Looking to replace my well used 11x14 film holders

[Greg]

Am looking to replace my well used 11x14 film holders with 3 or 4 new ones. Chamonix holders are now going new for $540 each. I'm sure they are absolutely gorgeous, but are there any other brands out there that may not be 100% up to Chamonix's quality but are a bit more reasonably priced? My present ones are second hand very well used modified Fidelity Medical X-Ray holders which I fear are on their last legs...
Thanks

[Daniel Stone]

I've seen some 11x14 holders listed here in the classifieds at least once this year. Put a WTB ad up in the WTB section, and see what pops up. You never know

[MAubrey]

S&S Film Holders sell their 11x14's for $375. Still a nice chunk of change, but a far cry from $540.

http://ssfilmholders.com/?page=film_holders

[Sal Santamaura]

S&S Film Holders sell their 11x14's for $375...

http://ssfilmholders.com/?page=film_holders

Note that, while the ANSI standard for 11x14 holders' T dimension is 0.332 inch, +/- 0.016 inch, S&S specifies its holders at 0.350 inch with no tolerance given. I'm unaware of what T-dimension the OP's Medical Cassettes use, but it would be wise to explore this factor in detail before purchasing any holders.

[Tin Can]

Are S&S holders still available?

[karl french]

There is still some 'new-old' stock left. Email Sandy via the info@ssfilmholders.com address.

[Greg]

Note that, while the ANSI standard for 11x14 holders' T dimension is 0.332 inch, +/- 0.016 inch, S&S specifies its holders at 0.350 inch with no tolerance given. I'm unaware of what T-dimension the OP's Medical Cassettes use, but it would be wise to explore this factor in detail before purchasing any holders.

When I acquired the used 11x14" Fidelity Medical X-Ray holders, did some research and the overall thickness dimension of the holders did differ ever so slightly from 11x14" holders made to be used with conventional photo film. Holders made for holding X-ray film were a tad bit thicker to withstand heavy daily use. BUT the front of holder to film surface distances were the same for X-Ray and conventional film holders.

Being as I regularly use the f/64 aperture, the S&S holders very slightly differing from ANSI standards shouldn't present a problem for me.

Maybe 20 years ago also did acquire some used 14x17" X-Ray film holders. I sold them to another ULF photographer who told me they most probably did not meet ANSI standards, but the actual in reality flatness of 11x14" or 14x17" film definitely did not meet the ANSI standards. Also told me he regularly used apertures closer to f/90. From experience I totally agree with him. For one project shot quite a few 11x14" negs with the camera pointed down and the lens at max aperture. Focus was off because of the (gravity induced) sagging of the film. Had to turn to using double sided adhesive tape which turned out to be a real pain to use.

[diversey]

FYI.
11x14 Fidelity Medical Cassette (Medical x-ray holder?)

Dimensions: (ANSI in parenthesis)
Depth to fim surface: 0.330" (0.332"+/-0.016")
Retaining tab location: 16.125" (16.160")
Thickness: 0.75" (0.79")
Length: 16.25" (16.188")
Width: 13" (13.000")
Exposure height: 13. 563" (14.086"?)
Exposure width: 11.0625" (10.188")
Distance to exposure field: 1.25" (1.255")

[MartinP]

Just the obvious silly question . . . do I recall correctly that some/all xray holders are sealed film-chambers, ie. without a darkslide ??

[angusparker]

Those medical holders are super heavy - I would avoid them. Since 11x14 is an ANSI standard you may be lucky if you match a modern camera and a modern film holder but it will be a bit of a gamble in most cases if you have an old camera or holder.


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