4x5 Plate Changing Box Camera (Cut Film Modification?)

BobClack · Oct 28, 2014

Am looking to take a step into large format photography.

On Ebay, and other sites, can be found many "4x5 Plate Changing Box Cameras". I assume these cameras were designed to shoot glass plates. If this assumption is correct, can any of these cameras be modified to accept 4x5 cut film? Do any readily accept 4x5 cut film without modification? I've googled this without success yay or nay.

Am also looking into a 4x5 pinhole and am leaning towards the Vermeer.

Thanks in advance!

Pioneer · Oct 28, 2014

Ok, I know that you can shoot wet plate (or dry plate) with a Crown Graphic once you build a holder for the plates. So I'm sure that a 4x5 camera can likely be used interchangeably though I have not personally done it myself.

As for 4x5 pinhole I am currently using an Ilford Obscura. It is a simple little camera and I absolutely love working with it. But the Vermeer is a very good looking camera as well and I am confident that you will enjoy it. The only warning I can give is that pinhole photography is addictive. Once you start it is very hard to stop. For 4x5 my Crown Graphic used to be my favorite camera. Lately my little Obscura has been getting all the use.

Ian Grant · Oct 29, 2014

Bob,I think you're referring to the old style falling plate cameras, these had a series of plate holders inside the camera which could be dropped down when exposed and replaced by the next one. I have quite a few plate holders from one but no ideal what camera they came from.

There were film sheaths made to convert plate holders to take cut film so there's no reason why you couldn't use a camera like those you describe, I have film sheaths in various sizes 6x4.5, 6x9, 1/4 plate, 9x12 & 5x4, they aren't difficult to find.

Ian

pdeeh · Oct 29, 2014

Is this a film sheath, Ian?

removed account4 · Oct 29, 2014

BobClack said:
Am looking to take a step into large format photography.

On Ebay, and other sites, can be found many "4x5 Plate Changing Box Cameras". I assume these cameras were designed to shoot glass plates. If this assumption is correct, can any of these cameras be modified to accept 4x5 cut film? Do any readily accept 4x5 cut film without modification? I've googled this without success yay or nay.

Am also looking into a 4x5 pinhole and am leaning towards the Vermeer.

Thanks in advance!

hi ..

if it is a falling plate camera ( also called a magazine camera )
you can put a 1ply piece of matboard in the septums that originally held
the glass plates. you can also use a thin sheet of plexiglass if you want.
i used to buy and refurbish them ( long obscure sizes ) and currently use
a pair of cyclone falling plate cameras. i've used them with glass, and paper,
no film though. they are addictive, and sometimes problematic
because when you jiggle the handle, turn the key, twist the knob &c sometimes the septum doesn't fall .
because it doesn't weigh enough ( glass plates are heavy ) ...
have fun!
john

Ian Grant · Oct 29, 2014

pdeeh said:
Is this a film sheath, Ian?

No that's a plate holder the film sheath fits inside that.

Ian

paul_c5x4 · Oct 29, 2014

Ian Grant said:
No that's a plate holder the film sheath fits inside that.

Should look like the ones below:

Ian Grant · Oct 30, 2014

paul_c5x4 said:
Should look like the ones below:

Often they are even simpler just a sheet of metal with three edges folded over.

I have quite a few of those early MPP holders (and some Graflex) with the sheaths,with some the same sheaths were riveted in place. Later MPP changed the design.

Ian

pdeeh · Oct 30, 2014

aha ,, ok thanks both

BobClack · Oct 30, 2014

Thank you to all for your input on this question.

Ian, yes, a "Falling Plate Camera" or "Magazine Camera" is what I'm looking for here. The film sheaths are also exactly what I'm looking for and I managed to pick up a lot of 6 yesterday on Ebay. Will pick up the rest soon and find a camera as well (now that I know this is a reasonable pursuit).

John, thank you for the DIY info on this.

Dan, yes, I think any addiction may have already started as I can sense a definite "pinhole pull" here!

Thanks once again to all.

4x5 Plate Changing Box Camera (Cut Film Modification?)

BobClack

Pioneer

Ian Grant

pdeeh

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