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11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
The large format bug has really got me now and I would like to venture into ULF. Without going too big, I am thinking about building a 11x14 camera (never built one before) based on the design below. I would really appreciate help on the overall design of the camera and the questions below before I start building the camera.
Draft Design:
http://i.imgur.com/C9D93Ya.jpg
Questions:
- Does this design seem appropriate? I know this is a loaded question but I have never built a camera before and I am looking for if I should attempt this or scratch it all together and start with a different design.
- Is 3/8" Baltic Birch Plywood strong enough for framing the front and the rear standards?
- Does anyone know a good play to get ball bearing rails? Actually, the question should be what rails should I use to support the base for the front standard?
- I would like to use ball screw based focusing (similar to chamonix) but I can't seem to find these anywhere. Does anyone know what these are called and where I can find one?
- Based on my CAD drawing, I should be able to get about 940mm bellows extension. Is this OK for 11x14 or will it be a problem for portraits with "normal" lens?
- Does anyone know a good place for bellows? I saw a few on ebay but they seem to be from China and I would prefer to get them from someone in US.
Thanks, Pali
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Looks fine. Are you a cabinet maker or journeyman machinist? To pull off this design, you need skills and tools. Drawing it on a screen and building it are two different things. There is another thread on here about designing a camera and doing a bulk buy on some of the parts. Might be a good thread to find and join.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jbenedict
Looks fine. Are you a cabinet maker or journeyman machinist? To pull off this design, you need skills and tools. Drawing it on a screen and building it are two different things. There is another thread on here about designing a camera and doing a bulk buy on some of the parts. Might be a good thread to find and join.
Thank you. My dad has a small machine shop and I plan to get the parts machined there. He'll probably be able to machine everything as long as I can provide blueprints for him so that is why I am building this in CAD first.
I'll look up the thread you mentioned.
Thanks again.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
You can get most of the hardware you will need from McMaster-Carr
Linear Motion Bearings http://www.mcmaster.com/#linear-moti...riages/=yiz449
Acme Threaded Rods http://www.mcmaster.com/#acme-threaded-rods/=yiz57r
Please keep us updated on the progress of you build, it looks very nice.
Jim
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Buy the below from here. Much cheaper.
And this is also needed.
Use it for focus by adding a crank handle and make your load bearing ways from traditional woods.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
See my website.
Baltic birch is great stuff. Use 1/2" or better yet 5/8" for the rear frame. Use finger joints made on the table saw.
This is the screw you're looking for:http://www.roton.com/page.aspx?id=16
Chamonix uses left hand screws in stainless steel. Roton doesn't list them on their site so i bought mine from chamonix. Most expensive part of the camera.
I made my front standard (lensboard portion) out of one piece of 3/4" baltic birch. No joints.
Look up the Phillips compact camera as well.
Linear guide bearings/rails from ebay.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Well, I'm looking at a receipt that says "Camera Bellows" that came with my camera bellows that was made in Nov 2003 for a Conley 8x10 camera. The address is from Birmingham UK, but it lists the web address as "www.leefilters.com." I have a bunch of Lee Filters items that I use, but I simply don't remember getting this bellows from them. It makes sense that they could make bellows because they make the filter lens hoods for their systems which are kind of bellow-ishy LOL. I looked at their website, but it isn't obvious as to whether or not they make bellows, and since this was nearly 12 years ago I simply don't remember going through them to get my replacement Conley bellows. But, you might send them an email and tell them some crazy old fart got a bellows from them 12 years ago and can they make you one LOL. It was 180 pounds (money not weight) shipped 12 years ago to the US (Seattle) and it's awesome (heavy, well made). Unless you go with something used or hand-made I suspect THIS will be the most expensive part of your camera.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Thank you Jim, Randy, Vinny, and Paul. I just spent 30 minutes reviewing the links and the information you sent and placed a bulk order for parts from eBay. The project is officially ON and I am cautiously excited.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
vinny
See my website.
Baltic birch is great stuff. Use 1/2" or better yet 5/8" for the rear frame. Use finger joints made on the table saw.
This is the screw you're looking for:
http://www.roton.com/page.aspx?id=16
Chamonix uses left hand screws in stainless steel. Roton doesn't list them on their site so i bought mine from chamonix. Most expensive part of the camera.
