6.5x9 or 9x12?

[paulh]

Just received another new (old) toy. This time it's a Zeca camera

with a compur shutter and Jos. Schneider & Co. Kreuznach lens 13,5cm

lens. It is in beautiful condition, with level, nice bright waist

level finder and three holders, plus a very nice semi-rigid leather

case.

 

Now comes the silly questions.

 

The camera was sold as a 9x12 camera. The opening on the back is 9x12,

but the GG has been masked (with paper) to about 6.5x9. The GG

itself measures about 9x11.5.

 

The holders' total exposable area is 9x11.5, but have removable

inserts with a cutout of 6.5x9. These have a spring on one end, some

raised guides in the central areas and a lip at the non-sprung end.

 

So, I *think* it *is* a 9x12., which is the size film I'd like to use.

And I *think* that the holders I have are really designed for

plates, rather than film. Am I thinking correctly?

 

Any guides on how to convert these holders (remove inserts) to use

9x12 sheet film?

 

Once I confirm sizes and so forth, I may get a roll film back for it

as well, and buy a couple more film holders.

 

If photos of the offending items would help, let me know and I'll get

the 70 odd year old newer digital to do its duty...

 

TIA

 

Paul

[jerevan]

The focal length of the lens (135mm - typical normal) suggests it really is a 9x12, as do the holders total exposable area. In any case, the holders are plate holders. If you want to convert the camera to use it with regular 9x12 film holders, here's one straight-forward guide to doing just that:

 

http://www.alternativephotography.com/articles/art006.html

[karl_french1]

Kodak sold film sheaths that made up the difference in thickness between the film and glass plates. They show up on Ebay semi-regularly, sometimes still in their orginal packaging. There was very little standardization between makers in terms of plate holders, so make sure the plate holders you want to buy fit your camera.

 

good luck

[Troll]

Roll film adapters for 9x12 cameras to use B2 (120) film were very common, giving eight exposures at 6x9.

[paulh]

Thanks for the info guys.

 

I'll look around for some film inserts first, as I'd really like to use sheet film in this - I've got 5 other cameras that use 120 film.

 

I have read in various places of people making their own film inserts, so if I can get hold of one, or even just get round to buying some 9x12 sheet film (which is fairly easy to get hold of still), I may see if I can fashion something myself.

 

Paul