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As per the new toy thread, I picked up my latest project camera today, a Polaroid 110A. There are quite a few conversions of these online, most either adding a Polaroid 100 back so you can shoot Fuji FP100C pack film or, as an alternative, grafting a complete Graflok back on so all associated 4x5 holders can be used.
I was originally planning to go the Fuji packfilm route and converted a Polaroid Colorpack 80 to Fuji then hacked it to take the film holder section. Whilst the Colorpack 80 can take 100 film it still shoots square frames. I could buy a standard Polaroid back for medium format cameras and remove the 645/6x6 frames to use but in the end I decided against the Polaroid holder because I prefer shooting standard film emulsions and have also wanted to try 4x5 but couldn't justify the outlay for a field camera.
As a result, I've decided to build my own 4x5 conversion making it as light and simple as possible while still delivering good results. Rather than grafting a Graflok back on (due to cost and availability) I'm modifying the standard frame and building a locking system to mount the DDS direct to the camera. I'll also be designing a clip in Ground Glass using the same mounts so I can frame using that instead of the tiny rangefinder/viewfinder.
My new toy :0)
View attachment 43882
View attachment 43883
I didn't take any pictures of the back before I disassembled it but there's basically the main rear door that opens to the left and then a second inner door that holds the film pressure plate that hinges to the right. Both have a simple hinge with a pin through it so I just used a bent strong paper clip and pliers to push the pin out then put them to one side. I won't be using the inner door section but the outer section will be cut down to keep a short door to cover an empty space next to the DDS where I think a remote release cable can be stored nicely!
Thanks to @moomike for the loan of the DDS! This is the first fit after removing the rear doors.
View attachment 43884
The DDS sits nicely on top of the original metal frame of the camera.
View attachment 43885
Just need to grind a couple of small sections out of the metal frame so the other end of the DDS can slot in and be held in place inside the original frame. Once that's in place I'll be able to install some light seals around the inside edge and test for fit.
View attachment 43886
I was originally planning to go the Fuji packfilm route and converted a Polaroid Colorpack 80 to Fuji then hacked it to take the film holder section. Whilst the Colorpack 80 can take 100 film it still shoots square frames. I could buy a standard Polaroid back for medium format cameras and remove the 645/6x6 frames to use but in the end I decided against the Polaroid holder because I prefer shooting standard film emulsions and have also wanted to try 4x5 but couldn't justify the outlay for a field camera.
As a result, I've decided to build my own 4x5 conversion making it as light and simple as possible while still delivering good results. Rather than grafting a Graflok back on (due to cost and availability) I'm modifying the standard frame and building a locking system to mount the DDS direct to the camera. I'll also be designing a clip in Ground Glass using the same mounts so I can frame using that instead of the tiny rangefinder/viewfinder.
My new toy :0)
View attachment 43882
View attachment 43883
I didn't take any pictures of the back before I disassembled it but there's basically the main rear door that opens to the left and then a second inner door that holds the film pressure plate that hinges to the right. Both have a simple hinge with a pin through it so I just used a bent strong paper clip and pliers to push the pin out then put them to one side. I won't be using the inner door section but the outer section will be cut down to keep a short door to cover an empty space next to the DDS where I think a remote release cable can be stored nicely!
Thanks to @moomike for the loan of the DDS! This is the first fit after removing the rear doors.
View attachment 43884
The DDS sits nicely on top of the original metal frame of the camera.
View attachment 43885
Just need to grind a couple of small sections out of the metal frame so the other end of the DDS can slot in and be held in place inside the original frame. Once that's in place I'll be able to install some light seals around the inside edge and test for fit.
View attachment 43886
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