Building a film holder...

[Joe Symchyshyn]

Has anyone tried building a film holder?

Here's the back story...

I'm a very handy woodworker and am comfortable building furniture etc. I would like to build my own LF camera when my life settles down. The bellows will be farmed out so the only part that I feel will really give me any sort of trouble might be the small parts involved in building a film holder(s). (I'm interested in going to 7x17)

I understand that different cameras have different specs as per the film holders, but has anyone tried this? Any good ideas as to darkslide materials?

joe

[mark]

sandy does it. I have this question on occaision I it seems that there is a reason that they are so expensive. I can't wait to see how Jim tackled the project.

[Jim Chinn]

Here is the skinny on film holders. The only improtant dimension is that the distance from the rear of the lens is the same measured either from the film plane, or from the front of the ground glass. That distance needs to be the small distance. My measurements are identical because the ground glass in my cameras are built in a frame that is the same as the film holder.

So if you build a camera for yourself, design the film holder and then bulild the back to match or vice a versa.

There are several ways to build simple film holders that keep the film flat and light tight. Sandy and others build holders that have to be able to work with many different cameras and fit very specific criteria. But if you build your set up as a single matched unit it is a much easier task.

I got head for work, I'll post a little about my holders later.

[donbga]

sandy does it. I have this question on occaision I it seems that there is a reason that they are so expensive. I can't wait to see how Jim tackled the project.

Although I may be wrong, I don't think Sandy King actually manufactures film holders himself, rather he contracts with a craftsman that produces the holders for him.

I'm certainly no expert here, but from what I've read it is more cost , time and quality effective to have an expert build film holders rather than to make them at home; but I'm sure where there is a will there is a way.

Don Bryant

[Joe Symchyshyn]

I'm certainly no expert here, but from what I've read it is more cost , time and quality effective to have an expert build film holders rather than to make them at home; but I'm sure where there is a will there is a way.

The biggest reason is the challenge of it... Being able to make something from scratch for yourself is very satisfying. I don't expect to actually save money by making my own camera, it is the challenge. (While materials may be cheaper the amount of time involved quickly eats up any possible savings - time is money...)

But there is no denying that if I can make my own holders, that I can shave a major cost off the project. (ULF holders are also very very expensive in comparison to 4x5 and 8x10.)

joe

[sanking]

Although I may be wrong, I don't think Sandy King actually manufactures film holders himself, rather he contracts with a craftsman that produces the holders for him.

I'm certainly no expert here, but from what I've read it is more cost , time and quality effective to have an expert build film holders rather than to make them at home; but I'm sure where there is a will there is a way.

Don Bryant

Don,

What you write is only partially true. Sam and I am very much involved in the production of the S&S holders, though much of the woodwork is done by a local craftsman. We design the holders and provide production instructions, install the light baffles, and finish them off. I also do the woodwork on some of the custom sizes and do all of the custom work for fitting holders to cameras with non-standard backs.

Basically, what we get from the woodworker is a raw product that requires quite a lot of work to be a good holder.

Sandy

[sanking]

I'm certainly no expert here, but from what I've read it is more cost , time and quality effective to have an expert build film holders rather than to make them at home; but I'm sure where there is a will there is a way.

Don Bryant

Missed this part of your message in my first response.

It is not merely a question of time versus money, but one of how you want to spend your time. I love woodworking and have spent a lot of time at it, including building from scratch several cameras in sizes fro 8X10 up to 20X24", numerous holders, a few cabinets, and a couple of sailboats). I did those things because the activity at the time was fun and exciting, not to save money.

I take my hat off to anyone who wants to build a camera, holder or sailboat, but doing it right takes quite a bit of time, skill and some decent tools. But don't underestimate the job. Having built cameras, boats, cabinets and holders I can tell you that the tolerances for building holders are more demanding than for cameras, boats and cabinets.

Sandy King

[Greg Davis]

Sandy,

I asked you this once, but I lost my notes. What is the t-dimension on your 20x24 holders?

-Greg

[rogueish]

Has anyone tried building a film holder?
I'm a very handy woodworker and am comfortable building furniture etc. I would like to build my own LF camera when my life settles down. The bellows will be farmed out so the only part that I feel will really give me any sort of trouble might be the small parts involved in building a film holder(s). (I'm interested in going to 7x17)
I understand that different cameras have different specs as per the film holders, but has anyone tried this? Any good ideas as to darkslide materials?
joe

A book called Primative Photography is about building a view camera to the original standards back when photography was first starting. Complete with dry or wet plates.
I also found on the web several people who sell plans to make a more modern wooden view camera. I'll PM you the links if your interested.
Since your comfortable working with wood, it should be (relatively) easy to convert one such plan to the deminsions you want.

[sanking]

Sandy,

I asked you this once, but I lost my notes. What is the t-dimension on your 20x24 holders?

-Greg

The T-dimension on my 20X24" holders is 8.5 mm, or approximately .334".

In fact, this is the T-dimension on all of the S&S ULF holders, with the exception of the 14X17" holders, which have a T-dimension of 0.320".

Sandy