Moving up

r0l4nd · Jul 1, 2005

Hi, I am new to this forum: spent far too much time reading past threads but never posted until now.

I have been using my home built 5x4 field camera for a while now. I love it but contact prints from it are just too small! I think I have caught the bug and need something bigger.

I am on something of a restricted budget (I own a pub and most of my money goes into doing things to it) so cannot afford a nice new 10x8 camera.

I have noticed the russian 18x24cm FKD camera going quite cheaply on a certain auction site and wondered if anyone had used one - are they any good.

Also, I cannot find a supplier of 18x24 film in the UK. Is there one?

Many thanks for your help

BradS · Jul 1, 2005

I've seen these cameras too. I don't know anything about them but, they do look interesting. I had always just assumed that if I got one, I'd build anew back to fit a more commonly available size film holder.

Nick Zentena · Jul 1, 2005

If it's the camera I think it is a few thoughts.

Check the shipping. It can be quite high.

It's a plate camera. With all those issues.

it's heavy IIRC.

Once you add the cost of shipping and the camera it's no cheaper [and can be more expensive ] then an 8x10 camera.

I'm fairly sure you can get a cheaper 8x10 on Ebay. Shipping to the UK will add a few dollars but you won't have to deal with the plate back.

Ole · Jul 1, 2005

I have an 18x24cm plate camera, even if not of the FKD type.

I bought a couple of cheap "clip" frames on IKEA, and use the glass and backing (one on each side) as "backing" for the film. So open the holder, insert film, insert glass, close (that side of the ) holder. Repeat as necessary. Works just great.

The 18x24cm plate holders are generally smaller than film holders, but it might still be possible to build a new back for "standard" film holders. This is on my (growing) "to do" list...

It's heavy, but not unreasonably so. Not significantly more than most folding 8x10" cameras - like a Gandolfi.

18x24cm film is still (fairly) easily available form Germany, but even there 8x10" is taking over as the market shrinks. Retrophotographic has MACO UP100 in 18x24cm.

But can anyone tell me where I find 30x40cm film for my Russian plate camera?

Nick Zentena · Jul 1, 2005

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/sc_prod.php?cat_id=406&pid=1184

It's not normal film. Plus it's a little bigger so you'd have to cut it down . But the price is right. OTOH I'd hate to ask how much shipping would be.

John Bartley · Jul 1, 2005

Ole said:
But can anyone tell me where I find 30x40cm film for my Russian plate camera?

How about cutting your own from the rolls of Aerographic film sold by mrfoto1 on eBay?

Seems to cut easy enough and is cheap to boot.

cheers

Ole · Jul 1, 2005

Found some info about the FKD here: http://www.pauck.de/marco/photo/stuff/fk/fk.html

r0l4nd · Jul 1, 2005

Hmmm. Film available. Not too heavy. Camera + shipping is less than 100ukp.

I am edging towards the "Buy Now" button. I just need to press it before I get home and my girlfriend persuades me to spend the money on a dog instead of a camera!

Ole: maybe it's time to start making dry plates for your BIG plate camera. Got to be cheaper than film.

r0l4nd · Jul 1, 2005

Well, I did it!
I guess I'll let you know what it is like when it finally arrives!

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