best film holders?
I'm in the market for some more 4x5 film holders. I have a mix of
"Fidelity" and "Riteway" holders that are both fine. I also have a 1-2 of each that leak light (why?) which I do not use for that reason. What type should I get and is there a recommended source for used ones? B&H Photo wants nearly $100 for two new ones, which is insane. (And if anyone wants to get rid of half a dozen or so film holders, let me know.) |
best film holders?
On 11/11/2009 10:38 AM Scott Norwood spake thus:
I'm in the market for some more 4x5 film holders. I have a mix of "Fidelity" and "Riteway" holders that are both fine. I also have a 1-2 of each that leak light (why?) which I do not use for that reason. What type should I get and is there a recommended source for used ones? B&H Photo wants nearly $100 for two new ones, which is insane. (And if anyone wants to get rid of half a dozen or so film holders, let me know.) Having used both kinds, I don't think there's any appreciable differences between different brands of holders. There are, however, as you've discovered, huge differences in the conditions of any old holders (light seals, warpage, etc.). There are always lots of holders on eBay. I've gotten the bulk of my holders there, and most have turned out to be usable and don't leak. -- Who needs a junta or a dictatorship when you have a Congress blowing Wall Street, using the media as a condom? - harvested from Usenet |
best film holders?
"Scott Norwood" wrote in message ... I'm in the market for some more 4x5 film holders. I have a mix of "Fidelity" and "Riteway" holders that are both fine. I also have a 1-2 of each that leak light (why?) which I do not use for that reason. What type should I get and is there a recommended source for used ones? B&H Photo wants nearly $100 for two new ones, which is insane. (And if anyone wants to get rid of half a dozen or so film holders, let me know.) . Of course, dunno where you are, Scott. But check the craigslist category for photography stuff in your area. I myself have picked up a number of 4x5 film holders through craigslist. |
best film holders?
"Scott Norwood" wrote in message ... I'm in the market for some more 4x5 film holders. I have a mix of "Fidelity" and "Riteway" holders that are both fine. I also have a 1-2 of each that leak light (why?) which I do not use for that reason. What type should I get and is there a recommended source for used ones? B&H Photo wants nearly $100 for two new ones, which is insane. (And if anyone wants to get rid of half a dozen or so film holders, let me know.) Currently all the holders are made by the same factory, I doubt if there is any difference. If you are buying old holders easily the best are Riteway. I have a ton of old holders and have tested them for correct film position and uniformity. The only ones that are pretty consistently accurate are the Riteway holder. Wooden holders may be OK but tend to warp. I also have a bunch of old plastic holders where not one side of one holder is correct. Can you tell where the light leak is? There are two common sources: one is worn plush where the dark slide goes in, the other is a problem with the "gasket" at the loading end. The flexible tape on the loading flap is not important, the flap has an undercut section that forms a light trap when its closed. To test the plush place the holder flat and look back through the loading flap. Shine a flashlight into the gap where the dark slide goes with the slide removed. You should not see any light. Warping can also cause leaks because the holder faces do not seal against the camera back. You can spot these by taking the lens board off the camera and looking back at the holder while shining a strong light around the periphery of the back. There was a guy, maybe still in business, who repaired old holders and made custom new ones. I don't know what he charges. Worth a try. Alan Brubaker AWB Enterprises 33320 Gafford Road Wildomar, California 92595 Tel/Fax: (909) 674-0466 -- -- Richard Knoppow Los Angeles, CA, USA |
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