a._yamamoto Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 I'm sure that the short answer to this question is "yes, dead as a doornail." BUT, I picked up a really nice Wista Rittreck with 4x5, 5x7 and 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 backs and this odd format looks very appealing, so please forgive me for asking this seemingly hopeless question... I've searched around the 'net and checked the "J and C Photo" website, but all I've found is some used film hangers in this size. Anyone have any leads on 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" film and holders? Thanks in advance for any input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger_hicks1 Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 Maco films from Hans O. Mahn, sold in the UK by Mr. Cad Films for Classics, Honeoye Falls, New York -- I think they do it too. A gorgeous format, traditionally known as whole plate or 1/1 plate. As for holders, just keep hunting. they turn up from time to time. Good luck! Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilhelm Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 I agree. It's a lovely size. And If there was any sign at all of its viability (film, holders, etc) it's what I'd be shooting instead of 5x7 (just slightly too small for satisfactory contact prints), or 8x10 (too damn big and heavy). But I'm afraid that this size is, truly, dead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay_de_fehr Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 Photo warehouse will cut film to any size you specify very reasonably, the catch is that they only offer one film, which is reported to be rebranded Ilford FP4. Here's a link: http://www.photowarehouse.biz/phfilm4.html Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_greenberg_motamedi Posted January 10, 2004 Share Posted January 10, 2004 6 1/2" x 8 1/2", or whole plate, is truely dead. However, this is not to say that it can't be revived by someone who is willing to do the work; film can be cut to size by you from 8x10 or by custom order from the PhotoWarehouse. In addition, although I have not verified this, I was told by Edward Hill of Gandolfi cameras that Berger will also cut film to size. Film holders are harder since they don't appear to have too much stadardization. Toyo made very nice whole plate cut film holders (no. 338) which I would guess would work very nicely with your Wista. You could also adapt a plate holder (like the "Premo") for use with sheet film. These are found occasionally on eBay. However the "Premos" have different (larger) external dimensions than the Toyos so be sure to measure. If you post a measurement of the internal dimentions of the Rittreck's back and I will tell you if either of these holders will work. Of course, you could also have some film holders made to order my someone like filmholders.com. best regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandy_king Posted January 11, 2004 Share Posted January 11, 2004 Contact me directly if interested in 6 1/2 X 8 1/2 filmholders. I have a few of these left over from a batch we did a few years ago. Sandy King Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a._yamamoto Posted January 13, 2004 Author Share Posted January 13, 2004 Thanks to all for the responses. I guess there is some hope? To Jason: the internal dimentions of the Rittreck's back seem to be 9 7/8" x 7 3/4". I'm in Japan now, so I'll look around for the Toyo holders while I'm here. To Sandy: I've e-mailed you about purchasing some holders. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie_skelton2 Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 I have a Kodak full plate which I acquired inadvertantly on Ebay, the seller was unfamiliar with the concept of a ruler and had it as a 10X8! I have recently got it going but have not done the negs yet ( maco film from Mr Cad), but I can say that I like the size and proportions and look forward to doing some Platinum prints. Regarding dead formats, surely with the advance of digital, all formats will tend towards commercial obselescence, with the main markets being those who use film for its aesthetic quality, ie enthusiasts, artists etc.; it will be the demands of these people (us)that indicate available formats ( witness the increase in availability of LF panoramic materials ). There are a load of full plate cameras out there and they are probably the cheapest way to get into larger large format, perhaps we should start a revival and get the film people on board? Charlie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_greenberg_motamedi Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 The numbers you have provided are indeed the size of the Toyo 1/1 film holders I have, so look for these! Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_nieslony2 Posted January 14, 2004 Share Posted January 14, 2004 I guess dead would be one way to describe it... but not as odd as 5x12 (which is a great format for small-ish panormaic contacts). The good news is that the cameras are inexpensive to get... holders are out there (be aware of glass plate hgolders advertised as film holders), and lenses that typically barely worked for 8x10 will give lots of movement with these. A very nice format for smaller contacts... presents very well on a 16x20 matt board (if you like lots of mat board edge). Photowarehouse will cut film and it will be cheaper then commercialy available 8x10 film etc... Steve<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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