Russian 18x24 FKD camera: can take horizontal and vertical shots?

[Fulvio]

hi

I have a question for russian FKD 18x24 cm cameras (not the 13x18 models).

I'd like to buy one of these cameras, but haven't figured out yet if the back is fixed to horizontal - or vertical shots in 18x24 are possible...

Since I will be taking vertical shots mainly, if the back doesn't turn vertical but only horizontal 18x24 shots are possible, I'd rather look for a 13x18 camera with the right back for me...

Does anybody know?

thank you

 

[matti]

Sure. I can turn mine around in about the same way I do on my Tachihara.

/matti

 

[Fulvio]

thanks for the info!

 

[matti]

Here are two pics of what it looks like. I am searching for a replacement normal 8x10-back to fit to it as well. It should be easy to do. (If I only could find one in my price range.)
/matti

 

[Fulvio]

thanks matti, people confirmed the possibility of horizontal/vertical shots

I just bought my 18x24 on ebay for 175$ plus shipping - the seller should be a trusted one... let's hope so...

why are you looking a replacement? what's wrong with the back you already have? or you mean a film/plate holder?

 

[matti]

The back on these cameras only take the supplied plate holders. There is nothing wrong with them but they don't take normal 8x10 film holders. When I use 18x24 cm film I have to use 3M-sticky spray mount or jam as Ole (I actually use honey). It works but it would be more convenient to use ordinary film holders as well. I already bought a 5x7-back that I plan to mount some day.

/matti

 

[Ole]

You can also use sheet film adapters - thin metal sheaths that you slide the film into. I use these for all sizes up to 18x24cm, so I know they exist. the jam trick I only use for even bigger, floppier sheets - 24x30 and 30x40!

 

[Fulvio]

ahh yes I knew about they were made for plates only

but that's ok, I'm gonna use this camera for wet playes anyway

 

[Fulvio]

the FKD (actually FK, it's from the 1950s) is here

very nice camera! I didn't pay very much for it... and the comrades did a very nice job!

 

[Ole]

Those smaller ones tend to be very nice - at least compared to the "cabbage crate" 30x40cm ones!

 

[vickersdc]

ahh yes I knew about they were made for plates only

but that's ok, I'm gonna use this camera for wet playes anyway

Having just got my own 18x24 FKD, and sorted it out, I'm intrigued to know how you got on with wet-plates...

Cheers,
David.