PDA

View Full Version : Hardware for Building Cameras



argos33
4-Sep-2008, 20:03
I was wondering if anyone could advise me on places to get hardware (springs for GG, knobs, rails, sliders, etc) for building your own camera? I've been having a really hard time finding what I need, and I've noticed a lot of you who have built your own VCs have found some nice looking hardware for them.

I've been looking at things from Mcmaster Carr as well as some other online suppliers and local hardware stores but haven't had much luck. Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks

Evan

Colin Graham
4-Sep-2008, 20:06
You may have to fabricate your own. I got gears locally and knobs from McMaster-Carr, but pretty much had to make everything else.

edit- This is a pretty cool site I haven't explored much, they may have some 'convertible' parts. http://www.robotmarketplace.com/store.html

J D Clark
4-Sep-2008, 20:12
I found a number of good parts at Small Parts: www.smallparts.com (http://www.smallparts.com).

John Clark
www.johndclark.com

Gordon Moat
4-Sep-2008, 22:35
McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) is one source, but you have to know what you want, and what it is called. I found some useful parts under a search for springs, but other searches led to things that were too large, or not appropriate.

Camera Bellows (http://www.camerabellows.com/) is another great source, for a much needed part. This is the company who has helped me the most in my camera building. Using their suggestions, I am able to move from prototype to a better design, which will eventually yield and all new camera. Highly recommended.

Depending upon whether you are using wood, metal, or both, you might find that making parts can work better than buying them. There is a company called Sherline (http://www.sherline.com/) that makes some great small milling machines and small lathes, which are perfectly suited to making brass or aluminum parts. You can still get these new, though sometimes there are great deals on used gear to be found on EBAY.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography (http://www.gordonmoat.com)

ic-racer
5-Sep-2008, 08:54
Here is a good source for 'real' view camera parts:

http://www.petergowland.com/camera/pocketviewparts.htm

Ernest Purdum
5-Sep-2008, 09:54
Alas, the situation has deteriorated in the last century. About a hundred years ago you could buy complete sets of hardware needed for a camera as well as any individual item.

Camera makers used to saw out brass parts on a slow speed jigsaw, then finish with a file, quite often beveling the edge.

svlindbe
6-Sep-2008, 09:03
The firm Kuggteknik of Swiden can supply racks and pinions among other things. They have a selection of standard items, but also make racks etc. according to customer's specifications. http://www.kuggteknik.se/

Svein Lindberg

John Powers
6-Sep-2008, 09:15
Add Reid Supply Co. www.ReidSupply.com to the list.

John

RichardRitter
6-Sep-2008, 09:32
Being a custom camera maker the only thing standard on the shelf ready to buy is screws, racks, gears and some knobs. Everything else is custom made. I made the metal parts for one camera I designed and built with a jeweler saw and files. For the wood a table saw camera worked not real fancy.

Figure on about 200 hours at the low end of time for the construction of the camera.

Buy a camera you will be happier in the end.

Colin Graham
6-Sep-2008, 09:48
Buy a camera you will be happier in the end.


That's a broad statement. I've made several cameras and holders, tripods, etc. Nothing makes me happier than using gear I made specifically for my own uses. It's a great extension of the creative process, and can be very rewarding.

Gordon Moat
6-Sep-2008, 13:51
I think Richard is spot on with the 200 hours estimate. Using a lathe and mill, that is about how long it took to build my first prototype.

Handles and knobs are the toughest to source. It definitely seems that making these, or having them made, is a better route. Unfortunately your costs will increase as you do this.

The idea of making a camera to save money doesn't seem to work in most cases. Yes, it can be done, or you could buy a Bender or Bullldog kit. Another choice is modifying an existing camera, so at least the primary parts are there.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography (http://www.gordonmoat.com)

argos33
6-Sep-2008, 23:12
Thanks everyone for the helpful resources. I have already started on the camera and I don't care if it takes a year, let alone 200 hours, I am going to finish it. I have no problem making my own parts (I figured that's what would have to be done) I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.