Modern film holders for old view camera like Korona/Kodak 2D/Ansco?

[Peter Yeti]

I'm thinking about getting an old 8x10 view camera like a Korona View or Kodak 2D or Ansco Universal or comparable. Now I'm wondering, do modern film holders have the correct dimensions to be used with such cameras? Or would I need to find old compatible wood holders or adjust the ground glass position?

Any help in this question is highly appreciated.

Peter

[Drew Bedo]

I use "modern" film holders with my Kodak 2D. I am pretty sure that the Ansco will too.

[Louis Pacilla]

The cameras you mention all take the the modern standard holders. The generation of cameras before the models the OP mentioned most all took proprietary holders.

[Pete Watkins]

My 1926 5x7 Ansco is OK with modern film holders, no problems. I doubt if the 8x10 would be any different.
Pete.

[Andrew Plume]

The cameras you mention all take the the modern standard holders. The generation of cameras before the models the OP mentioned most all took proprietary holders.

exactly

good luck
andrew

[Peter Yeti]

Thanks a lot for your answers, gentlemen. This sounds quite promising. Does anyone know whether this film holder standard somehow correlates with the introduction of spring backs? I have an old 5x7 tailboard where you still have to swing the ground glass open like a door to replace it by the (plate) holder. That one needs proprietary holders.

Peter

[John Kasaian]

Thanks a lot for your answers, gentlemen. This sounds quite promising. Does anyone know whether this film holder standard somehow correlates with the introduction of spring backs? I have an old 5x7 tailboard where you still have to swing the ground glass open like a door to replace it by the (plate) holder. That one needs proprietary holders.

Peter

Not all spring backs conform to the standard, but the cameras you mentioned do. If you're considering a more esoteric antique camera, ask here and anyone with experience with that model camera can let you know.

[Oren Grad]

There are two issues. Does the holder physically fit, and is the GG register correct? Don't assume the latter, even if a camera theoretically conforms to a standard. With old wooden cameras we don't know about production tolerances, or about how much the bearing surfaces might have worn during decades of use. For many types of use we can get away with a bit of slop. But if you have very critical requirements, you should be prepared to measure and shim as necessary if your results seem off.

[mdarnton]

Good advice for any camera, old or new, that's new to you. I have a Cambo split back that must have been used for a billion ID photos; the leading edge of the focus panel is so worn that the focus rocks on its center, and when you take it off, it's very easy to see the wear and the effect it has. I'm going to have to plane it flat and shim the glass back to compensate.

[Peter Yeti]

Thanks a lot for all the valuable information. For sure one has to check for tolerances and wear with those roughly century old wooden cameras. I know it's nothing like my "atomic bomb proof" Sinar or Linhof Technika. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that if it was originally designed for a standardised holder complying with current standards it might be easier to shim (if necessary) than if it was meant for a different proprietary standard. And of course I don't expect the same precision from an old wooden view camera as I get from the afore mentioned models I'm used to. However, I'm confident that one still can get excellent pictures with them as our ancestors did and many of you as well.

Peter