which 4x5 holder for first LF?

[Ishotharold]

I am determined to build myself a 4x5 this fall, I am wondeirng if there are any pitfalls I need to avoid in buying a film holder to base it off of. Looking for something that will allow for the easiest design without being too costly.

 

[Nick Zentena]

Film holders are an Ansi standard when it comes to 4x5. Unless you buy something REALLY old or a plate holder I think they should all be the same. Or at least close enough. You might want to check the Ansi

Dead Link Removed

There used to a webpage with pictures but that's the best I can find. Section #6.

 

[reellis67]

I would avoid the wooden holders at first until you can judge which holders are in good shape and which aren't. I've found that if you shop around you can get 4x5 holders for around $10 each on the average used. I've found the Lisco and Regal to be nice enough, and I've got a pair of Toyo holders that I bought new that are nice too.

- Randy

 

[reellis67]

Here is a good site with visuals to help you learn to load the holders

http://www.butzi.net/articles/filmload.htm

and here is one that discusses the different manufacturers.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/holders.html

- Randy

 

[Ishotharold]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm sure I will be back often in the coming months.

 

[reellis67]

Here's one more link about holder types.

http://www.butzi.net/reviews/filmholders.htm

- Randy

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If you want to use the measurements to build and test a camera back, I'd try to get a new or like-new Toyo holder. They seem to be made to tighter tolerances, and they generally have good flatness and keep the film square in the holder (some have more play, often due to wear, so the sheet can become crooked in the holder). Then if you want to shoot with other holders, at least you'll know the back was made with one that should be in tolerance.

 

[Lachlan Young]

Just avoid the wood MPP holders which have a significantly different plane of focus.

Good luck!

Lachlan

 

[argus]

Film holders are an Ansi standard when it comes to 4x5.

Not exactly, outside measurements can differ 10s of a millimeter, believe be because it bothered me once, but you can't do wrong with any modern plastic (is it plastic?) filmholder on an industrial built international back.
For your own confort, (there was a url link here which no longer exists).

As Nick says, stay away from anything that does smell like wood, unless you're tempted to go ULF

A decent holder on eBay will generally go for $13.00, that's the maximum bid I tend to place per 4x5" holder.

@ David & Ishotharold:

the Fidelity holders are a triffle wider than the Riteway brand. It's better to build your camera back around a Fidelity.
If you want any plans for guidance or inspiration on a homebuilt camera back, feel free to contact me by email and I'll send you a generic plan.

G

 

[Nick Zentena]

Not exactly, outside measurements can differ 10s of a millimeter,

http://web.archive.org/web/20050206152439/http://home.earthlink.net/~eahoo/filmhold.html

I found that. Seem the website is gone just the archive is left. Used to have lots of good info on that site.