TOYO- FIELD 45 A CAMERA FILM LOADING

jeffreyg

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I have a Toyo 45A field camera (forgot the vintage) that I have used with a Polaroid and roll film holders and rear extension as well as mostly 4x5 film holders. There are two slides to move to remove the back and change its orientation and of course to lock it on the camera. The spring is taught so the film holder which "snaps" in doesn't permit light leaks. Always use a sturdy tripod and secure the camera knobs and levers. I don't know what film holders you are using or if you completely remove the dark slide before exposing the film. Be sure to use a lens that the image circle includes the entire frame. Unless there is something wrong with the back it should work as it is a rather simple camera.


 

Hassasin

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It's simple, remove back, install film holder, whichever type, take a photo and swap back.

My Toyo AII will not take anything but sheet film holders without removing the back. There were slimmer roll film holders that would fit in, but Calumet was the slimmest and it would go in, while Toyo original was technically to go in, but I found it to be too tight and stopped using it that way.

Does not look like the earlier Toyo A was any different. I do have rotating back, but it is more of a feature built in than with any effect on holder loading.
 

jeffreyg

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My roll film holder is a Calumet (rarely used) and the Polaroid is a 545. I use 4x5 sheet film in Fidelity holders. I used to use the Polaroid to check lighting.
 
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nicointheclouds

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Thank you, i i understand what you mean, i use Toyo film holders. (yes always removing the dark slide before pressing shutter). I think it is the camera/tripod moving as i try to put the film back in...
although your notes on the lens, just to check, this is the lens im using

Schneider Symmar-S 150mm f5.6​

does this image circle include the entire frame?
thank you
 
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nicointheclouds

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you're right that is rather simple, i suppose though i defies the purpose of having the back with the springs in the first place, but i may do this actually as it won't move my camera when i take it off as it very easy to do so.
Thank you
 

B.S.Kumar

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Did you mean the camera/tripod is moving when a Toyo roll film holder is slid into the back? That should not happen. Is the camera held on the tripod without any play?
Your lens will indeed cover the 4x5 format adequately.

Where in Japan are you located?

Kumar
 

feanolas

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Had the opposite problem on a 45A, springs where too loose. The springs are held in position by screws on each end, mine had loose screws which made for less pre-tension on the springs. Retightening them, I ended with a back that would not open completely ! The position of the springs is important, I would advise to loosen the screws, play with the back to see how it works out and if it solves the problem, than tighten the screws while holding the back slightly open to allow for enough play in the springs. Sort of difficult to explain, but you should get it if you tinker a bit with the setup.
 
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