Pix of your home-built cams here please

[Ian Grant]

Your right both of your cameras are execellent, I'd overlooked Grahams. In the end it all comes down to personal taste.

Ian

[amland]

This is may first DIY camera, although the second version. It started off as a fixed focus f32 for the 90mm lens set at the hyperfocal distance, after getting a 6x12 back and 75mm lens I took the saw to it so it would take both lenses.


Materials for the model pictured:-
Ikea pen holder and magazine holder
Model making ply 3mm & 1.6mm
Decorator caulk
M6 threaded inserts
M6 thumb screws
Blackboard paint
Elastic cord
Neilsen picture frame Aluminium section & clips
Satinsnow g'glass
Length of wood

See my website for example image:-
Sunset, Longdendale

Currently getting materials together to make a focusing model based on Fotomann helical mounts bought from the States while exchange rates are good.

[phfitz]

Hi there,

Needed a test bed to check bellows draw for some old brass cannons at portrait length, down to 1 meter, so I bought a 6ft x 12in x 3/4in pine plank and 2 shelf brackets at Lowe's. Decided to make it foldable and bought a 12in piano hinge at Ace. The bellows is 2 aluminium angles and a dark cloth, actually works. Total cost $20USD.

The moving focus carriage is from an Ansco 5x7 studio portrait camera, the back assm. is from a Agfa/Ansco 8x10. The angle brakets will go from back to front for carrying and latch it the frame with 2 thumb screws for use. 45 inches bellows draw yet to be made. Total weight w/o lens = 12lbs.

Yes, it's the ugliest box of rocks posted yet. :rolleyes:

[Frank R]

This is may first DIY camera, although the second version.

I think you did a good job on your first camera. Quite a clever use of existing materials.

Have you thought about sealing the wood and then painting it all black?

[Dan Fromm]

<snip>

Yes, it's the ugliest box of rocks posted yet. :rolleyes:

What do you mean, ugly? I think its pretty damn cute.

[phfitz]

"What do you mean, ugly? I think its pretty damn cute."

Why, thank you Dan. It's also rather handy for it's intended purpose. I have found:

44" of bellows is enough for any lens at portrait distance

the new-to-me 1860 Voigtlander petzval portrait is 18" f/4 and was sent back to the Wollensak factory to be refit into a Studio shutter in 1926 for the reason I suspected., it's a 'mojo master' from way back. Damn it has a look to it.

the B&L Universal Portrait #3 is a
16" f/4 petzval in standard set-up
18" f/4.5 petzval in reverse set-up
28" f/7 port-lan meniscus in converted set-up (really fine look to it)

the 'Extra Rapid Lynkeioskop' is 18.5" f/6.3 so I can finish the waterhouse stops

if I put the front cell of the B&L 14x17 f/6.3 on the 'magic lens' it's a 32" f/10 with monster-sized coverage. Now to find 40" film.

I did find the right fabric for the bellows at 'Jo-Anne's', folded it's 16 x 12 x 24 inches. Now to find the balance point for a tripod mount.

Too many project, not enough time

[eclarke]

Nathan,

I did not make the bellows, please read above.

Barry,

the metal is spray painted aluminium. I'm not into anodizing yet.
The paint will get damaged overtime, I'm aware of that.

Next thing to do is adapt the 7x17 to use the same base as this 8x10. The base and front standard will become interchangeable between both cameras.

Greetings,
G

Check out anodizing, here in the US it is pretty cheap. I always get them to throw in my odd parts when they are running big lots....EC

[amland]

I think you did a good job on your first camera. Quite a clever use of existing materials.

Have you thought about sealing the wood and then painting it all black?

I did think of using some outrageous wood dye but went for the easy option of wax applied with wire wool and polish it up with a cloth.

I droppped it in a stream a few moths back it didn't suffer from the experience!

[ragc]

My meager efforts pale when I see all of the true camera building posted,
but here they are (and I have bored all by posting these before, so I'll be brief):




A lensboard that allows my 5x7 Korona to have swing and tilt on the front standard.


A tripod platform with dual spirit levels for my Asanuma King 1


5x7 B&J back adaptation on the AK1 (originally Half-Plate)


4x5 back on the AK1 - spring is B&J.

The AK1 is my shooter now, in two formats plus the original half-plate (if I ever find book form holders for it). It has new bellows by Mark Kapono and Satin Snow glass screens by Dave parker in both backs.

[seananton]

The lens is an 1862 Dallmeyer 2B Quick Acting Portrait lens, the camera a 1/2 plate sliding box made in 2004 for wet collodion work.