Ernemann Heag: Film Pack help needed

Nathan Smith · 07-19-2008, 08:42 PM

I recently bought an immaculate Ernemann Heag XI 13x18 camera. It came with a focusing screen back (doesn't accept film holders, just for focusing and composing) and a back with a film pack.

So, I have 2 questions:

1. Is this back a film pack-only back, ie will it take film holders?
2. How do I use the film pack?

The film pack has paper tabs coming out the top, marked "Kodak Super-XX". The first tab (of 12) is marked "3" so I'm assuming the first 2 have been taken.

Are the first 2 negs still in there? Do you take the shot and then pull the tab?

I don't have any 13x18 film holders or film so I'm really looking forward to seeing if this film pack is still viable. I'm planning to build a 5x7 back in order to use the camera in the future - it's MUCH more compact than my 2D, even if it doesn't have a lot in the way of movements.

Thanks, Nathan

David A. Goldfarb · 07-19-2008, 08:52 PM

With film packs you pull the tab and take the shot, and the film stays in the pack. It was possible to "rob the pack" by taking out exposed sheets and processing them before the whole pack was finished, and then the pack could be reassembled and the remaining shots could be used. So, the first two exposed sheets are probably there, unless the photographer took them out before finishing the pack.

Nathan Smith · 07-20-2008, 11:04 AM

Thanks David, I'm curious to see what the previous owner shot.

Were these film packs made to fit in a standard back - ie, do you think this back takes film holders?
For that matter, any idea if these cameras took metal film sheaths like the 9x12 cameras, or wooden holders?

Thanks again,
Nathan

John Shriver · 07-20-2008, 07:37 PM

Film packs were used both in dedicated film pack cameras, and in adapters that connected to view cameras in the same way that a plate or film holder would.

If this is a larger version of the many German 9x12 folding plate cameras, you may have a devil of a time finding plate holders or film holders for it. They used ground glasses and holders that slide into proprietary grooves in the camera.

Nathan Smith · 07-20-2008, 07:50 PM

Thanks John, I think you're right. I've got an old 5x7 B&J back that I'm planning to adapt, but I'll have to build the part that slides into those grooves.

Not only would 5x7 would be easier to find, but having a standard spring back would be nice - the idea of schlepping around both the GG and a separate back as well as film holders sounds like way too much bother.

Thanks,
Nathan