9x12 Single Sheet Film Holder

[George Steeves]

I have several 9x12 single sheet film holders (all metal of German orgin) that fit a very early model Linhof Super Technika III (the type without a revolving back). I also have 9x12 film that measures about 2 mm less than the nominal size.

I cannot figure out how to insert the film into the holder.
The little 'gutters' that secure the film are on all four sides.

[Sevo]

These holders usually are glass plate holders with a generic accessory sheet film insert/film sheath. Only a few are film only with a fixed insert, or have a dedicated insert that can be loaded in place. You may have to figure out how to remove the insert from the holder and load it externally.

[IanG]

Like many I'd assumed for years that the film size was identical to the plate size. In fact it was Ole who pointed out that all sheet film sizes are nominal the actual size is approx 2mm less because originally film had to fit the sheet film adapters that were used in glass plate holders.

In more recent years J&C had Chinese film cut to 5x4 and it didn't fit many DDS (double dark-slides) and I think Ilford found the same when they launched Harman Direct Positive paper - 10x8 sheets wouldn't fit DDS (called film holders in the US).

Ian

[Ole Tjugen]

The bottom (away from the "tab") of the holder is spring-loaded. Put a plate or film sheath under the bottom tabs, push it gently down, and it will slip under the top tabs.

And yes, you need sheaths to make these work with film.

[George Steeves]

Thank you for your tips and clues.
They allowed me to solve the problem.
These holders were designed to accept glass plates or film sheaths.
My difficulty was how to remove the sheath, load it, and reinsert it.
If you depress the sheath and then move it away from the velvet light trap it pops out! The film can then be slid in the sheath and the process reversed.