Re: slightly off topic - old film size inquiry for contact negs

----- Original Message -----
From: <jude.taylor@comcast.net>
To: <alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca>
Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 6:24 PM
Subject: slightly off topic - old film size inquiry for
contact negs

> Hello All,
>
> If this is too off topic, please just delete and forgive;
> but if you know the answer to my question, please answer
> off list first then delete..smiles... :-) :-) :-) and
> forgive. The question does regard making negatives for
> contact printing with alt processes.
>
> I am asking here because this list has an international
> audiance and I was once told that the film I seek might
> still be available in Poland...but I lost contact with
> that original source, so here goes....
>
> I have two Voigtlander Avus cameras (1914-1927); one is
> complete with ground glass, film pack holder with some
> leftover old film, and 4 sheet film holders. The sheet
> holders say Kodak Cut Film Sheath 31/4 x 4 1/4. If I
> fugured correctly, that is a bit more than 8 cm x 10.5
> cm. the velvet on the holders looks pretty good, so I
> think they will be light tight. The gentleman I
> purchased the first camera from 3 years ago said the film
> packs were still available in Poland; however, as I
> mentioned above, I lost contact with him. My other option
> is to cut sheet film to fit the holders. I would rather
> do this than alter the camera in any way (except maybe the
> one that is less complete, but it is actually the older of
> the two).
>
> Anyone know if this odd size film is available anywhere?
> If so, some in camera negs will be a nice change from
> using only diginegs enlarged from 35mm film!
>
> Thanks,
> Judy
>
> --
> Judy Rowe Taylor
> Mukilteo, WA
> Art is a voice of the heart, a song of the soul.
> www.enduringibis.com
> jude.taylor@comcast.net or judyrowetaylor@enduringibis.com

   FWIW, 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 has become an absolutely orphan size
although film can be gotten from specialists like Film for
Classics, at a premium price. The "sheaths" are adaptors
that fit into glass plate holders so that sheet film can be
used in them. The plates were probably 9x12cm since one
version of the Avus was in that size.
   AFAIK no film packs have been available since Kodak
discontinued them about 15 years ago.
   Its possible that simple adaptors for the glass plate
holders could be made to take 4x5 film. 4x5 is still readily
available in many types.

---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@ix.netcom.com