Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders

[B.S.Kumar]

----------------POSTED WITH MODERATOR APPROVAL--------------------

Thanks to Jason, we've seen renewed interest in glass plates and plate holders. Most plate holders can also use film with appropriate sheaths. I sold a number of sheaths and adapters, and have had inquiries for more of them.

Perhaps there is a demand?

I'm talking to a machine shop about 4x5 film sheaths and the adapters to use them in Japanese style halfplate bookform holders. They will be made out of 0.5mm aluminum and black anodized. They look like this:

https://s25.postimg.cc/diikpuxwv/4x5_Film_Sheath.jpg

https://s25.postimg.cc/3l7jwsilb/4x5_HPSheath_Adapter.jpg

https://s25.postimg.cc/62jb41urz/HPPlate_Holder_Adapter_Sheath.jpg

Ideally, the 4x5 sheaths should also fit other plate holders.

Outer dimensions are:

Sheath: 100 x 125 mm
Adapter: 119 x 164 mm

I'd be grateful if some of you can give me measurements (in millimeters, if possible) of your sheaths and adapters.

Pricing is likely to be:

4x5 Sheath - 1,800 JPY each
Halfplate > 4x5 Sheath Adapter - 2,700 JPY each
Shipping will be additional via e-Packet or EMS, depending on order value.

Before starting production, I'd like to determine which film sheath sizes might be popular. I'd be grateful if those of you who are interested could take the poll. The manufacturer is okay with small quantities of 25 in each size, so even if your format is an odd size, chances are that it can be made.

Note that the sizes given are for the film. The adapter frame shown is for Japanese half-plate bookform holders, and can be modified for the size you have. Some holders may not need the frames. Generally, frames will not be needed when the plate and film sizes are the same. For example, a Half Plate film holder will not need a frame for a half plate film sheath, but will need one for a 4x5 or smaller sheath.

Please share your thoughts in this thread or via email.

Kind Regards,
Kumar

[Tin Can]

Have you considered some unwanted Mag Bags have up 18 4x5 film sheaths?

However they don’t have the bottom emboss of an insert sheath which raises film plane position.

[B.S.Kumar]

Randy, I'm not sure what you wanted to say. Bag Mags are like Grafmatics and have sheaths, which are probably the same size as what I'm proposing. But to use them in a plate holder you'd still need an adapter/spacer/frame. My idea is to make them in different sizes, as demand dictates.

Kumar

[Tin Can]

I worked in a factory that made similar folded metal parts.

How big is the demand?

My point is, a bottom film plane spacer is easy.

Carry on regardless.

[B.S.Kumar]

I worked in a factory that made similar folded metal parts.

How big is the demand?

That's what I'm trying to determine, before investing the funds to manufacture them. There's no reason to make something no one wants or needs. I expect this to be a small volume production - a thousand per size at the most.


My point is, a bottom film plane spacer is easy.

When using smaller film in a larger holder a surrounding frame is necessary, which is what I called 'adapter'.


Carry on regardless.

Well, no. I'm going ahead only if there is demand, not regardless . :)

Thank you for your thoughts.

Kumar

[Tin Can]

I guess I should have answered simply.

I don’t need any.

[Tin Can]

Kumar

I apologize if I seem negative. That was not my intention. You asked for feedback. I have given it.

When I say ‘Carry on regardless’ that is not an insult.

I will step in my own mud one more time.

How about a Poll?

Sorry for any slight.

[B.S.Kumar]

Hey Randy,

No offense taken. Even negative feedback is good. It helps in the decision making process.

I don't think there's a demand for millions (or even hundreds) of these sheaths. Since I sold around 20 sheaths recently, I thought there might be a demand. I sell a few plate holders every month, and everyone asks if they come with sheaths.

Thanks for the poll suggestion. I wonder if I can edit my post to do that.

Kumar

[Steven Tribe]

Great news! I'll do some measuring of the following sizes:-

UK full plate 12x15"
Continental 18x24, 24x30 and 30x40cm.

For plate holders which are book type - and are in good condition with springs on the central metal plate - it is not necessary with "folded" sleeves. Film fits down into the back of the frame and an identically sized plastic or metal plate placed on top before the spring(s) on the existing central divider holds it down on the focal plane. You can use a "patent" sheath, of course - but in my experience it is lot easier to avoid the "threading" of sheaths whenever possible. Less finger contact too.

[B.S.Kumar]

Thanks, Steven. I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what you mean by "threading". Can you please explain?
The Japanese holders have grooves for the plates, and the spring pushes them firmly from the back. The adapter frame fits into the grooves, and the sheath fits into the frame. There is very firm contact, with no chance of the film falling out.

I'd like to make them to fit most kinds of holders. The manufacturer is okay with small quantities of 25 in each size.

Kumar

[Steven Tribe]

By "threading" I mean inserting the edges of the film into the folds. It can be done by starting both sides at one end - or inserting one edge completely first, then bending the film slightly to go under the other fold. I find the second method best.

There is no slot on UK and Continental book holders. The plates were loosely placed down in the frame and then held in place by a combination of 3 latches and the central metal plate with springs. Sometimes there is no spring when the latches match the exact thickness of the glass plates.

[B.S.Kumar]

It is easy to load film into the sheaths I have. There's no need to bend it or do any "tricks". It just slides in without being loose.

[B.S.Kumar]

Thanks, Oren!

[B.S.Kumar]

There hasn't been much interest here, but over on FaceBook, a few people have shown interest in the 8x10 sheaths. So that size will be made first. Right now, no one wants any adapters.

