Film Flatness in old 6x9 cameras

mbisc

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Had a quick question -- I have read repeatedly here on this forum that one way to battle the film flatness issues in old 6x9 cameras (whether folders or others) is to not wind the film until just prior to taking the photo. Why?

It would seem to me that if you wind the film right after taking the previous photo (which is what I am currently doing -- if for no other reason than to avoid double-exposures), then the film has time to flatten out from its curved shape from being tightly wound on the spool. What am I missing here :confused: ?

Thanks in advance!
 
The film is held flat by the pressure plate and the film gate. After you wind the film is held perfectly straight because of the tension the film has on it (caused by the friction between film and filmgate/pressure plate when advancing). Vibration will allow this tension to go away, making it harder for film gate/pressue plate to hold the film flat.

I hope that makes sense :s I wouldn't worry about it too much.
 
I also wind on the last few mm when the lens assembly is erected and I am about to take the shot. I understand that when opening the folder bellows, it is possible to disturb the film flatness by the action of the bellows "sucking" the film into the film gate and off the plate.

Dave
 
On my folders I generally wind the film just prior to making the exposure, because as Dave stated extending the bellows does pull the film inward in the film gate, plus the supply spool does not usually have a lot of tension.

The Zen and the Art of 6x9 Folders has a whole different tempo than 35mm photography.
 
I have always made a habit of winding after a shot with all folders, simply because I would forget to wind on otherwise. Maybe I need to work on my workflow with my folders.
 
Thanks everyone -- for my Bessa II (folder) this is going to be quite an adjustment to the workflow (and I hope I don't create too many double exposures :( ), but with my new Medalist II this shouldn't be too hard since the film advance is coupled with winding the shutter :).
 
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