Building a 5x7 Camera

[Larry Huhn]

HI all,

I am thinking about building a 5x7 folding field camera as a long range project. I have the wood working skills but I am looking for information on design. I may also need to source hardware and bellows.

Any suggestions for this project would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[mdm]

It will cost more in knobs, screws and bellows on a self built camera than it would to pick up an old Kodak 2D or B&J. But maybe building a camera is the point, and thats ok too.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Research designs that you like. After building three ULF camera's of different designs I would recommend using the Chaminox ,Phillips or Zone VI design. Finding the gears and parts can be done through McMaster Carr and bellows from Custom Bellows in England. Bellows and holders are the expensive parts. If you build these yourself the cost will be reduced a lot. My 14x17 cost under 1,000 to build including the bellows. Holders were more than the camera. I have 4. I fabricated the metal parts myself and purchased the bellows from Custom Bellows in England. A 5x7 bellows should not be that much. The hardest part of the build is the back and getting the film plane right. If I can do it with my limited skill anyone can. Get a film holder first and build the back to your holders. I believe the 5x7 holders are a standard dimension and this is very important so be sure.

[Dan Dozer]

What Jim says. Also, if you really want to build one and this is your first, I recommend that you consider buying the holders and a back from another camera and building the rest of the camera from it. The holder and back are the most difficult to make. Bellows aren't that difficult to make. There have been many threads before here about that.

[Graybeard]

It will cost more in knobs, screws and bellows on a self built camera than it would to pick up an old Kodak 2D or B&J. But maybe building a camera is the point, and thats ok too.

If your objective is to have a solid, useable 5x7 camera at low cost, it is hard to beat the Ansco 5x7 (usually battleship gray). Use your woodworking skills to modify the front frame for swings (quite a simple job) should you need front swings (I just added a sliding block to mine).

Should you find an Ansco that needs a bellows, I suggest you have Jim Ormond make it for you. If you go the DIY route (admirable undertaking to be sure) Jim Ormond can make the bellows for you again. You can send him the bellows frames or the entire camera.

[jedrzej66]

Hi,
two weeks ago I finished my 5x7 camera. I bought bellows in HongKong, lens Fujinon 210mm in US, holders in Germany and knobs and runs from drawers in Poland . I used wood I had which at home. Nothing special, a bit tropical, a bit of pines.
My camera isn't complicated. She was made without plans - everything was done systematically
Look here: http://iv.pl/images/34075580513902555786.jpg
and here: http://iv.pl/images/03867238081556654886.jpg
Unfortunately he doesn't comprise. It is my first construction and I think that last.

[Lachlan 717]

knobs and runs from drawers in Poland .

Can you please provide some more information on this company? Thanks.

[jedrzej66]

Knobs here: http://www.elesa-ganter.com/pl/28/ic...82a-zaciskowe/
On the top of site (right side) you can choose country.
Runs from drawers - in each DIY store.

[Lachlan 717]

Knobs here: http://www.elesa-ganter.com/pl/28/ic...82a-zaciskowe/
On the top of site (right side) you can choose country.
Runs from drawers - in each DIY store.

Thanks!