I made my front standard (lensboard portion) out of one piece of 3/4" baltic birch. No joints.
Look up the Phillips compact camera as well.
Linear guide bearings/rails from ebay.
Vinny, so glad you chimed in because your beautiful camera is what inspired me to start this project. I am sure there will be many challenges ahead but knowing you are here gives me some comfort. I am going to follow your ideas with this design including milling the front standard from one piece. I went with 3/4" for the rear standard and 1/2" for the rotating back. BTW, I looked up the left hand screw but didn't find any so went with the acme screw that Randy posted. It seems that it will do the job and the price was really good.
I also lucked out and saw that there was a 11x14 holder for $250 so picked that up as well. Total so far is $440 with the film holder being more than 50% of it.
Here is the parts inventory to keep this DIY build logged for future.
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...t%20beings.jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...beings%202.jpg
Back to CAD before the parts get delivered.
Pali
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paul Metcalf
Well, I'm looking at a receipt that says "Camera Bellows" that came with my camera bellows that was made in Nov 2003 for a Conley 8x10 camera. The address is from Birmingham UK, but it lists the web address as "www.leefilters.com." I have a bunch of Lee Filters items that I use, but I simply don't remember getting this bellows from them. It makes sense that they could make bellows because they make the filter lens hoods for their systems which are kind of bellow-ishy LOL. I looked at their website, but it isn't obvious as to whether or not they make bellows, and since this was nearly 12 years ago I simply don't remember going through them to get my replacement Conley bellows. But, you might send them an email and tell them some crazy old fart got a bellows from them 12 years ago and can they make you one LOL. It was 180 pounds (money not weight) shipped 12 years ago to the US (Seattle) and it's awesome (heavy, well made). Unless you go with something used or hand-made I suspect THIS will be the most expensive part of your camera.
Paul, this is quite interesting because I too use lee filters and never would have thought they make bellows. I may go with the seller on eBay (ecbuyonline2008) which seems to have good reviews for past bellows sales. I am going to buy the bellows last once I have built the entire camera and know exactly what bellows will fit best.
Pali
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Lee Filters used to own Camera Bellows. The company is now called Custom Bellows, http://www.custombellows.co.uk/ .
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Thanks Peter for the info and link, you made my day. To know that this company is still in business and doing what they've done for a long time just warms the cockles of my heart. I guess it's because of all the changes (losses) in the photo industry. And again I'll vouch that they (now custombellows) make a very fine product.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
You could make your own bellows. Tedious, but do-able. Non-tapering is easier than tapered, but there are instructions either on this site or on the net. I think Harlan may be a key word to look up.
Fwiw, people also grind lenses and make emulsions too...not sure how far you have to go to call it DIY!
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fr. Mark
You could make your own bellows. Tedious, but do-able. Non-tapering is easier than tapered, but there are instructions either on this site or on the net. I think Harlan may be a key word to look up.
Fwiw, people also grind lenses and make emulsions too...not sure how far you have to go to call it DIY!
Thank you. I looked into making bellows and it seems that it will take a great bit of time to get it right especially for one at this size. I feel that I can rely on being able to control the quality of the camera but not the bellows.
For ground glass, I will be doing this myself using #400 and #600 carbide grit. I should have most of the parts delivered by next week and the build will start soon after.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
very cool Pali good luck with your project please post pictures as you are putting it together
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Paul Metcalf
Well, I'm looking at a receipt that says "Camera Bellows" that came with my camera bellows that was made in Nov 2003 for a Conley 8x10 camera. The address is from Birmingham UK, but it lists the web address as "www.leefilters.com." I have a bunch of Lee Filters items that I use, but I simply don't remember getting this bellows from them. It makes sense that they could make bellows because they make the filter lens hoods for their systems which are kind of bellow-ishy LOL. I looked at their website, but it isn't obvious as to whether or not they make bellows, and since this was nearly 12 years ago I simply don't remember going through them to get my replacement Conley bellows. But, you might send them an email and tell them some crazy old fart got a bellows from them 12 years ago and can they make you one LOL. It was 180 pounds (money not weight) shipped 12 years ago to the US (Seattle) and it's awesome (heavy, well made). Unless you go with something used or hand-made I suspect THIS will be the most expensive part of your camera.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Camera Bellows no longer exists, they restarted under the name Custom Bellows Ltd in 2008
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
I just think a frame (sturdier) and not pillars for the front standard...
