Large format cameras

• see also:
  • photography
  • medium format
  • film
  • perspective control
  • high end digital including digital backs for medium format cameras
  • http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/cameras.html 
  • choosing a medium format camera
  • Mamiya
  • history of photography

Using roll film backs on 4x5 view cameras:

• If you already own a 4x5 view camera, a cheap way to get into 6x12 is with a roll-film back. You're saved the hassle of loading film holders but the other operational annoyances of the view camera will still slow you down. On the plus side, even with the very cheapest view camera and 6x12 back you get perspective control.
• Roll film backs are available for all roll-film sizes to 6x12 the most common being 6x7 and 6x9. There are two types of roll-film holders.
  • Graflock-type holders: 
    • Some 4x5 cameras have a back (Graflock, this standard was introduced on the Graflex cameras) where you remove the ground-glass assembly and replace it with a roll-film back. 
    • There are plenty of brands to chose from: Graflex, Singer, Linhof (super-rollex), Mamiya RB, Horseman, some of which can be found for quite cheap.
    • cheaper Chinese-made Shen Hao backs:
      • Art Panorama 6x17 back: see review
      • SH612 multi-format - has masks for 6x12, 6x9, 6x6 and 6x4.5 - see review
  • Slide-in type holders: 
    • These holders are flat because the film spools are at one end. They can be inserted under the ground glass like a sheet film holder. 
    • faster to use and it is said that the film flatness is better
    • Almost all the cameras accept them, but be sure to check for compatibility. 
    • The Calumet holders are quite cheap and are produced in 6x7, 6x9, 6x12 (the latter is quite expensive actually). 
    • Sinar has a vario holder which allow you to switch format (from 6x4.5 to 6x12) at any time, for $US2500 new.

• see also 4x5 view cameras:
  • http://www.largeformatphotography.info/roundup4x5.html
  • choosing a large format camera