Help with 11X14 Bellows fold size dimension

I want to know what size folds are used on common 11x14" folding cameras. Both factory built and DIY.

Not for studio cameras, as I know a Deardorff SC 11x14 uses 1" square fold.

Most folding field camera I have used have 'Truncated' folds. meaning angled or bent, not square.

I think 1" is too big and 1/2" may be too small, so what are your thoughts and experiences?

Hi Randy,

This helped me when I made them some years ago. http://web.archive.org/web/201003271...l/bellows.html

The problem now is finding the right material, something I haven't been able to do. I've used the blackout curtain liner but it is just too thick and heavy.

Thanks Chris. I won't be making bellows. My fingers won't do it. I am making DIY 11x14, gathering resources and measurements.

Got a quote from Custom Bellows at Zulu 8:33.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chris_4622

Hi Randy,

This helped me when I made them some years ago. http://web.archive.org/web/201003271...l/bellows.html

The problem now is finding the right material, something I haven't been able to do. I've used the blackout curtain liner but it is just too thick and heavy.

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I made these for a Century Grand 5x7 and the folds - taken from the original (completely shot) bellows were about 10mm. I actually found from careful measurement of the original support struts (which seem to be made from thin varnished card) that the measurements alternated 11mm / 9mm / 11mm etc. from back to front standard.
If we take that as a guide and given that you think 1" is too big and 1/2" is too small, doubling mine (for 5x7 up to 11x14) would be 20mm roughly, or near as makes no difference 3/4". I'm remaking them now - that's why they are off the camera - and still looking for the ideal material! Currently trying bookbinders' reconstituted leather....watch this space.

Attachment 146981

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Milonian

I made these for a Century Grand 5x7 and the folds - taken from the original (completely shot) bellows were about 10mm. I actually found from careful measurement of the original support struts (which seem to be made from thin varnished card) that the measurements alternated 11mm / 9mm / 11mm etc. from back to front standard.
If we take that as a guide and given that you think 1" is too big and 1/2" is too small, doubling mine (for 5x7 up to 11x14) would be 20mm roughly, or near as makes no difference 3/4". I'm remaking them now - that's why they are off the camera - and still looking for the ideal material! Currently trying bookbinders' reconstituted leather....watch this space.

Attachment 146981

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Thanks for the reply.

I am going with 1", as I will be specifying big bellows. OD 16" big end, OD 10" small end and 40" of draw. Deardoff 8" lens boards as I already use that size and a big Packard shutter can be installed inside the camera.

This is not a backpack camera and I want to be able to shoot macro heads on location.

I also measured a few sets here, the biggest folds are on my Fotar 8X10 enlarger, but they just hang vertically. Smallest on Horseman VHR.

Hope it goes well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Milonian

Hope it goes well.

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It will go somewhere...

Thanks