Making a 35mm film testing camera

I'm interested in building a film testing camera that allows me to take consecutive shots on different film types. Without buying multiple cameras or multiple camera backs (both very expensive) I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on how to build a camera that would allow me to shift between cameras easily. I don't need a viewfinder to accurately compose and I would like to use 35mm for efficacy.

I was wondering if it would make sense to build a single camera that had a shifting back or to just build separate backs that could hold the with a dark slide? Also I was wondering whether there was any cheap cameras or camera backs I could purchase that I could use as 'components'.

I don't mind spending about £20 per camera (and it would be fine to swap the lenses)

The alternative is just to buy multiple cameras but I don't know what the cheapest, reliable 35mm film camera that I could buy 10-20 of would be?

Couldn't work out which forum to put this in but it's fundamentally about testing film so this made sense..

Tim

p.s. I should have been clearer. I want to test the films "photographically". I've done this before but using graphmatic backs on my Ebony but 5x4 film gets expensive. The idea is that I can make each consecutive image without the conditions changing too much.

Here's a test I've done previously for colour film https://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2011/06/colour-film-comparison-pt-3/

On the principle of making things simple,
why not just fabricate something to hold the film securely in a camera (eg a piece of thin card with parallel slits),
then load/unload in a dark bag.
Might be easier still to use an old 120 folder, even tho' you want to use 135.

pdeeh said:

On the principle of making things simple,
why not just fabricate something to hold the film securely in a camera (eg a piece of thin card with parallel slits),
then load/unload in a dark bag.
Might be easier still to use an old 120 folder, even tho' you want to use 135.

Click to expand...

I should have been clearer. I want to test the films "photographically". I've done this before but using graphmatic backs on my Ebony but 5x4 film gets expensive. The idea is that I can make each consecutive image without the conditions changing too much.

Here's a comparison I've done previously for colour film

https://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2011/06/colour-film-comparison-pt-3/

Tim

Just load a bunch of short rolls. If you roll seven or so frames into each cassette you should have one clean test shots on each roll.

ic-racer said:

Just load a bunch of short rolls. If you roll seven or so frames into each cassette you should have one clean test shots on each roll.

Click to expand...

Do you mean cut each 36 exposure film into sets of 7 or 8 and mount back into the canister?

Modify a medium format back to take 35mm film. Then use multiple backs, each with a different film.

timparkin said:

Do you mean cut each 36 exposure film into sets of 7 or 8 and mount back into the canister?

Click to expand...

Put the film in the bulk loader and load a number of 7 or 8 exposure rolls. Depending on how your camera loads (auto or manual wind) and the length of the light trap in the bulk loader, you may be able to roll shorter lengths.

You need either multiple cameras or multiple backs. And both must be inexpensive. Some (all?) models of Contaflex accept interchangeable backs, but backs are scarce. I suggest buying multiple cameras of a kind that are of good quality and so plentiful as to be almost worthless. Examples include the large-body versions of the Canonet QL17/19, and perhaps the Canonet 28 if you can tolerate auto-only. Also consider cheap K-mount SLRs such as Ricoh, Pentax ME Super, Vivitar, Chinon, and several others. With the SLRs, you can use just one lens, so you only need to buy the bodies.

Mark Overton

I think albada has the right idea. Buy a dozen Pentax Spotmatic and an SMCT 50mm f/1.4 and just treat each to a re-seal. Then shoot at whichever you find is a reliable shutter speed.