Do you intend to make it fold up into the rear?
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Remember that people are constantly throwing out old flatbed scanners wherein there are belts and lead screws of all sorts(support recycling) :-)
Tons of good wishes with the project and I will follow your progress with great anticipation.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
I'm interested in how you're going to deal with the back
the back is the only critical part of the camera
I could make a camera with a cardboard box if I had a back with proper dimensions for film plane/gg plane
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ced
I just think a frame (sturdier) and not pillars for the front standard...
Do you intend to make it fold up into the rear?
I agree. For many years I used a B&J flatbed with a front standard much like the ones the OP proposed. That camera incorporated slides and swings in the front standard, and tilts on the lens board frame. It could have been sturdier. If no slides and swings are intended, securing the front standard to the baseboard with a wider base as shown below would be much stronger. Slides can be eliminated if both front and rear standards have swings. In this case, rather than swing and clamp the front standard about a central screw, consider a clamping screw in a slot hear each edge of the front standard. This more directly clamps the front standard to the baseboard rather than relying on minimum torque of the base of the front standard.
As for the focusing screw, for readily available material and items, I'd use a standard hardware store V-threaded brass rod running in a threaded hardwood split nut. Lignum Vitae might be a first choice if available, but I grow an excess of Osage Orange at home. The split nut can be tightened as necessary to minimize backlash.
The support for the rear standard may be versatile, but looks awfully flimsy.
Attachment 138579
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ImSoNegative
very cool Pali good luck with your project please post pictures as you are putting it together
Thank you! All items have shipped as of this afternoon and they are all scheduled to arrive before Saturday. I will be taking many pictures and potentially videos to share with everyone here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ced
I just think a frame (sturdier) and not pillars for the front standard...
Do you intend to make it fold up into the rear?
Yes, I am hopeful that if done right - this should fold into 18x18 square about 4-5 inches high. I thought about the frame similar to my Deardorff V8 but I would think 3/8" aluminum pillars should be sturdy enough. They will most likely need corner support that is not pictured in the draft design.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DrTang
I'm interested in how you're going to deal with the back
the back is the only critical part of the camera
I could make a camera with a cardboard box if I had a back with proper dimensions for film plane/gg plane
Agreed and I feel the same way. I ordered a film holder so the back can be built around it. I know the basics of what needs to be done but the key challenge will be springs and ground glass placement. I am hoping that having the film holder in hand while building will help. I also plan to mimic the Deardorff 8x10 back and scale to 11x14 as reference.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Jones
I agree. For many years I used a B&J flatbed with a front standard much like the ones the OP proposed. That camera incorporated slides and swings in the front standard, and tilts on the lens board frame. It could have been sturdier. If no slides and swings are intended, securing the front standard to the baseboard with a wider base as shown below would be much stronger. Slides can be eliminated if both front and rear standards have swings. In this case, rather than swing and clamp the front standard about a central screw, consider a clamping screw in a slot hear each edge of the front standard. This more directly clamps the front standard to the baseboard rather than relying on minimum torque of the base of the front standard.
As for the focusing screw, for readily available material and items, I'd use a standard hardware store V-threaded brass rod running in a threaded hardwood split nut. Lignum Vitae might be a first choice if available, but I grow an excess of Osage Orange at home. The split nut can be tightened as necessary to minimize backlash.
The support for the rear standard may be versatile, but looks awfully flimsy.
Attachment 138579
Jim, these are all great pointers - thank you! I have been studying various camera designs and the svedovsky camera uses the double locks as you suggested. For me it's hard to compromise on movements just yet because I have no idea how things will come around and feel once the camera starts taking shape. I have plenty of wiggle room to learn from experience on the project. Also the general design is modular enough to build/learn/enhance as I go along and that is why I am being ambitious to start with a design that has all movements except rear swing. That one is easy to let go for me because I have never used it on my 8x10.
