Film Transport Material

[seabee1999]

I'm looking to make a 6x12 pano camera from wood. I was wondering what material would be ideal to use in the back for the film transport (if incorrect wording, please correct me). Would metal, plastic, or wood be best to use? I am currently drafting up a sketch in Auto-CAD but I am stuck on what material to use for the back film frame. I have a set of rollers for passing the film over the frame. I'll be making a pressure plate from one of the materials mentioned above as well. I salvage a set of PP springs from an obsolete Rolleicord. Thank you for you time.

R/
Dave

 

[Kirks518]

I would guess just what the camera manufacturers use - metal. It won't wear as time goes by, whereas the film running across it could cause erosion with plastic or wood.

 

[John Koehrer]

I'd be curious if film moving across plastic PP would
create some static problems.

 

[seabee1999]

I would guess just what the camera manufacturers use - metal. It won't wear as time goes by, whereas the film running across it could cause erosion with plastic or wood.

Thank you for your suggestion Kirk. I went back and made a few changes in the drawing to see how metal would look. I think it will much better but I will now have to find a metal break to make the bends I need.

I'd be curious if film moving across plastic PP would
create some static problems.

I think your correct about the static on a plastic pressure plate. For that, I'm leaning towards wood or metal. If metal, I need to find a way to bend and round the edges. My ability to do that is limited at home.

Thanks for your help so far. Please, if anyone else has any more thoughts to share please pass it on. I'm wanting to learn.

R/
Dave

 

[mshchem]

Make your proof of concept out of Masonite hardboard , get the bugs worked out , you probably run a hundred roll through it without problems. if you want metal take apart a old wood 4x5 film holder the metal in those would be very easy to fashion . You could bend that with a home made wooden brake .
Best Mike

 

[John Koehrer]

You could look for an old folder with an oversize PP. Dunno about likely $$$ though.