I have two 12x20 film holders of unusual design. Instead of having the usual hinged flaps, the bottom is one piece, attached to a septum which appears to serve as a guide. There is a precision made locking "tab" attached to each side of the bottom. Each tab fits snugly into a recess in the main body of the holder and is designed to swing out when a small brass plate is moved. Releasing the tabs allows one to pull out the bottom and its septum, giving access to the film guides. When the film is loaded, the bottom slides neatly back into the holder, the tabs are swung back into their recesses and the brass plate is slid into locking position. Very slick.
Can anyone shed light on the possible origins of these holders and the effectiveness of the design?

Pictures?

Might be a de Golden Busch holder.

Great idea, but highly flawed in practice IMO. The de Golden Bush holders were designed to eliminate the problem of light leaks at the corners of ULF holders. Unfortunately the design causes problems in loading that are IMHO far worse than the problem itself.

Sandy King




I have two 12x20 film holders of unusual design. Instead of having the usual hinged flaps, the bottom is one piece, attached to a septum which appears to serve as a guide. There is a precision made locking "tab" attached to each side of the bottom. Each tab fits snugly into a recess in the main body of the holder and is designed to swing out when a small brass plate is moved. Releasing the tabs allows one to pull out the bottom and its septum, giving access to the film guides. When the film is loaded, the bottom slides neatly back into the holder, the tabs are swung back into their recesses and the brass plate is slid into locking position. Very slick.
Can anyone shed light on the possible origins of these holders and the effectiveness of the design?

If you look up US patent number 4456358 on Google patents you can see a picture of the Busch film holder. It looks just like what you described.

Thanks to all for your replies. These are indeed deGolden Busch holders. The patent drawings match exactly. To call them over-engineered would be an understatement.