4x5 Graphic Plate Type II w/Calumet

I just recently decided to try LF photography after many years of 35mm and MF (...plus some digital work). Anyway, I acquired a good used Calumet 4x5, 150mm lens, and a couple of Toyo 4x5 film holders. I also bought a set of 4 additional holders - very cheap - on eBay ("4x5 Graphic Plate Type II" stamped on one edge of each of the holders).

My "newbie" questions relates to those Graphic holders. Each has what looks like a 3.25 x 4.25 adapter insert in them, which appears to hold a sheet of 3.25 x 4.25 film. The back of the insert is labeled "Kodak Film Sheath 3 1/4 x 4 1/4".

Is anyone familar with these holders? Can I simply buy 3.25 x 4.25 sheet film and use these holders with my Calumet? They seem to fit in the camera back.

Thanks,
-len

Plate holders were manufactured to hold glass plates. Yours would have held 4x5 plates. Sheaths were manufactured to fit inside the plate holder and to hold film - the sheaths were needed because film is not as thick as a glass plate.

I did not know that Kodak made 3x4 sheaths that fit a 4x5 holder, but they well could have. Does the sheath take up all the room in the holder, or is there extra space to the sides? If the sheath does, in fact, take up all the space, you could put 3x4 film in the sheath and use the holders.

However 3x4 film is rather difficult to find. You'd probably be better off to buy a few more normal 4x5 holders. You could offer the plate holders for sale. I might even be interested in them.
juan

Thanks, Juan, for the reply. Yes, the sheath does take up all the space in the holder, and it appears obvious that I could use the holders for 3x4 film. Freestyle.com sells Efke 3.25 x 4.25 sheets in a box of 50 for $30. I may give that a try. If I decide to sell them, I'll let you know.

I may be getting ahead of myself a bit, and should stick with film until I get the hang of my camera (and LF in general), ...but does anyone know where I can obtain glass plates to use with these; i.e., when I'm ready for it?

Thanks

LWKImages said:

...but does anyone know where I can obtain glass plates to use with these; i.e., when I'm ready for it?

Click to expand...

Do you really want to use glass plates?

You can coat your own. I think there is/was a Russian company still supplying plates but I'd be suprised if they sold 3x4.

Thats about it.

If you aren't intending to coat your own best to stick to the various film choices.