A bit different from previous efforts, this 5x7 went together in just a few partial days…with only minimal head-scratching!
Strong, light, simple, cheap (almost free!) - does exactly (barely!) what I need, while offering great logistics for backpacking, and in particular for working above tree line in a variety of weather conditions, in the nearby NH mountains. Can strap camera, mounted to Feisol CT-3441 tripod/Photo-Clam head, to backpack…or simply carry over shoulder - ready for action! And, if it gets smashed/thrashed/dunked/thrown off a cliff…who cares - I’ll just make another one!
Specs:
Format - 5x7
Useable Focal Lengths - 90mm to 305mm
Front Movements - Slide-focus/Swing, Axial Tilts, 1” Fall (mitigates forward tilt-induced vignetting on short FL’s ) Large contact surfaces facilitate smooth, “wobble-free” action, accurate - hassle free tweaks…and quick, solid locking. Focus does not change while locking - important!
Rear Movements - Routed-in, preset positions lock from bottom - nothing else…rock solid! Actually, the 90mm (Grandagon) and 150mm (G-Claron) slots feature short lateral slide-slots to help take care of vignetting while photographing vertically with front axial tilts. My other FL’s - 120/210/305…don’t need this.
Lensboards - 3.5x3.5 square black anodized metal (Gowland).
Weight - 3.5 lbs, with 150 G-Claron mounted.
(Future Add-On: Existing slots/witness marks for 90 and 150mm lenses will facilitate handheld and/or quick tripod use via. accessory viewfinders. Could also make another base support…shortened for use with 90/150 lenses).
Materials: 3/4 inch birch plywood (salvaged), 5x7 Bellows (unused, salvaged from another, ancient unfinished project), 5x7 back (30 bucks…thank you Richard!), Hardware - salvaged from other projects. Rubber sheet material (five bucks from Home Depot) - for good “slip/grip” under focus/swing slider and axial tilt/fall mechanism, allows for critical tweaking while movements partially locked. Locks require minimal finger pressure on controls - and are solid! Weldwood contact cement, plywood finished with Tung-Oil.
Praising/Flaming/Questioning of Sanity all equally welcomed!
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