4x5 diy view camera rack/pinion question

[Pfsor]

The OP might look for 'low profile roller track', or something like that. I have a couple that use tubular type bearings intended for light duty. I cannot remember where they came from, but it was something photographic because all my odds and ends are photo stuff.

The OP might also realise that a nylon rack and pinion is quite a modern solution not available to the most of LF manufacturers in the past...

[Pfsor]

What is more, the OP can also realise that nylon pinions are common on modern printers where they get much more use than on his intended camera...

[Pfsor]

Ultimately, the OP can also realise that other people's misadventure with Linhof cameras have no bearing on his own construction and go for the intended nylon rack and pinion modern material for his camera.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Ultimately, the OP can also realise that other people's misadventure with Linhof cameras have no bearing on his own construction and go for the intended nylon rack and pinion modern material for his camera.

I find your contributions annoying, unnecessarily argumentative, discouraging new ideas, in all contrary to the spirit of DIY. You seem to post only to put down information/ideas contrary to your own.

Ignore file for you.

[Lachlan 717]

Petty pissing contests aside, I think that polymer rack/pinion options are viable for 4x5” with somewhat limited draw. That is, not loading the camera up with massive >270mm Fast Plasmats.

One suggestion I would offer that comes from my experience with building timber cameras is to avoid wood on wood sliding components. I feel that you’re going to get a smoother, longer lived camera if you have a Teflon (or carbon on carbon) weight bearing strip. These low friction options will take the stress from the gears to a great extent.

The flip side of this is that you’ll need a decent locking system to stop inadvertent movements once focused!

[Jac@stafford.net]

[... snip good information ...]
The flip side of this is that you’ll need a decent locking system to stop inadvertent movements once focused!

Yes, thank you, a very good point. Some well established makers are remiss in that issue, for example those that lock the track on only one side of the pair. Ideas welcome!

[Leigh]

Hi Leigh,
I agree with you, but metal rack is not easy to find, I've tried with no success
If you have some links I'll be grateful
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Metal racks and pinions are available in a range of sizes from McMaster-Carr Supply Co.
http://www.mcmaster.com

- Leigh

[Sean Mac]

A camera build by the very resourceful "barnacle" is worth looking at.

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...-5x4-in-Sapele

The source he provides on the first page also have brass racks and gears. Useful for members in Europe

Hope this helps.

[Jim Jones]

What is more, the OP can also realise that nylon pinions are common on modern printers where they get much more use than on his intended camera...

Engineers designing nylon racks and pinions for printers don't have to allow for what photographers are apt to do to those mechanisms.

[Pfsor]

I find your contributions annoying, unnecessarily argumentative, discouraging new ideas, in all contrary to the spirit of DIY. You seem to post only to put down information/ideas contrary to your own.

Ignore file for you.

Once again - try to stay on the track. The topic is a nylon rack and pinion, not your feelings about others. What do you think about a nylon rack and pinion, remember that.