Regarding the focusing screw, I bought 5 Start ACME Rod and Nut that Randy posted in this thread earlier. I am hopeful the set will do the job just fine. Regarding rear standard support, I will be adding L shape support which is common to pretty much all camera designs along with heavy duty hinges. Haven't found ideal hinges yet so they may be custom machined from steel for this project.
I appreciate everyone interest and help on this project. Not everything is finalized in the design yet but that is by choice because I want to adapt as I learn more from the process. Really hoping that all of you will stick around to see the progress and help me make the decisions as things go along.
I will follow the following basic plan once the birch plywood gets shipped:
- Camera base will be built first. Seems straightforward and should provide the platform to get things rolling. The base will have an aluminum plate very similar to my Deardorff V8 for mounting on the tripod.
- I will then add the focus rail with all movements including focus screw and guided rails.
- The front standard will go next. I haven't fully settled on if it should be a 8" square with 6" lens boards (to match my Deardorff) or 10" square with 6-7" lens boards. Waiting for the bellows maker to get back on what is the "typical" bellows size for 11x14 camera to help make the decision.
- Next will be the rear standard and rotating back with springs. The hope is that by this point, there will be many opportunities to learn on what works and what doesn't giving the best chance to get the back right.
Pali
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Rather than the expense and construction inconvenience of an aluminum plate for a tripod socket, use either a T-nut inset into the top of the base plate and extending to flush with the bottom surface, or 1/4x20 brass insert threaded and epoxied into the bottom plate. These are cheaper and more durable than aluminum. Adding a 3/8x16 socket during construction is better than adding one later.
There seem to be variations in the dimensions of ULF film holders. Others with experience in ULF can advise you about this better than I can. A variety of holders that otherwise fit but have differing "T" spacing (the distance from the face of the holder to the back of the septum) can be used if the focus is adjusted by the variation in the T distance after focusing on the ground glass.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Jones
Rather than the expense and construction inconvenience of an aluminum plate for a tripod socket, use either a T-nut inset into the top of the base plate and extending to flush with the bottom surface, or 1/4x20 brass insert threaded and epoxied into the bottom plate. These are cheaper and more durable than aluminum. Adding a 3/8x16 socket during construction is better than adding one later.
There seem to be variations in the dimensions of ULF film holders. Others with experience in ULF can advise you about this better than I can. A variety of holders that otherwise fit but have differing "T" spacing (the distance from the face of the holder to the back of the septum) can be used if the focus is adjusted by the variation in the T distance after focusing on the ground glass.
Thank you again Jim. Will keep these in mind during the build. I ordered the Film holder that has arrived and quick tape measurements show that it matches the specs here: http://home.earthlink.net/~eahoo/page8/filmhold.html
Here are the two parts that I have received so far - the start is getting near :)
http://i.imgur.com/P5hWuZp.jpg
Question regarding bellows. I contacted Rudy (ebay seller) for bellows size recommendations and I am having some challenge due to language differences. My question to him was how "thick" should the bellows fold be for 11x14. By this I mean, should the inner size be 1 inch less than the outer size making the rear outer size 17 inch square and inner size 15 inch square for my build? Does anyone know what is ideal size that I should provide for the bellows fold size?
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Hey Paul, just checking if you have an update on your progress..... :)
Jim
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Yes, I have been trying to sneak a full camera on you guys but you brought this back to the top : )
Here is the status on the camera:
- Machining for all parts except rotating back has been completed
- The lead screw still has to be sized and needs a slot done on a lathe machine before it is ready for the camera
- Dad just got the front and rear standard frames done this week and I now have final measurements to order the bellows - these will be ordered in a day or do.
The camera is mostly in ready to assemble stage but I do not have picture of everything just yet. I plan to take a day off soon to spend a full day with my dad and get the pieces assembled and transform them to take the shape of the camera. So far, things have gone slow but smooth and I am starting to get an appreciation for the size and weight of ULF. It won't be easy but sure will be fun.
And here are a few pictures that I think are probably of the most interest to all : ) BTW, my dad made some modifications based on his experience and swears he is making things stronger and lighter and not the other way around. I will be taking very detailed pictures when I assemble this so I can document how it all comes together.
