6×12 AGFA ANSCO PLENAX PD 16 CAMERA Conversion

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The Agfa Ansco Plenax PD 16 were a series of folding cameras designed for 116 film (PD16) format, producing 2½×4¼ inch negatives (nominally 6.5×11 cm), manufactured around 1935. With this camera available on the market at a reasonable price (around $40), it makes an ideal basis for modification. The Agfa Ansco Plenax PD 16 was designed to accommodate the 116 film format, where the picture frame of 6.5 x 11 cm almost reaches the common 6×12 format. To modify the camera, several items are required: Fotoman Helical for a 90mm lens Schneider Super Angulon f8 / 90mm with Copan No. 0 Shutter A 6×12 viewfinder Foam Rubber sheet (self-adhesive) Some woodscrews Super X glue To use 120mm film, film adapters are necessary; alternatively, original 116 film can be used. Assembly is straightforward: the whole front of the camera needs to be removed with some force. Once accomplished, it's essential to check that the remaining internal metal parts of the body have not been bent. If they have, they need to be re-adjusted. Once everything is in place again, a 3D printed front part needs to be placed in the now empty area, replacing the previous bellows assembly. The front part reaches until the film guide, narrowing the frame for the 120 film format. When everything is perfectly aligned, two holes need to be drilled from the bottom and top through existing holes to fix the assembly with screws. Ensure that the holes fit with the chosen thread of the screws. Woodscrews are perfect for this job. Next, insert the helical and ensure that the scale is properly aligned, and the focus operates smoothly. Use a small screwdriver to heat the front part with a lighter to burn 2-3 holes into the plastic to screw the helical onto the front part. Assemble the whole front part and check if everything works as expected. If so, dis-assemble everything and burn further holes into the plastic to put the remaining screws of the helical in place. Again, ensure that the holes are not too big, that the screws fit perfectly into the thread. Don't assemble the lens yet. Now, if everything is working, unscrew the two screws holding the whole front and apply sufficient glue into the inside of the Ansco camera body. I highly recommend using Super X glue (http://www.cemedine.co.jp/e/product/super_x.html). Once the glue is applied, slide the front part into the camera body and fix it again with the two screws. Ensure again that everything is perfectly aligned. Now it's time for a 24-hour rest to let the glue dry. The final step is to cover the inner part of the camera with foam rubber sheets.