Pondering a 5x12...

[Scott --]

Hi, all -

As I start developing some 1960-vintage Ansco Super Hypan (fog, anyone?), I'm pondering my current whim: A 5x12 mini-banquet camera. I've about fallen in love with the format. Now I just need to decide whether to buy a used camera and modify the back, or build one from scratch.

Anyone have one of these beasts with sage words for me? Advice on things to look for, sourcing holders, etc? If you've got one, let me know, 'cause, should I decide to build, I may need to bug you for some dimensions...

Scott

[Vaughn]

If I were to approach this format, I would go 11x14 instead -- using a modified darkslide to get two 6x14 negatives per sheet of film. The proportions are very close(12/5=2.4, 14/6=2.33), and 11x14 equipment (and film) would be easier to track down than 5x12.

Of course, the size and weight of the equipment would be significantly bigger, but one would also have an 11x14 system without adding cost or weight.

Vaughn

[Nick_3536]

I just did a quick search and couldn't find anybody making 5x12 holders. You might want to look for holders first.

If you can't find any holders maybe consider 4x10 instead. Fairly close in format. You could adapt an 8x10 to 4x10 easily enough.

[Scott --]

Nick, S&S makes 5x12 holders. T'ain't cheap, but that'd be alright, especially if I built the camera.

That said, I have a line on an old camera that'd make a good sacrificial body, though it's not exactly cheap, either...

4x10's an option, though.

[Nick_3536]

I thought S&S might but couldn't find any.

[Scott --]

You know, I found a picture of them the other day (beautiful things, too), but I'll be dipped if I can find them now... Sandy?

[Nick_3536]

http://www.qualitycamera.com/VCadvertisement.html

That's the best I can do but they aren't listed on the film holder section of the site.

I'm just trying to get people to go 4x10 so it'll make more sense for me

[Bruce Watson]

If I were to approach this format, I would go 11x14 instead -- using a modified darkslide to get two 6x14 negatives per sheet of film. The proportions are very close(12/5=2.4, 14/6=2.33), and 11x14 equipment (and film) would be easier to track down than 5x12.

Of course, the size and weight of the equipment would be significantly bigger, but one would also have an 11x14 system without adding cost or weight.

Vaughn

I was thinking just the opposite - 10 x 4. It's a format that still actively supported, there are film holders being made, and it's lighter weight. And any lens that will work with 10x8 will work with 10x4. And you can always cut down 10x8 film if required.

That said, it ultimately depends somewhat on what you want to do with it. 10x4 is pretty small for a contact print for example.

[Scott --]

Contact printing is the ultimate goal. Got a look at Tillman's, Mark Mutmansky's, and Chris McCaw's banquet stuff, and I'm there...

[vinny]

Here's a fella that shoots 5x12. I think he's got a shen hao.
http://www.apug.org/forums/portfolios.php?u=2601