5x7 diy beginner questions..

[Jim Jones]

Perhaps more plentiful and less expensive than a 2D is a Burke & James. It isn't as classy, but for anyone who prefers looking at photographs than the tools that make them, the B&J is just as productive. A 5x7 B&J was my main LF camera for decades.

[chris77]

Monorail - not a good idea! Making stable/adjustable mounts will take a lot more work than the camera!

The standard modern solution of using different formats is to have identical sized loose backs, each with its own GG/and mount for film holders. The mahogany camera era used insert adapter pieces.

The square bellows suggests you are planning a tailboard camera?

hello steven. I will construct a monorail camera. making the mounts is not a big issue for me. i am not looking for a certain aesthetic at the moment. solid and leightweight is what i aim for. the square bellows was cheap and its big enough to go 8x10 one day. thats why i bought it.

[chris77]

@bill and jim
Thanks for your comments. i have gathered all the material I need to construct a camera, so I will not stop now and buy something else to try out. your advice sounds reasonable though.

[Sean Mac]

Hi,

If you are determined to build your own camera there is the option of using a complete camera back and ground glass assembly from camera makers like Sinar, Plaubel or Arca Swiss.

I see suitable components on Ebay frequently.

It solves a lot of the difficult issues very quickly and easily.

The last page of this section of the forum has a build thread from jb7 that has sadly lost its images.

It was a very successful looking 8x10 build using a Cambo SC back.

Perhaps if he sees this post he might be able to restore the images.

Good luck..

[chris77]

hello. just a short update.
the bellows i had bought was full of pinholes, the shutter was a bit too vintage (1930s from russia, not only impressed me with its noise but also made my hand shake when firing..)... so... i didnt have enough time as well and stumbled across a pentacon panorama 2 in great shape and got it for a good price.

so, as some ppl here have suggested, i will take my first steps in lf photography with a professional camer. its a solid beast, love it already. being used to hiking with a full mamiya rz67 outfit its a very homy feeling. i got a set of lenses and am only waiting for the delivery of film (foma100)..

will post here again when im back in the metal workshop pursuing my own build..

cheers from france!
chris

[Sean Mac]

I think you made a wise choice.

There is a " Show off your Large Format camera!" thread if you would like to post a picture.

East German cameras are rare outside Europe.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.