My new (1924) Folmer & Schwing 7x17 camera came in the mail yesterday. The first thing I noticed was that the GG frame was mounted to the back inside out. When I took off the frame, I then noted that there is no rib groove for the holder. Also the holder area is stained wood and not black paint.
A recent post suggested modifying the camera and not the film holders, and I have 5 holders vs this one camera, so the camera "lost". Today I routed out a 3/32 x 1/4 in. groove for the S&S holders.
This camera is gorgeous, so taking a router to it caused me a little pang, but away I went. The photos document the set-up with the home-made jig, the finished groove before painting, and the painted back before re-assembly.
Testing the finished result shows a nice light-tight fit between camera and holder(s).
Perhaps the wonderful shape of this camera is the result of a backwards GG and inability to accept a holder. Whatever it was, it's functional now, and I aim to use the h--- out of it.
