View Full Version : 2024 to 1417 Camera Build
Jim Fitzgerald
6-Oct-2014, 21:11
So, some of you know that I build cameras and I love walnut. I was given a set of bellows from a friend a little over a year ago so I decided to try something new. I love my 14x17 that I built in 2011 but it is designed as more of a studio camera. I built my 8x10 like the Phillips/Chamonix and really like it.
I decided to build my next camera as a field camera and use the same design as the 8x10 but with a twist.
I've always thought that I could use the 80/20 extruded aluminum and make a rigid lightweight camera. So I used that as my frame and that would have been fine if I just went with that. Now I was fortunate to move to a house and I have a nice shop now with some killer tools that I've never had before so I bought some rough stock of walnut and cut some thin strips with my Saw Stop and Band Saw and decided to laminate it to the frame. Yes it would have been lighter to just use the aluminum but come on now I am Mr. Walnut!!!
The bellows was big enough to give me a 2024 horizontal and a 16x20 both horizontal and vertical but I only have 14x17 holders. So I built the reducing back for it and I'm on the last leg of the build. When I'm done I'll post the build in a separate post and on my website for anyone interested. I started on the 21st of July and I'll be done by the 12th. Not bad for a 27 lb. 20x24!
I photographed it next to my last build which is my 8x10. One can see how big it is!!
ScottPhotoCo
6-Oct-2014, 21:19
Beautiful work Jim!
Tri Tran
6-Oct-2014, 21:22
Look forward to see it at the SoCal ULF get together next month. Great work my friend .
Jim Fitzgerald
6-Oct-2014, 21:49
Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to putting it to the test in the redwoods in a couple of weeks!
ScottPhotoCo
6-Oct-2014, 21:49
Look forward to see it at the SoCal ULF get together next month. Great work my friend .
I have a 10x12. Does that constitute ULF?
Tim
Jim that is great. Looking forward to see more
Jim, congrats! Looks really nice!
Jim Fitzgerald
7-Oct-2014, 07:27
I'll post a separate thread with pictures and steps of the build in a few days. Need to finish the camera first. Tim 10x12 is ULF as far as I'm concerned!
William Whitaker
7-Oct-2014, 08:01
You have a Saw Stop? You lucky sonova....
Jim Fitzgerald
7-Oct-2014, 09:20
You have a Saw Stop? You lucky sonova....
Will, yes. It is my first and last table saw. I don't have 220 in the rental house we are in so I went with the 1 1/2 HP Cabinet saw and the 36 inch extension. Upgraded the fence as well. Still learning the fine points of all the new equipment and this was the first build with the new tools.
UlbabraB
7-Oct-2014, 09:20
Very nice, congrats!
Tri Tran
7-Oct-2014, 09:50
Anything bigger than 8x10 is ULF IMO. However the So Cal get together are also welcome all the LF's photogapher, friends and family and especially ...The Collectors :)
I have a 10x12. Does that constitute ULF?
Tim
ghostcount
7-Oct-2014, 10:37
Any details on the get together?
You are getting much faster, soon you will be factory. :)
Very nice Jim!
Jim Fitzgerald
7-Oct-2014, 11:31
Well, I just checked again and I started the build design sketches on the 25th of August. Not bad to build a 2024 in 2 1/2 months. If I did not laminate the 80/20 it could have been done a lot sooner. I'll never be a factory. Hand built and hand polished wood one at a time.
I want to thank Hugo and Hass at Chamonix for the lead screw for focusing. It is smooth!
Andrew O'Neill
7-Oct-2014, 12:32
That's awesome, Jim. I look forward to seeing pics of the build.
Nice Jim!
Are you concerned about changing temps with wood stuck to aluminum?
ie wood expanding/contracting at different rates than metal.
Andrew O'Neill
7-Oct-2014, 13:02
I want to thank Hugo and Hass at Chamonix for the lead screw for focusing. It is smooth!
Can we get one, too?
Can we get one, too?
Sure. They aren't cheap by any means.
Jim Fitzgerald
7-Oct-2014, 14:54
Sure. They aren't cheap by any means.
That's right! Vinny I'll see how it does when I go to the redwoods on the 16th through the 25th. If the stuff pops off at least I'll have kindling wood for the fire!
The lamination's are solid so we shall see when I get it out in the field. BTW, it is a little heavier than first measured. 30 LBS. Oh well!!
billie williams
7-Oct-2014, 15:46
You rock, Jim!
Jim Graves
7-Oct-2014, 23:25
Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to putting it to the test in the redwoods in a couple of weeks!
Are you bringing a tent or are you going to sleep in the 20 x 24?
Jim Fitzgerald
8-Oct-2014, 07:34
Jim, I am renting a van so we can carry all of the equipment and sleep in it. I'm sure that if June needs more room I'll end up in the 20 x 24! Actually it is only 14 x 17 so far but she is BIG!
Jim Fitzgerald
11-Oct-2014, 12:48
So, one needs to always do a test to see if one has any light leaks before a trip... right? Well....... registration is good, no light leaks and focus is sharp. Edges look clean and fine. Looks like I'm good to go!!! Yes!! Nice to have 14 x 17 x-ray film to do testing.
ScottPhotoCo
11-Oct-2014, 17:28
Like a kid in a candy store. :)
Jim Fitzgerald
11-Oct-2014, 21:49
Got some great negatives today. Time for the Redwoods!!
Hugo Zhang
12-Oct-2014, 04:55
Hi Jim,
Congratulations! Sorry I won't be able to go to the Redwoods, but please bring them to our meeting next month.
Hugo
Jim Fitzgerald
12-Oct-2014, 07:15
Hi Jim,
Congratulations! Sorry I won't be able to go to the Redwoods, but please bring them to our meeting next month.
Hugo
Hugo, no problem on the Redwood trip. I will bring both of my Jimonix's to our Get Together on November 23 rd.
Jim Fitzgerald
4-Nov-2014, 08:30
Out working in the Redwoods with my new camera. So nice to use.
ghostcount
4-Nov-2014, 09:04
It's an impressive camera. I hope you'll have prints soon. :)
Jim Fitzgerald
4-Nov-2014, 10:16
It's an impressive camera. I hope you'll have prints soon. :)
I've got five wonderful negatives from the trip. Need to pour tissue to make the prints!
I am hoping Jim goes to 30x40".
Size is everything. :)
Just kidding, I couldn't even set his current camera up. :(
Out working in the Redwoods with my new camera. So nice to use.
We did have incredible weather and light that weekend! I hope the rest of your time in the redwoods was as great!
I was up along Prairie Creek this past Sunday -- using the 5x7 to take a couple senior portraits of my boys. The Redwoods were as beautiful as always!
ghostcount
4-Nov-2014, 11:59
Just for perspective...
124578
1) Jim's Jimonix
2) Ebony 8x10
3) BJ 11x14
4) Toyo Half Plate
5) Another Jimonix?
Next time do a perspective shot so they are all the same size...
Just kidding. :)
You know, the North woods once had trees almost as big, we cut down every single one.
Jim Fitzgerald
4-Nov-2014, 16:49
Randy, yes that is the Jimonix #1 the 8x10 next to the beast. Nice shot. So everyone can see the different formats in action. I got a great 14x17 neg from that set up!
Randy, no 30x40 for me. I can build a 20x24 back for the camera and do horizontal 2024's. Maybe................ for another lifetime.
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