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...830_101205.jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...830_102814.jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...830_105412.jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...916_130634.jpg
- Pali
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
updates please. i am about to start making an 11x14 back soon and eagerly waiting to see how yours is turning out.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pali K
Thank you again Jim. Will keep these in mind during the build. I ordered the Film holder that has arrived and quick tape measurements show that it matches the specs here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~eahoo/page8/filmhold.html
Here are the two parts that I have received so far - the start is getting near :)
http://i.imgur.com/P5hWuZp.jpg
Question regarding bellows. I contacted Rudy (ebay seller) for bellows size recommendations and I am having some challenge due to language differences. My question to him was how "thick" should the bellows fold be for 11x14. By this I mean, should the inner size be 1 inch less than the outer size making the rear outer size 17 inch square and inner size 15 inch square for my build? Does anyone know what is ideal size that I should provide for the bellows fold size?
Did you get the bellows dimensions figured out? Sorry, but I only now noticed your question.
I had 3 Deardorff bellows made by Turner of Rochester a couple years ago, they no longer make custom bellows.
They were for a SC 11X14 Studio Deardorff. I just measured the inside dimension to be 14X14" with 1" square folds and the bellows are straight with no taper.
I need to make a 11X14 box camera this winter. :)
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
Did you get the bellows dimensions figured out? Sorry, but I only now noticed your question.
I had 3 Deardorff bellows made by Turner of Rochester a couple years ago, they no longer make custom bellows.
They were for a SC 11X14 Studio Deardorff. I just measured the inside dimension to be 14X14" with 1" square folds and the bellows are straight with no taper.
I need to make a 11X14 box camera this winter. :)
Thank you Randy but I managed to figure out the bellows dimensions. I am using 16x16 inner for the rear and 8x8 inner for the front which will give me room to shoot upto 16x16 plates if I ever want to upgrade this setup. Here are some parts that were made yesterday to support the front and rear standards. I am hoping the camera will be done by next week.
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20Standard.jpg
You definitely need to make a box camera this winter - always need more cameras :)
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
phillip2446
updates please. i am about to start making an 11x14 back soon and eagerly waiting to see how yours is turning out.
Phillip, the basic outline was machined yesterday but it is going to gets its real shape tomorrow. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
I have been struggling to get the camera finished because of ridiculous deadlines at work and conflicting priorities for my dad. Even though the puzzle pieces are almost all done, there is still good bit of work to do on the back and mounting screws/nuts that there is several hours of machining time needed to finish the camera. My dad just mentioned that he has some rush jobs that will take pretty much all his attention for the next 3 weeks and the camera will have to wait.
With that, here are the pictures of what everything looks like right now. Bellows shipped from china a few days ago and should be here around time to start machining the remaining items.
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
On a positive side, the parts look very clean and I am sure sanding and finishing this will make it look really nice. I am also starting to get a sense for the final weight of the camera and this might actually be light enough to lug around a few miles.
BTW, what color should I anodize the aluminum parts? I am leaning towards red (vs black) which might go well with darker wood stain/finish and black bellows.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
Red!
Done! Will go with Red.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Wow! This puts my home made box camera to shame! I wish I could have someone make me those parts for my 14x17 (which would be 14x20 in case I wanted to do 14x20 or 12x20 backs for sometime in the future).
Amazing!
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Thanks Stone. I started working on it again this week and have a few more parts ready. So close but still some work left to do.
It's moving slower now because I keep running into things that require some thinking and ordering parts that will go best with it. For example, mechanism to clamp the rotating back on the camera and etc.
Bellows are here so will be making bellows frame and attaching it to assembled standards soon. Will post pics when things look materially different :)
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Picking things back up and now it's time for the smaller items.
Front standard with Deardorff board
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
Lead Screw Mount - Custom Part
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
Lead Screw Focusing Knob - Custom Part
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
I also ordered a good bit of knurled nuts and bolts to use as the locking hardware for the standards that should arrive next week.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Pali K nice looking build so far. I've built five ULF cameras now and it id best o take your time. You have to think backwards from time to time. No matter how much you plan you always have to adjust as you go. Great learning experience.
