Follow up SHEN-HAO 6x12 RFH

[ardea]

A while back I posted a description of the Shen-Hao roll film holder

(RFH) in 6x12 format.It did not include any testing or field use.

 

After using the RFH and receiving the film back I can say that I'm

more than happy with the results.

 

The lens I used most on the Shen-Hao camera and RFH was a Rodenstock

Apo-Sironar-S. 150mm f5.6

 

Basically the RFH is in two parts, the magazine section that contains

the film, transport/take up mechanism and the Graflok back that

accepts the magazine and mounts to the camera. When you try to remove

the magazine one must try to pull it out without cocking it from side

to side or it tends to stick in Graflok back portion. This sounds

like more of a problem that it is, and after you remove/replace the

magazine a few times it becomes a non issue.

 

Reviewing the film that was processed I'm glad to say the

registration and spacing was fine with about a 3/8" (9.5MM) spacing

between frames. Since this RFH uses a wind up knob for the film

transport and you must watch the the numbers in the window for proper

spacing this distance can vary a bit but if you get the proper number

in the proper (upper) window you will be fine. The film indexing

sequence is 1-3-5-7-9-11 and those numbers must appear in the upper

6x12 window.

 

Under a 8x loupe images are sharp edge to edge including corners, a

testament to the lens and RFH. Also there are no roller artifacts in

the image area as the image area never rests on the rollers. There

appears to be no flm flatness issue for all practical purposes. One

roll was left in the RFH with three exposures for a week with no

adverse film effects.

 

Overall I think that value for (......)insert currency type, is

outstanding. This RFH does not have the fit, finish or mechanical

feel of the hi end roll film holders but it will do the job for a lot

less.

 

I did make a 6x12 mask from black matting board that fits atop my GG

for composition which I like better than the tick marks on the GG.

 

I have no affiliation with any photo company or Jeff at Badger

graphics where I purchased the RFH.

 

Regards, Richard

[ken c oshkosh, wi]

Thanks, I am very interested in this too. It's dangerous because I only live 20 minutes from Badger!

[philippe_vandenbroeck]

Dangerous for me too, altough I live on the other side of the

ocean! Thanks, Richard, for your review of this otherwise very

little publicised piece of equipment. I just purchased a 2nd hand

Cambo Wide camera with a Schneider SA XL 58mm lens and,

given your positive review as well as (BG) Jeff's equally positive

feedback, I will not hesitate to order one of these. It saves a lot

compared to the comparable Horseman product, not to mention

a Linhof Techno Rollex.

[brian_vuillemenot]

Thanks for the informative review, Richard. I have been thinking about picking one up. Since the roll film holder has a Graflok back, can I mount it to my camera that doesn't have a Graflok back (a Wisner 4X5 technical field)?

[ardea]

Brian...I do not know the answer to your question. Maybe someone more knowledgable than I can answer that. Or, you can ask Jeff at Badger Graphics. He seems to be quite astute on these matters.

Good luck..Richard

[chachi_arcola]

I've been looking to get one of these in addition to a Shen Hao 4x5 camera and probably a 135mm APO Sironar-S. What I'm trying to figure out is what my effective focal length will be using 6x12 and 6x9 roll film. Is there a quick and dirty formula? I would image 6x12 gives you roughly half the angle of view as you would have with the same lens in 4x5, right?