How Popular is A-16 Format

[Extiger]

By my calculation, the 4x6cm frame would have an aspect ratio of 3:4.

Not quite the 2:3 ratio of 35mm. How popular is this? And for what use?

I'm scouting around for backs and found a new A-24, and a used A-16.

I'm going to snap up the 24.

Gary Curtis

 

[stever]

A 24 back uses 220 film, not 120. 220 film does not have many choices and they have been discontinued at a steady rate. Furthermore, if you use 120 in a A-24 back, you will only get 11 shots, not 12. That is why A-24 backs are so cheap.

Stick to A12 and A16 backs.

Steve

 

[terrydent]

The A16 back and 645 format are not very popular with Hasselblad V owners. Having to turn the camera to do verticals is very uncomfortable with waist level and 45 degree viewfinders.

Terry

 

[blowupster]

220 film may be hard tofind in shops. Anyway most of my favourite films exit in 220 (Velvia Tri-x but not the TMY 400)
It happen that I use 120 film in a A-24. Spaces between images may be bigger, anyway I get 12 or ..12,5 pictures on a film.

 

[maarten m]

i'm using 220 and 120 film in the A24, and haven't lost a frame yet.
just stop loading the film a little less then 1/4 turn before the mark and you should be fine.
but do remember there's only 120 and NOT 220 film in the back!

i took up MF because of square framing and don't see why i should get 645 format.
if needed, you can always reframe for 645-prints.

maarten.

 

[wbulte]

The A16 back and 645 format are not very popular with Hasselblad V owners. Having to turn the camera to do verticals is very uncomfortable with waist level and 45 degree viewfinders.

Terry

For that purpose you pull your trusty A12 from the bag.

I use A16 and A12 interchangably, A16 I find convenient for landscape work.

 

[Victorh]

The A16 back and 645 format are not very popular with Hasselblad V owners. Having to turn the camera to do verticals is very uncomfortable with waist level and 45 degree viewfinders.

Terry

The problem can be overcome by using a 90° prism of course.

Hasselblad noticed this and made the A12V back for that purpose.
It allows 4,5 x 6 exposures in portrait or vertical mode.
What is the advantage since you still only get 12 exposures?
The advantage lies in almost exact 5" x 7" prints that a lab automatically makes from 4,5 x 6 frames.
Not important anymore for users who are scanning film and print digital of course.

For me it was an exceptional advantage in the days of film shooting and conventional printing.
I have two of these rare A12V film backs.


Vic.