Rollei Glass Plate Back?

[Max Power]

A couple of days ago I was looking around eBay for Rollei stuff and I stumbled across a Rollei Glass Plate Back. It is an accessory for 'Flexes and 'Cords that makes an appearance in my 'Cord instruction manual.
I have a question about it, just because I am curious.

Basically, 50 years ago, why would someone choose to use glass plates over roll film in a Rollei? What would the inherent advantages be? Disadvantages? Do glass plates of this size exist anymore?

Cheers!
Kent

 

[Helen B]

Would this be the glass plate for holding the film flat? There are bulged backs that have adjustable pressure plates to allow the use of these dust magnets. Is that what you are referring to? I've seen many of the backs, and have one on my Tele, but never the glass plate itself.

Best,
Helen

 

[Max Power]

Hi Helen!
By the picture in my Rolleicord manual, you could by a new back cover which would take small glass plates, i.e. that would replace roll film. There is even a picture of a 'package' of small glass plate negatives that you could purchase and load into the back.

 

[Helen B]

Max,
Sorry, I'd completely forgotten about those plate adapters - I'm not always at my brightest in the mornings! I guess that the attraction of loading single plates or film sheets is just that: single exposures. Plates have the added attraction of better flatness.

I'd still be interetsed to hear from anyone who has used the glass 'optical flat' with roll film.

Best,
Helen

 

[Max Power]

Thanks Helen!
I couldn't really figure out what the attraction of glass plates would be, but I have never used them, so there you have it!
It would make sense to use them if they do/did in fact make better negatives.

Cheers!
Kent