BTW, where did you find the lead screw. It is still one of those things I have not researched yet.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Fitzgerald
Pali K nice looking build so far. I've built five ULF cameras now and it id best o take your time. You have to think backwards from time to time. No matter how much you plan you always have to adjust as you go. Great learning experience.
BTW, where did you find the lead screw. It is still one of those things I have not researched yet.
Thank you Jim! I certainly am taking time to think through things because I know that small mistakes at this stage will likely cause bigger headaches. The latest challenges for now is how to build a spring mechanism for the back that is clean and effective. The ground glass frame that will go on the back is quite large in this format and I know that I will need relatively strong spring system to provide adequate pressure. I would appreciate if you have any ideas on this that have worked for you in your previous builds.
Regarding the screw, it is a "acme rod" that was a suggestion in this thread earlier. If you do a search for "acme threaded rod" on ebay, you will get plenty of options. One thing to note is that right-handed rods are very common but it means that the front standard will move towards the back of the camera when you rotate the focus know clockwise. Based on my understanding, production cameras with this focus mechanism use left-handed rods so the focus movement is reversed. I figured if our minds can get used to upside down images, they can probably adjust to reversed focus as well :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SergeiR
Nice work indeed.
Thank you Sergei! It has been a really exciting project so far.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Pali, thanks. I think I may have read that somewhere and I'll look into it. As far as the springs go look on Mc Master Carr's website as I think my friend Vinny used some feeler gauge spring steel for his camera. I have always purchased mine on E-bay from the Deardorff guy.
On my 8 x 20 I used some brass that I laminated together (I forget how) that is working fine after many years. It was my first build and took m 18 months.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Fitzgerald
Pali K nice looking build so far. I've built five ULF cameras now and it id best o take your time. You have to think backwards from time to time. No matter how much you plan you always have to adjust as you go. Great learning experience.
BTW, where did you find the lead screw. It is still one of those things I have not researched yet.
Jim,
Search on eBay under something like "lead screw 5 start" or "lead screw start".
I've gone for 8mm (5/16" roughly) 4 start for my current build. This will move the standard 8mm/turn. 5 start would have moved it more; however, I could only find 1/2" and that was simply too thick/heavy. Also, I won't need the whole thread with the design I plan, making the finer movement a better option.
It's coming out of China, but very cheap and free postage.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Just searched for 8mm 4 start and Amazon has a nice 300mm with nut. http://www.amazon.com/L300mm-Lead-St.../dp/B00PXIEK50
I may get that to replace my original purchase I suggested here for the 1/2" 5 start.
8mm is almost exactly 5/16"
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
So what is everyone using for the shaft guide support? I've found left hand threaded screws.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Fitzgerald
So what is everyone using for the shaft guide support? I've found left hand threaded screws.
Amazon shows suggested purchases with the one I linked to, such as supports. Look at that page. The screw I linked comes with 2 nuts.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
This is really beautiful.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
It seems that the more time I put into this - the more time the camera demands in return. Thankfully, I can see progress which is keeping me going. Here is the latest update.
Front Standard Complete and assembled.
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
Looks like the measurements worked. The camera folds...perfectly!
http://www.netsoft2k.com/Docs/Media/...20(Custom).jpg
On a not so exciting note, I made an error while milling a small slot for the film holder's lock position. I really think that the entire back frame needs to be redone which took multiple hours of machine time over many weeks. This is going to push the completion date back a week or so :( This is not all bad news because I can use this one as my 16x16 wet-plate back when I am ready for that project.
Here is what is remaining:
- Redo rotating back.
- Build and install bellows frames (Front and Back).
- Install custom hinges for rear standard. These were built today but haven't installed them yet.
- Need new cabinet drawer sliders. Changed design since the rail mount is really heavy. The camera is sturdy as is so going to go with cabinet drawer slider that are much lighter.
- Adjust several bolt lengths.
- Deal with any new surprises.
Wish me luck.
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Looking good. Put a washer on the front shift bolt...maybe!
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Re: 11x14 camera build attempt - Questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Randy Moe
Looking good. Put a washer on the front shift bolt...maybe!
Thanks Randy! And Yes, there will absolutely will be washers where appropriate. Some of this is just temporary hardware to test things out.