must be disclosed.
5. Inoperative counter.  If all septums are not present, the counter will not function (common).  However, it can be tested by removing the septums and pressing the tab in the bottom of the tray towards the loop-handle, then pressing the little button on the back (not the edge) of the tray in.  Repeat six times to cycle completely through the counter.  Problems with the counter itself are rare.

To open a Grafmatic:

1. With the writing on the back facing you, turn the little dial with the arrow or 'X' on it upwards until it clicks to a '1'. (If it's already at a '1', go to next step.)  This unlocks the counter and allows the darkslide to be withdrawn; it automatically locks when all of the septums have been cycled through the exposure position.
2. Just beneath the loop-handle is a little silver bent-wire latch or a clipped-circle wheel; turn this until it doesn't obstruct and lock the dark slide (though it may already be unlocked).
3. Press the little silver latch above the loop handle down towards the handle and pull the drawer out.
4. Release the latch, push the handle back in slightly so the latch springs back, and pull the dark slide out, making sure the catch opposite the latch isn't turned over to lock the dark slide.
5. Once the dark slide is fully open, the 6 septums should spring up about a quarter-inch and can be removed for loading or inspection.
6. When re-installing the septums, the notch goes in the upper-left corner as you hold the GrafMatic with the open side facing you and the loop-handle at your right.  Improper installation is not uncommon, and will usually cause jamming.
7. To close the drawer and dark slide, push the septums back down with your fingertip until the dark slide can be closed over them, then carefully push the dark slide and drawer back in.

Be careful, the dark slide is moderately fragile.

Do not attempt to load more than six septums into the GrafMatic, as this will cause jamming and possibly damage.

To cycle the Grafmatic, pull the dark slide out and back in, press the latch down, and slide the drawer out-and-in. Repeat 5 times until the counter reaches the arrow & locks the dark slide. It should work smoothly without sticking.

Grafmatics can be used with most 2x3 & 4x5 cut-film cameras which have a GrafLoc back.

For more information on the GrafMatic and the cameras it was designed to work with, go to www dot graflex dot org.