Interesting 9x12 film holder solution via 3D printing

[Kino]

I found this 9x12cm camera adapter on Thingverse, a site related to 3D printing designs that are available to the general public.

International back for Voigtländer Avus 9x12
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3449588

I had the back printed in black PLA through Treatstock for about $30 USD to include shipping.

This back fits the AVUS and other "normalplatz" (?) film cameras and even allows engagement of the film plate lock mechanism.

The nice thing is you can either use 9x12cm or 4x5 Fidelity cut film holders without having to source the specific metal plate holders with film sheaths. Since the ground glass is back a bit from normal, I will have to make a new, temporary focusing scale or just use the ground glass to shoot with the Fidelity holders.

I don't expect the image to fully cover the 4x5 sheet, but it's better than having to trim the sheets by hand to fit the film sheaths and makes a lot more film available to 9x12 enthusiasts.

Of course you can still use plate holders with sheaths if you already have them and the focus scale will remain in correct calibration (once you remove the temporary one).

I would include a shot of my holder, but it being black PLA, it doesn't photograph too well...

 

[Donald Qualls]

Hmm. I wonder if someone has made a version of that that will fit a Zeiss-Ikon (or Ika, pre-merger) Ideal 9x12? I've got one of each in working condition (last I looked) but about half of my plate holders have bad velvet and the design doesn't lend to replacing the velvet (there's a bridge over the dark slide slot that's soldered on).

 

[Kino]

Hmm. I wonder if someone has made a version of that that will fit a Zeiss-Ikon (or Ika, pre-merger) Ideal 9x12? I've got one of each in working condition (last I looked) but about half of my plate holders have bad velvet and the design doesn't lend to replacing the velvet (there's a bridge over the dark slide slot that's soldered on).

You should contact the designer, Edgar (aka "ekech") via Thingverse and see if he can modify the holder for you. He's a really nice individual who wrote me back after I wrote him and thanked him for posting the design.

He wrote:
"it's really nice to get some interest and appreciation for my designs.
All of my designs are rooted in my very own requirements and my unwillingness spending lots of money for massively overpaid or poorly designed products.
For me, sharing my knowledge and designs is kind of normal - especially when we are talking about a hobby. But it's also my little statement when most people only think and talk in commercial categories ;-)
For my living I have a good day job, so I don't have to care about earning money with my hobby. But it makes me smile if I actually see people being happy using my designs..."

Worth a try!