Question: 9x12 plate cameras with tele lens for portraits only

[baachitraka]

I am not quite settled yet on getting a plate camera and I now wonder whether any plate cameras exist with tele-lens (85/100mm equivalent) for portraits??

I am thinking to get a nice continuous light for a small studio setup at home and shoot either with 9x12 film or with Rolex roll film holder.

 

[Nodda Duma]

Off the top of my head, there are a couple approaches to doing what you want.

Find a 9x12 with a Rapid Rectilinear, Anastigmat, or other symmetrical-type lens design and remove the front (or rear) lens group. This will double your focal length. The camera will be about a stop slower than the aperture setting when you do this. Stop it down to minimize the aberrations induced by breaking up the symmetry.

Acquire a 4x5 camera with lens board and your favorite portraiture lens. Acquire a 4x5 plate holder, and create a 9x12 adapter out of your favorite constructuon material (I would use a thin sheet of plastic shim stock and cardboard).

Whatever you do, I make new 9x12 plates if you want to shoot them. See link in my sig.

-Jason

 

[EdSawyer]

Best/easiest option for dedicated portrait 4x5/9x12 rig would be a Cambo Maxiportrait. Comes with a 240mm lens (85mm equiv in 35mm terms). cheap(ish), light, designed exactly for that purpose.

-Ed