6x12 - can this be done? .. and how?

[Matus Kalisky]

Already some time I keep thinking whether it would be possible to put together in some way a compact 6x12 camera (for 120 film). I know there are the "classical" ones that are built in a similar fashion like 6x17 (Linhof, Fuji, Fotoman, etc ..). While these cameras are very strong, allow the user to change the lens, at the same time they are quite bulky and (as far as I know) do not posses a rangefinder.

Now - there are those old folding Polaroid cameras converted to 4x5. Not too small either, but are at least less thick as they fold.

So - would it be possible to reuse either some of the older Polaroids (or similar) to take 120 film to produce 6x12 image - with either some medium-wide lens (around 110 mm) or some really wide lens (around 65 mm)? Could such a camera still be reasonably compact?

It may be that those Polariod cameras are unnecessarily too large for such a conversion, so take it just as an example. The main point is the camera should be reasonably compact (not too thick when closed/collapsed).

Obviously the optimal solution would be if Voigtlaender/Fuji would bring us such a camera (I know, not going to happen ..)

So - do you think it would be doable? If yes - what would be your approach? If not - what would you suggest?

[GPS]

Your main problem would be the RF holder. If you wanted to use the Horseman 6x12 RF holder your camera would surely not be thin. The same with a Calumet RF holder (the compartment for the film is also thick). Also the weight of the camera with these RF holders would be substantial too.

[Ari]

I believe most of the makers of converted Polaroid cameras (Razzle, Alpenhause, etc.) also offer some kind of pano option.
If you check their websites, you should find what you're looking for.

[Matus Kalisky]

I finding the image of the 6x12 converted Polaroid 110A (see below) I realized that the camera is actually a bit too big for 120 film. I am wondering were there other Polaroid (or similar) cameras smaller in size that could be used to make a 6x12 camera - possibly combining the RF from 110B with a different body?

[LF4Fun]

I don't think you can find anything with RF that's smaller/thinner than those Polaroids.

[GPS]

I finding the image of the 6x12 converted Polaroid 110A (see below) I realized that the camera is actually a bit too big for 120 film. I am wondering were there other Polaroid (or similar) cameras smaller in size that could be used to make a 6x12 camera - possibly combining the RF from 110B with a different body?

The construction is not correct - the wide edges of the film gate could easily scratch the film with dust attached to them.

[toyotadesigner]

Matus, if you are looking for a custom made camera, I'd contact SK Grimes in the US:

http://www.skgrimes.com/paqpro/index.htm

In Europe I'd contact Wiese:

http://www.wiese-fototechnik.de/e/etop_1.htm

Both of them offer more than you can see on their web sites.

[rdenney]

Smaller folders include the 6x9-class folder such as the Zeiss Super Ikonta and it's many clones. These have everything you need except for a couple of key flaws: 1.) the bellows will vignette on the sides, and 2.) (the really fatal flaw) they are cell focus cameras and focus by moving the front cell of the lens rather than by moving the whole lens board. It would take a lot of effort to make it work.

A 4x5 Crown with a 6x12 back would not be as compact, but it sure would be easier.

Rick "who has a Moscow V clone of the Super Ikonta" Denney

[Matus Kalisky]

- GPS -
I used the photo found on flickr just as an example for the size. I do no know who did that conversion (apparently a simple one)

- toyotadesigner -
Thank you for the links - I did not know the german service. Anyhow something tells me that this would be technically very good but also very pricey solution ...

[Hovmod]

I just bought the Holga Wide Pinhole Camera (120 WPC) which is for 120 film and does 6x12 (or 6x9 if you prefer), but I guess both the "Holga" and the "pinhole" might put you off
And it has no finder whatsoever, just guide lines and a spirit level on the top. Cheap plastic thing, but it has charm. Manual shutter, you just open up for the pinhole. And it does 6x12 which tickles me.

Fun camera for a really low price, though - I've been shooting a few rolls with it but haven't developed any yet. Looks like people are getting results, anyway. There's a flickr group for it. http://www.flickr.com/groups/holgawpc/

A toy. Which covers almost 120 degrees (with heavy vignetting) and makes 6x12. Which makes it a very cool toy indeed.

Oh, and it's compact and very light.