11x14 camera build attempt - Questions

[Jim Fitzgerald]

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.

[Lachlan 717]

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.

[Tin Can]

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"

[Jim Fitzgerald]

So what is everyone using for the shaft guide support? I've found left hand threaded screws.

[Tin Can]

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.

[Pali K]

Today's Update

Front and Rear Standards

Slot is for trapping light.





With Rotating 11x14 Back

[MAubrey]

This is really beautiful.

[Pali K]

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.



Looks like the measurements worked. The camera folds...perfectly!



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.

[Tin Can]

Looking good. Put a washer on the front shift bolt...maybe!

[Pali K]

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.