5x12, there and back again!

[Colin Graham]

I thought I'd post my results to encourage others to try this wonderful format. I just returned from a three week trip around the country with it, and now I want to shoot nothing else. Very portable- it fits in a mountainsmith odyssey backpack with 4 holders and 3 lenses and feels about the same as my 4x5 outfit. I made it from mahogany to keep the camera under 10 lbs and the holders at about 12 oz each. There's die-cut film from J&C available for it- Ilford fp4+; hp5 and aslo adox/efke PL100, which are about the only films I use anyway- also the price is roughly equal to 8x10 so it isnt too exorbitant. Also, most lenses for 8x10 will cover as the diagonal for 5x12 is only 330mm. While not a true ULF the size is wonderful for contact printing and the negatives are still relatively easy to handle ( I was able to load holders on my lap in dark hotel bathrooms). I made eight holders mainly because I didnt want to have to change out the film too often but I'm really glad I did because tool setup was the most time-consuming aspect of making them. I wanted to thank Barry Wilkinson for providing some timely dimensions from his Canham 5x12 (I stole many ideas from Canham and Lotus- thanks and sorry!) and also Sandy King and Barry Young for info on making holders. I was agonizingly nervous for the past three weeks since I only had time to test 2 exposures before we left but I just got finished developing the 'normals' and everything looks good.

[David A. Goldfarb]

That's a great looking little setup, there!

[colrehogan]

Good to see another 5x12 shooter here! It is a wonderful format and is primarily the format I've been shooting for the last five months.

[Kerik]

Wow!! Nice looking camera and holders. Great job. Now, let's see the pictures!

[BarryWilkinson]

Looks absolutely superb Colin, I'm very impressed. Welcome to 5x12 it's a great format as you have found. Glad to have helped.

Best regards

Barry

[naturephoto1]

Hi Colin,

Looks like a beautiful camera and holders. Use them in good health. Look forward to seeing some results.

Rich

[mark]

My dream format. Nice job.

[Colin Graham]

Thanks for the comments. Now, to make a bigger contact printer! I wonder, does anyone know a source for odd sized trays?

[barryjyoung]

Hi Colin:

It is truly amazing what can be done by a motivated person. Hats off to you for producing a fine camera. Very very nice work.

[colrehogan]

Colin,
How big are you planning to print? I use an 11x14 contact print frame to make my prints. I use 12x16 trays to process the prints in. I use an 11x14 tray for a final film wash when I develop my film.