Voigtlander Avus (edit: actually Baby Bergheil) 4.5x6cm: film holder?

[stamasd]

I have a Goerrz Tenax that takes 4.5 x 6 cm glass plates. Have some plate holders and can send you a picture. They look like stainless steel and each one takes two plates, that must be rather thin. I don't think they were ever used. It was used mostly with film from a film pack holder, which I also have (along with a lot of the negatives).

This one? http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Plate_Tenax
because the other "Goerz Tenax" I found is only 6x9 and above.

 

[Jonathan-sv]

This one? http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Plate_Tenax
because the other "Goerz Tenax" I found is only 6x9 and above.

It looks like the one called 'Plate Tenax'. The front looks sort of like the one called 'Vest Pocket Tenax', with a finder and the aperture and shutter dials on the right as you look at the camera. The focus dial is centered on the top though The front says 'Tenax' on one line, and 'C.P. Goerz Berlin' underneath. It has an F 4.5 75mm Dogmar lens, and a shutter that still sounds OK, from 1 sec to 1/200. I can try and do some pictures, if there is any interest. I have 3 double plate holders for it, and a filmpack holder, all of which also say 'C.P. Goerz'. I've never taken any pictures with it, we got it via my wife's grandfather who used it a lot.

 

[Jonathan-sv]

Here are two pictures of the camera, plus 2 of the plate holder. It is hinged, and once open, the black plate holder part is also hinged, so a plate can be loaded on each side.

 

[Romanko]

It is hinged, and once open, the black plate holder part is also hinged, so a plate can be loaded on each side.

Is there a way to load sheet film into this holder? Maybe a piece of film cut from type 120 roll and attached to a thin plate for support?

 

[bernard_L]

Is there a way to load sheet film into this holder? Maybe a piece of film cut from type 120 roll and attached to a thin plate for support?

I've done that. The "thin plate" being a glass plate of the proper format. The back springs should have enough room to spare to accommodate the extra thickness of the film.

 

[Jonathan-sv]

I would guess that the 'glass plate' would be very thin, 1-2 mm, judging by the lip on the black holder. There is another lip on the shiny part of the holder that would hold the glass plate (or plate plus film) in place. The plates don't seem to be spring loaded like on the 9 x 12 plate holders I have, so there has to be something that holds them in place.

Maybe I should try this if I ever get the time. And something to use as the 'plate'. A sheet of aluminum? Maybe cut down sheet film might be stiffer (4 from a 9 x 12 sheet). I imagine I could put the 4.5 x 6 pieces of film in a 120 or 127 film reel for development.....

 

[Romanko]

I would guess that the 'glass plate' would be very thin, 1-2 mm, judging by the lip on the black holder. There is another lip on the shiny part of the holder that would hold the glass plate (or plate plus film) in place. The plates don't seem to be spring loaded like on the 9 x 12 plate holders I have, so there has to be something that holds them in place.

Maybe I should try this if I ever get the time. And something to use as the 'plate'. A sheet of aluminum? Maybe cut down sheet film might be stiffer (4 from a 9 x 12 sheet). I imagine I could put the 4.5 x 6 pieces of film in a 120 or 127 film reel for development.....

I used pieces of aluminium plate and acrylic salvaged from CD cases in my 9x12 folder before I found proper film sheaths. Sheet film was attached to the plate using syrup/starch or other water soluble "glue". I am not sure if the piece of film is long enough for the reel but you can always use the "taco" method.

 

[JPD]

What lens does the camera have?

The 4,5x6 format was never as popular as 6,5x9 and 9x12 for plate cameras, so these cameras are more rare, so if you start using it please share your results!

 

[stamasd]

Update: I have received the 3D printed backs from the manufacturer, and they fit perfectly. A little too perfectly even, as I had a little trouble sliding it back out of the camera.

https://i.postimg.cc/XJD5m0J3/IMG-20250316-102854.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/yxgRzrgR/IMG-20250316-102914.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/VspMF1pW/IMG-20250316-103003.jpg

The .stl files are exactly the ones attached earlier in this thread (the mk3 version). It was resin printed in black opaque resin, and surface finished with black satin paint. The cost was $42 for 5 pairs holder+back cover.

 

[JPD]

That looks nice.

Is the name of the lens a secret?

 

[stamasd]

It's not. It's a Voigtlander Heliar 75mm f=4.5

 

[JPD]

Nice. I saw that some have the Radiar.

 

[loccdor]

Very happy you were able to make it work! Looking forward to your images.

 

[paul ron]

as posted earlier

check this thread about plate holders and film holders for them...

9x12 Plate holders 1

Because there are so many variations of the holders I've measured & photographed what I currently own. It would be useful if anyone can add further variations and also the cameras they fit. These two fit a Rodenstock 9x12 and an Orion Werks 9x12 details Width 100mm, length 139mm note the...

www.photrio.com

 

[que]

And another 3D model for a mode complete backplate including slit for a custom metal slider and holder for cut film or plates of 4.5x6cm, up to 1mm thickness; as well as a separate back cover. It may contain errors although I don't think so. I can only 3D print fused-filament not resin and this model is not appropriate for that, so I ordered a few copies of each resin-printed online. I should have them in the next 1-2 weeks for testing.

Hi stamasd,
Thanks a lot for sharing 3d model.
I am owner of another Baby Bergheil just like yours, but in my case I have a back with ground glass, but no other inserts.
I have a question. Does focal plane of this back/model match the original focal plane? Or do I need to recalculate for my model?

 

[que]

This camera is so nice. I hope to find the solution to shoot with it.