RF 6x12?

[Matthew55000]

Was there ever a 6x12 rangefinder camera?
As much as I like my 6x7 camera I would be interested in experimenting with the 6x12 format if one exists - and can be had for a few hundred US dollars.

 

[Ash]

I know of p&s 6x12's.

Not sure of the names of makers, but they can be had, usually with a wide LF lens in a helical mount.

Here's one of Dean Jone's custom p&s:




My soon to arrive 4x5 Razzle RF will be compatible with 6x12 LF backs, but that's an expensive route.

 

[Ash]

Straight off of google, here's a link to making your own I believe http://bigcamera.com/articles/Mamiya 4x5x6x12.htm


And here's the modern (expensive) manufacturer of 6x12 p&s
http://www.horsemanusa.com/sw612.html

 

[Matthew55000]

Thanks for the photo and links Ash.
The Horseman 6x12 is gorgeous but way out of the budget I had planned for this.

 

[Ash]

Have you looked into the Graflex LF cameras? Graflok backs allow for 6x12 holders too.

 

[ChrisN]

... My soon to arrive 4x5 Razzle RF will be compatible with 6x12 LF backs, but that's an expensive route.

Looking forward to seeing this, Ash. What's it going to look like?

 

[Finder]

Fotoman or a similar Chinese camera will be your cheapest route for a 6x12 camera, but none are rangefinders, just viewfinders. A 4x5 with a 6x12 back can be cheaper and if the 4x5 has a rangefinder, then you have that, but they are big and combersome.

6x12 is not a cheap format. The lens alone is expensive. A 4x5 with a back does not handle as well as a 6x12 camera - I have both setups. Depending on the angle of view of the lens, you may need a center filter which will set you back about $400.

But 6x12 is a great format. I really enjoy it. I find it very "cinematic."

 

[Finder]

BTW, here is the link to Fotoman:

http://www.fotomancamera.com/product_list.asp?id=189

This is the cheapest 6x12 camera I know, but it is going to be in thousands, not hundreds. Fotoman does make an accessory rangefinder, but you can get old accessory rangefinders from ebay for less.