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Thread: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

  1. #1

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    Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    8x10 never grew on me (too square). For that matter, 4x5 is too square also, but at least it has the advantage of easy portability.

    Based upon what I've seen, I think I would really like 7x11. Since it is sort of a bastard format, I'd like some opinions on the pros and cons of the cameras and film holders, and also their relative availability and possible places to look. Thank you much.

  2. #2
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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    7x11 is a wonderful format. Unfortunately, the cameras and holders are much harder to come by than those for my other favorite old format, whole plate.

    Other than home brew projects, I'm aware of only two cameras - the Eastman No. 2/2D, which is fairly scarce - typically only a handful go by on eBay each year - and the Korona, which is very scarce.

    The Eastman is known especially for its unusual, extra-wide sliding lensboard. There are nice pictures of the 2D here. The main functional issue with the Eastman is that its design is somewhat different from that of the other formats in the 2/2D series, and is disproportionately heavy - mine weighs around 15 pounds. As partial compensation, though, the vintage Eastman holders are very lightweight.

    The Korona is supposed to be much lighter. I've never laid hands on one, though.

    Best places to look are probably eBay and the classifieds here and on APUG. You might also check with Lens and Repro in NYC - I believe they've had a set of vintage holders on offer for a good while, though as I recall their asking price wasn't cheap. Also, if I recall correctly Will Whitaker had a set of modern 7x11 holders he was offering on APUG not long ago - not sure whether he still has them.

    An alternative, if you find some holders but no camera, is to have an adapter back built for an 8x10 camera. This will need to be an expander back, but the extent of expansion required is not large, so problems with image cutoff on the long dimension should be minimal to non-existent for many typical uses. I've also seen original 7x11 camera backs for sale very occasionally; one of those could be converted into an adapter back.

  3. #3
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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Lots more discussion in this thread:

    http://www.apug.org/forums/forum187/...1-cameras.html

  4. #4

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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Thanks, Oren, for the info and the APUG link; never thought to search there for some reason.

    Now all I need to do is find a camera and some film holders...

  5. #5
    Is that a Hassleblad? Brian Vuillemenot's Avatar
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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Why don't you just get an 11X14 camera and use a half darkslide to shoot one half of a piece of film at a time for 7X11? You could also shoot 5.5X14 using the same approach and setup.
    Brian Vuillemenot

  6. #6

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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Hello John, I have recently joined the ranks of the 7x11 format (yeah, the same one that started the thread on APUG) and have to tell you it is a really nice format. Several offered that it is like a small 12x20 and have to agree with them. I had been thinking/talking about a 7x11 for some time (like you I just did not see as square as 8x10 - and I like 8x10, just 7x11 more).

    Several offered much sound advice, and it has been great. The camera I found is a Kodak No. 2 (not the later D model) and it is a beast - and I love it. It sits right now without a bellows, as I opted to replace the bellows (figured after 100+ years the original had done it's job). Found another member on APUG (also a member here) that had some holders - a couple of them are off to Alan at AWB to be fitted with new dark slides, have some 11x14 film that I cut down (and some 7x11 film coming in). It's like Christmas around here - Oh, and I mounted my 240 Docktor on the camera...really nice wide angle for the camera.

    Go for it, if it is how you see it will be a blast (oh, and don't forget ebay-UK you might find one over there - Kerry mentioned one over there when I was looking, just got to it too late).
    Mike Castles
    My Web Site
    Rambles

  7. #7

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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Okay, I took the plunge and bought the set that Lens & Repro was listing. Thanks to everyone and especially to Mike for their answers and encouragement. Now I need to think about a camera to adapt this back to. I have a Linhof Color parts camera I could use if I decide to go the monorail route, or possibly an Ansco wood field. I will post pictures when I finish things.

    And as long as we're talking about homebrew cameras, a while back I made a 4x5 monorail (it began as a few modifications to a Gowland Pocket View, and then got out of hand as I decided to change about 75% of the camera). I don't want to toot my own horn, but would it be helpful to others here at the forum if I posted pics of that camera for ideas or inspiration for other tinkerers?

    Cheers, John

  8. #8
    wfwhitaker
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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    If you can get your hands on a 10x12, the 7x11 format will fit neatly inside it. I never trusted extension backs, but then I've never used one, either

  9. #9

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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Fotoman here... how much interest would there be in NEW modern (molded) 7x11 film holders? We intend to produce 12x20 Holders, and if there's enough interest we could incorporate 7x11's into the same mold.

  10. #10

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    Re: Options for 7x11 cameras and film holders?

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Droluk View Post
    Fotoman here... how much interest would there be in NEW modern (molded) 7x11 film holders? We intend to produce 12x20 Holders, and if there's enough interest we could incorporate 7x11's into the same mold.
    Hellow Paul, here is one vote of interest for sure. Would love to see new modern 7x11 film holders available.
    Mike Castles
    My Web Site
    Rambles

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