It's definitely Quarter plate, the differences in sizes between 5x4, 9x12, and Quarter plate are quite subtle. 9x12 is roughly the same length as 5x4 give a couple of mm, the Quarter plate is near the same width as 9x12 but shorter.
Ian
Progress report.
Camera captures lovely images. A bit 'theatrical' to use so all my subjects have big smiles!
Right now I'm using 120 film in a Graflex '51' Film roll holder and contact printing using cyanotype. Decidedly NOT a digital process so have not scanned any results. I've already given most of the prints away to my very patient sitters!
Next up:
- Lens is still stuck at f2.5. Of course DoF is for wimps - but it can be nice to have sometimes. The new (to me) 'Bokeh' trend makes me unusually fashionable, but would still be nice to have more than peoples' noses in focus. Research underway for a lens technician with the right experience.
- I'm hoping the universe will deliver a TP or Graflex 120 film back for it some time soon. This will give me slightly larger negs, until I make the jump to quarter plate sheet film. I'm currently getting 60x83mm negs and it's great to be able to develop using a familiar roll film process.
- More focussing adjustments may be needed. It's a 'soft' lens so testing is not certain but I'm wondering whether the film is aligned in exactly the same plane as the ground glass screen. (This could change again if I move from 120 to 220 roll film)
Have you tried taking the lenses out and using a hair dryer to heat up the barrel enough to free up the aperture blades?
Try some xray film and cut down to half plate size. Xray film is great for cyanotypes.
I made my own back to fit a 6x9 roll holder, was going to convert to 6x12, but decided best to just use and make a dedicated 6x12 camera.
View attachment 310945
For reference:
View attachment 304526
Shutter detail of my g=first Ruby Reflex.
View attachment 304527
Mirror box & shutter.
View attachment 304528
There is a spring not sitting correctly, without a functioning shutter it was difficult to resolve. In this image the shutter is un-cocked, the two curtains should overlap by approx 1/4 of an inch as it's a self capping shutter. So I need to adjust the 2nd curtain.
I sent these via PM 3 days ago, but they may be useful to others.
View attachment 304529
View attachment 304530
The shutters stamped Patent no 6283-12 are essentially mechanically the same, the take-up drums are simpler than in the Patent drawing. The main differences are in the mirror fitting.
Ian
Hope it's going well. They are amazing cameras to use.Hi ian, im currently working on a ruby shutter myself . . .
thank you so much!! your threads and info have been a massive help on my journey of restoring this camera back to working order, i’ll get on that when i get back home tomorrow!The initial length of the tape is not critical as you will need excess to adjust the curtains anyway.
View attachment 361688
Remember the 1st curtain (the one on top) has only has to move just over the long length of the format. so with a 5x4 Ruby Reflex that's about 5½ inches. the 2nd curtain is the one that is used to adjust the shutter speed and so slit width so here the at the slowest speed and maximum slit width you are looking at maybe 11 inches.
So make the tapes a bit too long, you can cut of excess later.
Ian
Hope it's going well. They are amazing cameras to use.
What size is it and what kind of lens do you have?
Right now mine is being used with a Lomograflok back for instant colour pictures. Hugely entertaining for everyone.
Once I have another camera for the Lomograflok I'll switch 'Ruby' back to film work.
Instagram link for Ruby in action with the Lomograflok back
unfortunately i can’t show you a photo of the back right now, since the file is larger than 2mb and i don’t have anything to compress it down with on my phone :/ i’ll be sure to upload some to flickr or something similar when i’ve got better service so i can attach the links here. There is a small plate on the back of the camera that say Ruby Horizontal in cursive with the TP logo in the middle, and the film holder is inserted horizontally so i assume that checks out. Did they make the horizontal modification in different plate sizes too? this is my first delve into a format larger than 120 film, so i’m clueless as can be about all this stuffAre you sure it's a Horizontal ? Some photos of the back would help, There were 5x4, Half plate 6½x4¾ inch, and 7x5 (18x13cm).
Ian
Are you sure it's a Horizontal ? Some photos of the back would help, There were 5x4, Half plate 6½x4¾ inch, and 7x5 (18x13cm).
Ian
as promised, here’s a link to the google photos album containing the pictures of the camera, back, shutter mechanism and how it stands now. Needs a new mirror too, but i’ll get to that when i get my next paycheck xD
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