Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
----------------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...th_Adapter.jpg
https://s25.postimg.cc/62jb41urz/HPP...ter_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
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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.
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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.
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
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.
Quote:
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'.
Quote:
Carry on regardless.
Well, no. I'm going ahead only if there is demand, not regardless . :)
Thank you for your thoughts.
Kumar
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
I guess I should have answered simply.
I don’t need any.
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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.
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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.
Re: Film Sheaths and Adapters for Plate Holders
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