ATTACHING THE BELLOWS

After removing the frame on which the bellows was mounted, I constructed thin, 1/2" x 1/2" frames to replace them. I borrowed the design from an old Agfa 5x7. I attached the frames to the front and rear of the bellows using glue and staples. Then its simply a matter of using small screws to fasten the newly constructed frames to the inside of the front and rear standard. Should you ever need to remove the bellows, it is possible using this method.

FILM HOLDERS

After checking out prices on film and holders, I first decided to keep costs down and use paper negatives in my own homemade holders. I studied an 8x10 holder and realized that building one of my own required more woodworking skills than I possess, and reluctantly headed to the internet to find a 12x20 holder. Wisner listed them for $335.00 at their web site, and I was days from ordering one when, while cruising the internet, I stumbled across an old Folmer & Schwing 12x20 holder in pretty good shape for just $150.00. I snagged it right away.

The old Folmer & Schwing holders have a groove that serves as a light trap, while modern holders have a small ridge that drops into a groove on the camera.

 
I added wooden "ridges" to the holder so that they fit into a corresponding slot on the camera back. You can see it on the enlargement, a lighter strip of 1/8" wood running across the top of the holder, a fraction on an inch below the dark slide pulls

Left to Right: 4x5, 12x20, & 8x10 film holders 

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©2002 by W. Underwood