11X14 film holder

[JohnSiskin]

I’m shooting an 11X14 camera in my studio. I’m shooting Ilford Multigrade paper. It’s working out rather well. I am scanning my paper negatives, I know that isn’t a pure analog process, but it does make shooting 11X14 accessible. I’ve put some information about my process on my blog: http://siskinphoto.com/blog/?p=2871. I've attached a test from the first day of shooting.

Anyway, I have a problem: film holders. As you’re probably aware they are expensive and very complex to build. I only shoot in the studio, and I shoot with a safelight on. I’m thinking about something a little simpler than a regular holder, perhaps something like a speed easel? Anybody have any ideas? I don’t need a dark slide, but I would like to keep the paper in the right place.
Thanks, John Siskin

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I’m shooting an 11X14 camera in my studio. I’m shooting Ilford Multigrade paper. It’s working out rather well. I am scanning my paper negatives, I know that isn’t a pure analog process, but it does make shooting 11X14 accessible. I’ve put some information about my process on my blog: http://siskinphoto.com/blog/?p=2871. I've attached a test from the first day of shooting.

Anyway, I have a problem: film holders. As you’re probably aware they are expensive and very complex to build. I only shoot in the studio, and I shoot with a safelight on. I’m thinking about something a little simpler than a regular holder, perhaps something like a speed easel? Anybody have any ideas? I don’t need a dark slide, but I would like to keep the paper in the right place.
Thanks, John Siskin

Great stuff;really like it!

 

[michr]

I've tried to build a film primitive film holder a few times. Much of their complexity comes from the light trap, and from matching the standard dimensions.

Here are some ideas. Instead of trying to re-invent the wheel, you could just tape your paper to a board, framed with strips of wood. The strips could surround the paper much like a picture frame on all sides, since you don't have to worry about inserting a removing the dark slide. The only critical measurement is the paper should lie the same distance from the lens as it does from the exterior of the film holder. You have to take care to make sure it slides into the camera and can be removed easily and that the image side fits flush with the back of the camera.

If you light your studio with a safelight, you can pull the makeshift holder out of a changing bag and put it into the camera without worry of fogging the paper. (edit: or you could just attach paper to the board in the studio, as needed). Then, you need some way to cover the rear of the camera thoroughly so there are no light leaks when you pop the flash. A fitted dark viewing cloth might be enough.

I've tried most of these steps, except with my cheaply-made makeshift camera, I just taped the film holder onto the back of the box camera with Gorilla tape.

 

[Rick A]

Anything will work IF the distance from face of paper to rail matches the rail to ground glass. If you look at where the film holder is inserted, that distance between the GG and face of frame has to be the same to maintain focus.

 

[MattKing]

Cheap photo frames should work, if you can adjust their thickness correctly.

You will need to remove any glass.

 

[NedL]

Cheap photo frames should work, if you can adjust their thickness correctly.

You will need to remove any glass.

They do. My "fixed focus" box camera for 8-1/2x11 uses cheap frames from the dollar store. I covered the inside of the glass with scotch tape to initially set the focus, then removed the glass for use. The cheap points eventually break off, but you can get a couple dozen uses out of each one. The cardboard presses against the back of the paper and makes it nicely flat. You can build a "slot" for the whole frame to slide into, and it is simple to swap them out. If you have a way of mounting the GG in the same frame, you'll be set for having the distance to the lens be identical. ( frosted side toward the back, where the surface of the paper would be touching it. ) Not sure if 11x14 paper could be heavy enough to sag in the frame, but it might be worth a try.

Nice self-portrait!

 

[removed account4]

you can make a clamshell design holder.
the bottom holds the paper
and 2 masks fold over it
( 1 thin, one thick )
slide your darkslide between them.
i have done this for years with a 11x14 i use.
for the "T" distance measure between the edge of the
lens board to the surface of the glass and put the paper on the
same plane ...
or measure the thickness of the ground glass the whole wood and glass
and make the paper on that thickness. i solved the problem by using
the same thickness paper as the ground glass back i made.

glad to see your work again !
john

 

[blindpig]

John,I'm glad you posted about 11X14 cameras and some of the" fun" locating accessories for same. Recently I'm shooting Multigrade paper in my new 11X14 camera.You might check it out in the f295 Forum,"Lens Based Camera Making and Modifying category","on the verge camera build" thread by blindpig.I agree with you about there being something special(almost mystical)about this size camera,maybe it's a feeling of kinship with the early photographic pioneers.Good luck with the holders I'm sure one of the suggestions already mentioned will work.
Don

 

[JohnSiskin]

I'm going to try working with the wholesale framer I use. I appreciate everyone's input. I'd be happy to hear any more details of other's process. Thanks so much for your time and input. Sorry to be slow to respond.
John