ICA Ideal (9x12cm) Questions

[zenrhino]

After reading that old b/w film holds up pretty well with age (relatively speaking), I've decided to give this ICA Ideal I got for next to nada a try.

I have a few questions which hopefully won't be too RTFM in nature.

• Is this film (Plus-X Pan) something I can develop at home? I have a set of trays coming, and chemistry under the sink. If so, I assume I'll have to do it in the dark?
• I assume I take the film pack off, put the ground glass viewer on, make my focus, meter, adjust, put the pack back on and expose?
• The back on this camera has a number of paper tabs sticking out. Do I just pull on the first one in line (nearest the dark sheet) after I make my exposure? If so, do I need to do that in darkness or will the film be in some sort of light-proof sheath?

This camera is just too pretty to not want to go shooting with. =)

 

[Chaska]

I have a Voightlander Avus that is very similar, they are a lot of fun to use. As to your questions.

1. You can certainly develop plus-X at home, if you do it in trays it will need to be completely dark. But Being that film packs were discontinued in the 80's I would not expect much from old film.
2. You are correct here just make sure you have the darkslide inserted in the filmpack before you take it off the camera, and make sure you remove it befor you make an exposure.
3. Can't help you here, I have never used a film pack. Did the camera come with individual film holders as well? This is how I use mine, I got 9x12 film from JandC (Efke 100) loaded in the holders and use as a small view camera.

They are fun to shoot with, additionally there were roll film backs that make them easier to use as well. Search eBay for Rada, Suydam, or Rollex(sp?), I have a Rada and it works great for 6x9.