Korona 5x7" vs WP size

[Darren Kruger]

I have a camera which I'm pretty sure is a Korona (no name plate.) It currently has a 5x7" back on it, but it looks like it might be able to take a whole plate back since the back is 9 3/4"x9 3/4". Does anyone have a WP Korona that could measure the back size?

-Darren

[RJ-]

Hi Darren,

The rear dimensions you have quoted match the whole plate Charten (Japan) cameras. Without having ever seen a Korona, the dimensions you've quoted make it highly likely that your camera was originally designed for whole plate format, and/or used a 5x7" or half-plate format reduction back.

There are some similar types here on the Whole Plate Column resource (http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholeplate/web/camera). To ascertain whether it is suitable for whole plate format, measure the track extension across the base and then in full extension, as well as the diameter of your bellows attachment at the rear standard to verify that there is sufficient clearance.

Kind regards,

RJ

Whole Plate Column (http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholeplate)

[Darren Kruger]

To ascertain whether it is suitable for whole plate format, measure the track extension across the base and then in full extension, as well as the diameter of your bellows attachment at the rear standard to verify that there is sufficient clearance.

I should have thought of that. I measured the bellows right behind the back and only found 7 1/2" x 8 1/2" of clearance. It doesn't look to be WP since it could only clear when taking vertical shots. Welp, this saves me the time from looking for a WP back for the camera.

Thanks!

-Darren

[RJ-]

I should have thought of that. I measured the bellows right behind the back and only found 7 1/2" x 8 1/2" of clearance. It doesn't look to be WP since it could only clear when taking vertical shots. Welp, this saves me the time from looking for a WP back for the camera.

Thanks!

-Darren

Darren - perhaps this need not be a terrible restriction (my only experience of whole plate format is the vertical portrait format orientation).

Without requiring square bellows, a bellows remake (with less tapering) could resolve the issue for you, given the Korona's generous sized front standard and rear clearance.

Are you familiar with the Wright Brothers (http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wrighthtml/wrightphot.html)? Their Korona was often used in the horizontal landscape format with attrition of the image area. Some images have been shown in the link. Granted that their use of their famous Korona pertained to documentary rather than aesthetic purposes.

Kind regards,

RJ

Whole Plate Column (http://groups.google.co.uk/group/wholeplate)

[Diane Maher]

I should have thought of that. I measured the bellows right behind the back and only found 7 1/2" x 8 1/2" of clearance. It doesn't look to be WP since it could only clear when taking vertical shots. Welp, this saves me the time from looking for a WP back for the camera.

Thanks!

-Darren

My Century whole plate camera bellows interferes with horizontal images a little bit too.