Metal film holder question

[Maverick609]

Hi everyone, I apologize for my lack of knowledge, I'm brand new to photography but have purchased a 1930s large format camera that accepts glass plates in 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" plates. It came with 1 film holder but it would be nice to have multiples. I cannot seem to find any that fit this camera though. The overall size of the current holder is 3-5/8" x 5". Can anyone point me to a source that may have some? Thanks

 

[xkaes]

Since your camera was made 100 years ago, film holders will be difficult to find -- and expensive. Many people in your situation simply make their own. You're lucky to have one that you can use as a model.

 

[koraks]

I apologize for my lack of knowledge

No need! Welcome to Photrio, and I hope whatever knowledge you lack we can supplement

I'm with @xkaes - this looks like a DIY job. Give it a go, or bribe a mechanically-inclined friend!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to APUG Photrio!!​

 

[Donald Qualls]

Actually, plate holders (and their cameras) are their own special class -- they aren't anything like as common or interchangeable as the standardized modern plate and film holders we use on, say, a Speed Graphic or view camera, but there are a number of partially interchangeable forms. I've put in a request to move this thread to the Plate Camera subforum, where you'll get more views from people who know their way around these antiques. I'm sure it would help to know the brand and model of the camera you got, if you know that.

 

[grat]

Are there any numbers on the outside? Or, if you could share photos of the camera. Both might help in tracking down the correct holders.

It's not quite as bleak as xkaes and koraks would have you believe, but there is no standard for these sorts of holders.

 

[Donald Qualls]

there is no standard for these sorts of holders.

Well, more correctly, there are at least a dozen different standards...

 

[gone]

Welcome Maverick609. Unfortunately, you started your photography w/ a camera that many of us don't even want to tangle with. Plate cameras are not easily adaptable to film, mostly because they were not designed for film in the first place.

If I may make a suggestion, your life w/ film photography could go a lot smoother and cost you less initially by starting w/ a 35mm camera, ideally one that offers automatic exposure. The investment would be minimal, and the cameras are light, small and reliable if you pick the right one. It's just so much easier to load a $6 roll of Foma 100 or 400 B&W film in one and have a lot of exposures after just one afternoon walking around. At that point you will still need to get the film developed.

Initially I would suggest sending the first few rolls out for development and 4x6 prints. If it feels like something you might want to pursue, then get the stuff for home developing and do it yourself like many of the forum members do. We're always happy to help someone figure things out. Might as well make use of our knowledge before we get older and forget it!

 

[grat]

Well, more correctly, there are at least a dozen different standards...

Well, the design is kind of standardized--- but the dimensions aren't.

Having said that, I've managed to find a stack of metal film holders for my particular quarter-plate camera, so it's not impossible. But we need more information from the OP.

 

[P C Headland]

If you can take some pictures of the actual camera and provide its name then we can advise what sort of holder you'll need to look out for. Pictures of the edges of those holders may help too. There are several different types, with the outer dimensions and grooves or slide rails being different thicknesses. Some types are easier to find than others.

These look to be from a 9x12cm camera. 9x12cm film is still available, but you need some film inserts that you slip the sheet film in before putting in these (glass plate) holders.

You can also, sometimes, find roll film adapters for these so you can shoot 6x9cm on 120 film.