Plate cameras – frequently asked questions

An early large format camera that exposes individual film plates or sheet film. Mostly a wooden or metal body with extendable bellows, used on a tripod.

The lens projects the image onto a ground glass in the back. You set the focus using the bellows extension. Exposure is done via the lens shutter or, in older models, by removing the lens cover.

Typical are 9×12 cm, 13×18 cm and larger. Sheet film is still available for many formats, especially 4×5 and 5×7 inches; rarer sizes are trimmed.

With a suitable film holder or back, partially yes, mostly 120 roll film. Whether that works depends on the model.

Film holder, a stable tripod and usually an external light meter. With large lenses, a lens hood is worth it.

On the ground glass at the back, preferably with a loupe and a cloth to darken. After that, you insert the film holder and expose.

With a cable release. With the long exposure times in large format, that makes a visible difference.

For everyone who wants to work in a controlled and relaxed way – landscape, architecture, studio. And for collectors who are looking for an entry into large format.

Plate cameras receive one of four classes: Good, Acceptable, Partially Defective or Defective. The bellows are checked for light tightness, shutter and extension. Which class an item has, you see at the symbol at the top left of the product image and as a line under the price. More about this: How we check plate cameras.

Usually only the camera, without film holder. If something is included, it is stated in the product title.

Shipping times and payment methods can be found under Shipping and Payment.

Via the page Returns you can request a return. Regardless of that, your statutory right of withdrawal applies.