Actual size of 2.25" x 3.25" sheet film

[MenacingTourist]

I have this camera I got as an extra when buying another camera. It came with 6 film holders that will fit a sheet that is 2.5" x 3.5". I was wondering if I use the 2.25" x 3.25" sheet film or if this camera used a film size that no longer exists?

The camera itself had no markings I could find. The shutter is a Compur and the lens is a jos. Schneider & Co. Kreuznach Xenar F3.5 105cm.

I think this might be an ICA before they merged with Zeiss but I'm not finding much. The film holders are rather funky but kind of cool. I would love to have this as a "user" but I will accept a fate of "shelf sitter".

 

[Ole]

Nice old German folder? Nice old German lens? In that case the film size is 6.5x9cm. There are some "universal" holders which accept 2 1/4 x 3 1/4", 2 1/2 x 3 1/2" and 6.5x9cm film as well as 2 1/2 x 3 1/2" plates, but they are rare and of course they don't fit all cameras.

 

[MenacingTourist]

What about cutting? At $12 for a 25 pack of 3x4 film from J and C this doesn't sound too bad. Thinking out loud...

 

[Ole]

Why cut when you can buy? 6.5x9cm isn't all that difficult to get hold of - JandC has some, Retrophotographic has some I think, and there are several other sources in Europe. In fact the last sheet film I bought was 200 sheets of 6.5x9 APX100 - two months ago!

 

[MenacingTourist]

Oh, you mean under the Centimeter Size Link (J and C)...
I should probably get more sleep, I think I can feel myself getting dumber

 

[Donald Qualls]

Best be careful there, Menacing -- sheet film is like cocaine; it'll steal your life away. Next thing you know, you'll be lugging a 12x20 (inch) camera in your car and taking out a second mortgage for a box of film...

And that goes double with a Xenar in that format; you'll get negatives similar in size to 6x9 on 120, but the film flatness will put most 6x9 roll film cameras to shame. Focus with care (use an 8x loupe on the ground glass, assuming you got a ground glass), and you'll be able to print to mural size from those...

 

[gainer]

What about cutting? At $12 for a 25 pack of 3x4 film from J and C this doesn't sound too bad. Thinking out loud...

If you want 2.5 X 3.5, and cannot buy it already cut, it would be better to start with 5X7.

 

[roteague]

Best be careful there, Menacing -- sheet film is like cocaine; it'll steal your life away. Next thing you know, you'll be lugging a 12x20 (inch) camera in your car and taking out a second mortgage for a box of film...

Alan, you better listen.

Although with me, it isn't bigger cameras (I have no interest in anything larger than 4x5); it's lenses -- I just got my Schneider SuperSymar XL 80mm f4.5. Yum!!!!

 

[MenacingTourist]

It's a sickness to be sure.

I can't wait to start using this little camera. I just sent it to Flutot's for a CLA and will order some film from J & C as soon as Carol sends it back. It might be a while before I can start enlarging (the darkroom is a long term project) but contact printing with the 5x7 should keep me happy.

I better make sure I take a lot of portraits of the kids so my wife understands or at least tolerates it. Besides, I don't drink, smoke, gamble or golf so I gotta do so something! I guess it's photography

 

[Donald Qualls]

Well, it's cheaper than building choppers or racing sports cars -- at least at first...

 

[Ole]

I keep reminding my wife that one of my colleagues collects old cars. Not "vintage", just "old". My old cameras and lenses don't rust, leak oil or clutter up the garden (yet)...

 

[Whiteymorange]

Well, it's cheaper than building choppers or racing sports cars -- at least at first...

Ya, but people think you're cool when you race sports cars, and scary when you build choppers. All I seem is old and crotchety with my shelves of old cameras.

Folks just don't understand!