My new 8 x 20 is finished.

[User Removed]

Thanks for all the compliments. I hope to be using it soon.

Tim - I don't have an accurate scale, but it appears to weight in at about 14 - 15 lbs. I believe that this is a little heavier than most 8 x 20's, but I suspected ahead of time that with it's capacity for both vertical and horizontal formats, it would have more parts/pieces in it. However, add on the Majestic tripod head and surveyors tripod and this is a real beast.

14-15lbs for a 8x10 is VERY lightweight. My old 8x10 Calumet weights about that. The 11x14 B&J weights close to 30lbs.

You should pick up an old or new Ries Model-A for that camera. It would be alot lighter and easier to use and carry. I've seen those heads you have, and they are WAY too heavy to use with any camera.

[noseoil]

Dan, good job in keeping it light. My B&J 8x10 comes in at 17#, so you've done a great job at keeping things in line. Now its time to go out and shoot. Best, tim

[highpeak]

Wow, that is a beautiful camera! Do you make the holders by yourself too?

Alex W.

[Dan Dozer]

Alex,

This will be my first attempt at building film holders (although it was my first attempt at building a camera also). I have put together a prototype to test out some ideas and learned a lot. I need to make some changes from the prototype, but I think it will all work.

I've also been keeping a journal of plans, drawings, and photo's through the whole process and will be making it available in the future. I'll let everyone know when I get it done. It has turned out to be quite a long project as well. I originally thought it would be 20 - 30 pages but is has snowballed to nearly 150 pages and growing.

Dan

[highpeak]

Thanks, Dan. Best wishes to your project and enjoy it.

Alex W.

[uraniumnitrate]

Dan!
A wonderful piece of craftsmanship! I love it! And I really mean it!

[argus]

Nice work. Now get out and make pictures with it!

G

[Martin Stachowski]

Looks really nice. Can't wait to see the pictures.

[mark]

Pat yourself on the back. That 8x20 is pretty. Alas, I can only dream of having the skills and time to build one.

[philsweeney]

Alex,

This will be my first attempt at building film holders (although it was my first attempt at building a camera also). I have put together a prototype to test out some ideas and learned a lot. I need to make some changes from the prototype, but I think it will all work.

I've also been keeping a journal of plans, drawings, and photo's through the whole process and will be making it available in the future. I'll let everyone know when I get it done. It has turned out to be quite a long project as well. I originally thought it would be 20 - 30 pages but is has snowballed to nearly 150 pages and growing.

Dan

Hi Dan,
It would be great to see your plans. There would be lots of details of your build that would be great for someone who wants to try to build one also. Looks great!!