Plate camera questions

saman13 · Jun 6, 2018

Okay, interesting.

From what I can find on the internet, these Linhof holders hold 4x5 film, but we’re also made to take glass plates (they use a spring loaded pressure plate). But, I suppose they were made to take 4x5 plates, rather than classic (half-plate, quarter-plate) sizes.

I just don’t know if these plates take actual 4x5 plates, or plates the same size as 4x5 sheet film. It’s been hard to find any information on that.

Nodda Duma · Jun 6, 2018

As an engineer, my recommendation is: Speculation gains you nothing. The low risk approach is to buy the holder and make some measurements!

removedacct1 · Jun 6, 2018

saman13 said:
Okay, interesting.

From what I can find on the internet, these Linhof holders hold 4x5 film, but we’re also made to take glass plates (they use a spring loaded pressure plate). But, I suppose they were made to take 4x5 plates, rather than classic (half-plate, quarter-plate) sizes.

I just don’t know if these plates take actual 4x5 plates, or plates the same size as 4x5 sheet film. It’s been hard to find any information on that.

I've never seen one of the Linhof plate holders and I know precisely nothing about them. I think its telling that there is practically ZERO information about them on the web. You could buy one and find out for yourself if they work with your equipment, but that's a gamble, ain't it?

Punker · Jun 6, 2018

paulbarden said:
whereas the Chamonix holders are sheet film size, which is about 1/16th inches smaller than 4 x 5 inches, in both dimensions. For that, plates have to be cut to fit exactly.

This is very disconcerting to hear. I have one on order and was hoping I could just buy these at Freestyle and be fine.

removedacct1 · Jun 6, 2018

Punker said:
This is very disconcerting to hear. I have one on order and was hoping I could just buy these at Freestyle and be fine.

Don't get too worried yet. The worst case scenario is that it takes plates smaller than exactly 4x5, in which case you will have to find/buy a classic guillotine style paper cutter to trim them. I do this often, to trim 8X10 plates to fit my Chamonix holder (which is sheet film size). Its not a big deal, just trim as needed.

Punker · Jun 6, 2018

paulbarden said:
have to find/buy a classic guillotine style paper cutter to trim them

My confidence is restored. I'm actually borrowing one right now to cut a friend's X-ray film down for him. I never considered I could cut the tin with it.

Nodda Duma · Jun 7, 2018

For reference, my dry plates are sized to fit both Chamonix holders (the most undersized I’ve found) and antique plate holders.

jimjm · Jun 7, 2018

I've got several antique wood 5x7 plate holders (pre-1920) and Jason's 5x7 plates fit perfectly.

bdial · Jun 7, 2018

I just happened to have a couple of Linhof 4x5 film holders next to my desk. They have a springy pressure plate that does look like it may be removable, and the channel it fits in probably would accommodate a plate.
After some googling, and taking another look at the holder, I think a plate would just slide in over the sprung pressure plate.

Note that the Linhof holders are quite a bit thicker than standard film holders, and are a tight fit in cameras that have plain spring backs. Graflock backs should work ok, and I've used them in various cameras that aren't Graflock, but you may want to proceed with caution, especially with antique wooden cameras.

Nodda Duma · Jun 7, 2018

Thanks for that, Barry.

Antique wooden 4x5 plate holders that I have scattered around my desk are about 13-15mm thick. How does that compare to the Linhoff holders?

bdial · Jun 7, 2018

My Linhof holder is 21 mm thick. For comparison, my Graphic film pack adaptor is 18mm, and a Fidelity Deluxe holder is 12mm overall thickness

Inside, the Linhof holder has about 2mm clearance for a plate, between the pressure plate and the rail it fits under.

saman13 · Jun 7, 2018

bdial said:
My Linhof holder is 21 mm thick. For comparison, my Graphic film pack adaptor is 18mm, and a Fidelity Deluxe holder is 12mm overall thickness

Inside, the Linhof holder has about 2mm clearance for a plate, between the pressure plate and the rail it fits under.

Hmm. I ordered one. I hope it’ll fit in a Pressman because I’ve heard those have a tighter spring back.

bdial · Jun 7, 2018

You may need to do something like add a shim under the springs where they're screwed to the back, and perhaps longer screws.

removedacct1 · Jun 7, 2018

saman13 said:
Hmm. I ordered one. I hope it’ll fit in a Pressman because I’ve heard those have a tighter spring back.

How much did it cost you?

saman13 · Jun 7, 2018

paulbarden said:
How much did it cost you?

$23 shipped. If it works, It'll be a high quality film holder and low cost plate holder compared to the Lund and Chamonix offerings. If it doesn't, I figure I can sell it for what I paid and break even.

Plate camera questions

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