Calumet 8x10 Tripod Mount??

[billschwab]

I just got one of those green monster Calumet 8x10s and a bunch of xtras in excellent condition.. only problem is the camera came without the tripod mount that slides along the bottom of the rails. I can undoubtedly make a replacement, but I'd like to have the actual part. Anyone out there point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance,

Bill

[JackGreen]

Bill,
You might try contacting Calumet in Chicago 312-440-4920. It may be a long shot on something so old but they do stock replacement parts. I believe the person I've dealt with was Jose.. Good luck
Jack

[billschwab]

I believe the person I've dealt with was Jose.. Good luck
Jack

Thanks Jack. I already spoke with Jose. No parts, but he did say to send it in and he would make something for me. Nice guy. I'm pretty good with metal and wood and will mill something myself I guess. From the looks, it is a very simple part. Would be nice to have the real thing though.

Thanks again,

Bill

[Jim McD]

Try a Bogen Super Clamp.

[TheFlyingCamera]

Bill- if you are going to make your own, here's a tip. Make something with a solid, flat bottom. Don't try and copy the original which was designed as an open form, to save weight. The open structure and the resulting minimal contact patch with the tripod head means that unless you're using a Majestic head with a 9" wide platform, your camera will suffer from "the wigglies". It is stable enough once you have the film holder loaded and the darkslide pulled, but working with it will scare you unnecessarily.

[Jim Chinn]

Try calling Midwest Photo Exchange. I know a couple of people who found some odds and ends peices for old Koronas and vintage calumet 4x5 rail cameras there.

[billschwab]

Make something with a solid, flat bottom.

Thanks FC... that't the plan. It will slide along the rails like the original, but be solid. Hopefully that will take a little of the spring out of things. Although a bit cumbersome, this is a very well designed camera from what I can see. Wish the 8x10 bale had the wheel like the 4x5 back. Wonder why they skipped that step on the 8x10 back? So it goes. Until then, I will give Jim's suggestion a try.

Thanks again,

Bill

[bobfowler]

I can make measurements and shoot some digi's of mine if it will help you out...

[Ray Bidegain]

Hi Bill:

I have had a couple of the green monsters over the years and they are great cameras. I used the mounting plate as sort of a quick release for my camera, I would leave it on the tripod and slide the camera on and off the tray. I am surprised that someone would have the camera but not the plate, making one may not be all that easy. I have seen beat up versions of these cameras sell for less than 100.00 so you might have to go that route. I do still have a lens board or two including a recessed one if you are interested and maybe a compendium shade. Good luck with your platinum adventure.

Ray Bidegain

[TheFlyingCamera]

Hi Bill:

I have had a couple of the green monsters over the years and they are great cameras. I used the mounting plate as sort of a quick release for my camera, I would leave it on the tripod and slide the camera on and off the tray. I am surprised that someone would have the camera but not the plate, making one may not be all that easy. I have seen beat up versions of these cameras sell for less than 100.00 so you might have to go that route. I do still have a lens board or two including a recessed one if you are interested and maybe a compendium shade. Good luck with your platinum adventure.

Ray Bidegain

Ray- surprisingly enough, I've seen at least a half-dozen of these show up on the auction site in the last two years or so missing the bottom mounting block. I don't know how you could lose it either. Even more distressing is seeing one of the old Kodak magnesium Professional 8x10s without the mounting block. That, unfortunately, is even more common.