The price for each 8x10 sheath is 2,250 JPY. Shipping will be extra, starting at 720 JPY for one sheath via e-Packet.

Please send me an email to purchase.

Thanks,
Kumar

[B.S.Kumar]

:
I'm ready to place an order for 8x10 sheaths.

Prices are:
1~4: 2,250 JPY each
5~9: 2,000 JPY each
10 & above 1,800 JPY each

Shipping costs via e-Packet:
1 no. - 1,350 JPY
2 nos. - 1,750 JPY
3 nos. - 2,250 JPY
4 nos. - 2,400 JPY
5 nos. - 3,000 JPY

Delivery: It will take approximately 4 weeks for the sheaths to be shipped to me. I will ship once I receive your payment.

Payment: Payment is in Japanese Yen, payable via Paypal invoice or bank transfer via TransferWise, which will save you ~4%.

Note that I am not asking you to pay now. However, you are committing to buy the number of sheaths you order. Payment is due after I receive the sheaths from the manufacturer, at which time I will invoice you.

Please let me know how many sheaths you would like to buy.

Thanks,
Kumar

[B.S.Kumar]

I have commitments for 12 8x10 sheaths. I can place the order if I get 10 more. Please let me know within the next 48 hours.

Kumar

[Ozzz]

Kumar, just some quick thoughts: it may attract interests better if there can be some descriptions about why going plate instead of film, and where's the fun and naunces of using it, so that people less acquainted with the subject (myself included) can have a better look and decide whether to take the dive? Thanks.

[Nodda Duma]

Ozzz.. dry plate is a unique media sharing characteristics of wet plate and film but adding something of its own, creating an almost ethereal look and tonality that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s flipping awesome and the learning curve will tickle that inherent human desire to explore the unknown.

[B.S.Kumar]

Ozzz, I'm not trying to convince people to abandon film :) I'm just trying to help them use film in the same holders they use for plates.

Kumar

[Ron (Netherlands)]

I still use 10x15cm film and could still use some film-sheaths for that format; this format is not in the poll

[B.S.Kumar]

Ron, I can get any format made. I just need measurements and a minimum order of 25 units per size.

Kumar

[consummate_fritterer]

I'm not looking to buy any sheaths but if I was, it would be 5x8 to shoot half-sheet 8x10 film in a whole plate-camera.

[B.S.Kumar]

5x8 is convenient.

[consummate_fritterer]

5x8 is convenient.

Indeed, especially if one has a whole-plate or 8x10 enlarger, or one capable of taking 5x8 like a Zone VI or another slightly oversized 5x7 model.

I'd be tempted to buy 5x8 sheaths just to have them in the off-chance I ever buy a whole-plate camera.

[consummate_fritterer]

Let us know if you decide to make 5x8 sheaths to fit full-plate or standard 8x10 holders.

[B.S.Kumar]

I can get any size made, so long as I have a minimum order of 25 units. Please encourage your friends to order!

Kumar

[carbo73]

I have a Goerz Ango camera from c.1908. I bought it thinking (and most websites said that) that it used 9x12 plates, so I bought 9x12 film and sheats. The sheats have not arrived yet, but I discovered that the film sheets were much bigger than the space in the 6 holders that came with the camera.

Measuring them and googling a bit I found that this camera was made in it's smallest version not in 9x12, but in quarter plate. That is 8x10'5 cm (4 1/4" x 3 1/4"). There's any possibility to find or order this sheath size?

[Two23]

I have a ton of 4x5 film holders and have bought two 4x5 plate holders for my Chamonix. I don't see me using film in the plate holders. Same for 5x7. Now half plate and full plate might be a whole different thing.


Kent in SD

[B.S.Kumar]

carbo73, I can get any size made, if the minimum order is for at least 25 units.

[carbo73]

Thanks Kumar, but I think that at the most I would need 6 or 8, 25 it's a lot for me. I'll try to find old ones in the web

[B.S.Kumar]

@carbo73: I didn't mean that you should buy 25! The minimum order for the manufacturer is 25. Perhaps you have some friends who might also want a few? In the meanwhile, can you share more details of the sheaths you want? The exact size in mm, if possible.

Kumar

[Tin Can]

I have a couple 1/4 plate film sheaths that came in 1/4 plate holders. VGC

Unfortunately not for sale.

But I can measure them.





@carbo73: I didn't mean that you should buy 25! The minimum order for the manufacturer is 25. Perhaps you have some friends who might also want a few? In the meanwhile, can you share more details of the sheaths you want? The exact size in mm, if possible.

Kumar

[B.S.Kumar]

Thanks, Randy. In fact, if everyone who owns film sheaths could post measurements here it would be a great asset for future reference.

Kumar

[Tin Can]

Thanks, Randy. In fact, if everyone who owns film sheaths could post measurements here it would be a great asset for future reference.

Kumar

I will post, but we have done some of this with Jason Lane Glass Plates which need to be the same size as sheaths.

[Tin Can]

As designed and found in VGC.

3.245" X 4.240" SAE inch

The film is captured only by long side folds and can be removed from top or bottom.

The obverse has folds to thicken the thin steel.






https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1727/41937808834_e90842f746_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26TUety)IMG-1155 (https://flic.kr/p/26TUety) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/41937808554_ac6b2afa27_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26TUeoJ)IMG-1156 (https://flic.kr/p/26TUeoJ) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1752/41937808414_ae5c43c9d5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26TUemj)IMG-1157 (https://flic.kr/p/26TUemj) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[B.S.Kumar]

Thanks, Randy. Much appreciated. Can others also step up, please?

Kumar