MF History - Any Cameras Cover All Four Popular Sizes? (6x4.5 - 6x9)

kerne · Dec 7, 2011

I was reading a book today (yep, made from real dead trees) on camera history and got to wondering if there were any MF cameras designed and made (possibly with masks) to cover all the major MF sizes - 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. I wouldn't expect such a beast to stray much further into the panoramic class - 6x12 or higher, but that would be interesting.

I know several folders have masks to cover both 6x4.5 and 6x6 or similar arrangements. But aside from fabricating masks for my own 6x9 Ikonta folder, was there ever a model designed specifically to cover all four sizes?

Cheers,
-- David N.

Joachim_I · Dec 8, 2011

Probably not what you are looking for but the Sinar Zoom 2 multi-format rollfilm back for large format cameras allows you to shoot 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 and 6x12.

Barry S · Dec 8, 2011

The Mamiya Super 23 and Universal press cameras have backs that cover all four sizes. There were 6x9 and 6x7 dedicated backs and a convertible back that could be switched between 6x4.5, 6x6, and 6x9. They may have also made a 6x12 back in very limited quantities, but they're as rare as unicorns.

kerne · Dec 8, 2011

Ah yes, the Mamiya Universal. Forgot about that classic. Almost bought one a few years ago too.

Thanks.

jnoir · Dec 8, 2011

Without interchangeable backs or adapters, there is none AFAIK.

6.5x9 plate cameras can also do that by means of rollfilm adapters.

ChuckP · Dec 8, 2011

Out of the mainstream but Zero Image does have a pinhole that will handle those sizes.

Marc B. · Dec 8, 2011

Only slightly astray from the subject.
A question for the Mamiya, RB'rs out there; did Mamiya make a 6 X 6 back for the RB?

If they did, then with the RB, (Pro SD needed for 6 X 8 back use), you could
shoot four sizes with a RB: 6 X 8...6 X 7...6 X 6...and 645.

Jerevan · Dec 8, 2011

Yes, there is an RB 6x6 back, but not very common. Otherwise, the Internets says a Graflex RH12 back will fit. In this case, maybe a Baby Speed with corresponding backs would be a nice alternative.

Well, okay, I would like to have one of those, anyway!

TimmyMac · Dec 8, 2011

GX680III will do 645-6x8. It can also be used to hammer railroad spikes or as a wrecking ball if necessary.

Steve Smith · Dec 8, 2011

Jerevan said:
Yes, there is an RB 6x6 back

Does it rotate? Being the sort of person who sometimes turns a 6x6 folder through ninety degrees to get a better composition, I would appreciate that option!

Steve.

Alastair_I · Dec 8, 2011

Steve Smith said:
Does it rotate? Being the sort of person who sometimes turns a 6x6 folder through ninety degrees to get a better composition, I would appreciate that option!

Rotating a 6x6 folder I can fully understand

But no need with the RB..

waynecrider · Dec 8, 2011

I had a friend that bought a Russian folder after reading an article in one of the forums, and from what I remember having looked at it, I believe it had three formats available and self masking by selection. I know for sure it had two at least which I believe were 6x7 and 6x9 and I think the 3rd one was 6x6. From what I recall he sold it off after seeing the results. Maybe someone here knows of the model.

Hikari · Dec 8, 2011

The Gilde 66-17 MST will shoot all the formats from 6x6 to 6x17. It has an internal mask and so you can switch formats in mid-roll. Naturally, view cameras can shoot many format by changing the back--Sinar made a back that goes from 6x4.5 to 6x12. The new Fuji rangefinders will do both 6x6 and 6x7. Holga will do 6x4.5 and 6x6.

EthanFrank · Dec 9, 2011

TimmyMac said:
GX680III will do 645-6x8. It can also be used to hammer railroad spikes or as a wrecking ball if necessary.

I didn't even know it worked as a camera!

lxdude · Dec 9, 2011

Steve Smith said:
Does it rotate? Being the sort of person who sometimes turns a 6x6 folder through ninety degrees to get a better composition, I would appreciate that option!

Steve.

Would that be 90 degrees left, right, up, or down?

Vaughn · Dec 9, 2011

TimmyMac said:
GX680III will do 645-6x8. It can also be used to hammer railroad spikes or as a wrecking ball if necessary.

We have a GX680(I) that students can check out -- I usually suggest that they not try to hand-hold it! The Rolleicords and the Fuji 6x7 see more use for that reason. But the GX680 is an impressive machine! Unless there are different backs, our early GX680 is just 6x8.

Vaughn

Steve Smith · Dec 9, 2011

lxdude said:
Would that be 90 degrees left, right, up, or down?

Usually right (or clockwise) although I have taken a few pictures of the sky and my feet (though not at the same time).

Steve.

GS_Jean · Dec 9, 2011

Don't know a quadri-format MF camera.
But dual-format with automatic film advance and exposure counter functioning for both formats, switchable in mid-roll, is the amazing (and uncommon) Bessa 466, launched in 1938.
A true technology marvel from it's time!

keithwms · Dec 9, 2011

kerne said:
I was reading a book today (yep, made from real dead trees) on camera history and got to wondering if there were any MF cameras designed and made (possibly with masks) to cover all the major MF sizes - 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9. I wouldn't expect such a beast to stray much further into the panoramic class - 6x12 or higher, but that would be interesting.

I know several folders have masks to cover both 6x4.5 and 6x6 or similar arrangements. But aside from fabricating masks for my own 6x9 Ikonta folder, was there ever a model designed specifically to cover all four sizes?

Cheers,
-- David N.

I had a Horseman VH and used all of those sizes on it. In addition to the horseman 6x9 back and sheet holders, it took all the RB backs, 645 through 6x8, so it was easy.

The RB has a 6x8 back, so... close to 6x9 but not quite!

The main issue with a camera covering all these formats and doing it well is that for smaller formats you typically want better corrected lenses with smaller image circle, whereas for larger format you could usually care less. This is the classic lens advanateg versus format advantage debate. Mind you, some of the lenses can do both and quite admirably.

MF History - Any Cameras Cover All Four Popular Sizes? (6x4.5 - 6x9)

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