ICA 9x12 holders and/or septums

[EdColorado]

I've a nice ICA 146/1 here that I'm trying to get setup to use. This is my first plate or medium format camera so is a bit of a learning experience. I found three 721/6 film holders which from my research appear to be what I want. Unfortunately only one of these holders has a septum. So my first question is, do I have to have a specific septum or will any 9x12 septum fit? 2nd question then is, does anyone have a lead on some septums? I've been cruising the Bay but the things seem to be a bit rare in the needed size. Which leads me to my last question. Is 9x12 really the same as 4x5? I know that dimensionally they are close but can I load 4x5 into a 9x12 septum and shoot it? Can I buy 4x5 septums and expect them to fit in my 9x12 holders? Living in the US it seems working with 4x5 will be a bunch easier.

Thanks for the help,

 

[ChuckP]

The 9x12cm film is smaller than 4x5. You would need to trim the 4x5 to size to fit the film sheaths. And 4x5 sized septums, like in a Grafmatic holder, are too large for 9x12 holders. Not much help to you now but in the future it always pays to try and buy a camera that includes some holders. You will pay more but you don't have to go through the exercise of finding the right holder and film sheaths.

I believe that the 9x12 film sheaths will fit any 9x12 holder but I don't have much experience with many holder types. They fit my Zeiss, Kodak and a couple other unmarked ones just fine.

Try a WTB here and on the Large Format Forum. Something may turn up. I'm not sure of the going price for 9x12 film sheaths. $5-10 each?

 

[EdColorado]

Thanks Chuck. I really don't understand some of the things I've read on the web re film sizes. Just use 4x5 in your 9x12...they're the same size...

Had me wondering if perhaps 9x12 wasn't really 9x12 in size or something.

I guess I just cant believe everything I see on the Internet. I'm so disappointed...

Thanks to one of our members here I have ordered a couple of septums off Ebay so I'll have 3 working holders. That and a changing bag will be a fine start. I see too that B&H sells 9x12 Fomapan 100 and its even considerably cheaper than 4x5.

I need to make room on my camera repair bench (I've a Vito B in pieces to finish) and get this ICA cleaned up. It works fine but is really dusty. Any suggestions or concerns with cleaning the ground glass?

 

[ChuckP]

I didn't know that B&H sold the 9x12 Fomapan. When I just now looked it was listed but special order. I have been buying it from Freestyle. I see that they do have it but in a low stock/call situation. So if you want some quick try Freestyle.

I just washed my ground glass in warm water with dish soap and a soft sponge. Worked for me. On the old 9x12 cameras I've bought the lenses were pretty hazy. Lucky for me they are Zeiss Tessar and were easy to take apart and clean. I did send my main use camera shutter out for a pro CLA. I did use up a lot of Q-tips in the camera cleanup.
Good Luck.

 

[EdColorado]

Dang, I looked yesterday and could have sworn BH had it in stock. Guess I misread...

Freestyle will work!