david_blackett Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 Hi all, I'm a new subscriber. I have an old Gundlach/Manhattan opt. 8x10 Wizard View, type 2, manufactured sometime between 1900-1907. There are no light leaks in the bellows, and I had the lens/shutter checked out and cleaned and all is in fine working order. I have eight double sided plate holders, all but one damaged beyond functional use. I have two questions: first, does anyone out there have and use one of these cameras? Second, does anyone know if modern film holders will fit this camera? I'd hate to have to order one only to find that it won't work. Any and all advice would be welcome. David Blackett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triblett_lungre_thurd Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 http://www.fiberq.com/cam/gundlach/wiz2.htm ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ernest_purdum Posted August 7, 2003 Share Posted August 7, 2003 I can't give you a direct answer since I don't have an 8X10 Wizard, but I can give you some information that might help. By the time your camera was made, the dimensions were pretty well standardized in the USA. There were, however two different styles. Take a look at your one good holder. Is there a ridge or spline near the darkslide end? (This is what keeps the holder in place while you pull the darkslide.) If so. the holder is a direct ancestor of the modern Fidelity or whatever. In earlier years, it was often called the "ASA" or "Graphic" type. The other style had a groove where the spline would be and was called the "Graflex" type. If your holder has a spline, I'd say it would be a very small gamble to buy a used holder to try out. They are on eBay quite regularly and you could always resell it. If your holder has a groove, you have a logistics problem Grooved 8X10 holders in good condition would be very hard to find, I think. Modifying the camera wouldn't be really major surgery, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_blackett Posted August 7, 2003 Author Share Posted August 7, 2003 Thanks for your response Ernest,I suspected that what you said about the holders being standardized by that time period was true, but wasn't sure. The holders I have do have a spline where you said it would be, so I think I will venture a gamble on a used fidelity. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james___ Posted August 9, 2003 Share Posted August 9, 2003 David, I shoot the same camera. Yes the current crop of film holders work. Chech any used holders by placing a sheet of film in them and holding them up to the sun outside on a sunny day. keep turning them around for a couple mins and then go into the darkroom and process them normal. You will be able to tell immediately if it is a bad holder. It's a fun camera and fun format. James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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