Replacement corner pins for 8x10 back (ie Deardorff, B&J, Ansco etc.)

[Dustyman]

I recently picked up an old Ansco No. 5 studio camera and stand. The 8x10 back should have four corner pins, similar to my Deardorff V8, that allows the back to click in place when attaching. However, the pins are missing.

Any suggestions for suitable replacements?
I was thinking of just cutting some finishing nails to size, then rounding off the tops with a bit of filing.

[mdarnton]

That's what I did.

[Jim Noel]

That worked for me.

[Jody_S]

You can also use brass screws, screw them in place then cut off the excess and round them with a Dremel-type rotary tool. I've used micro/jeweler's lathes to turn brass rods to exact dimensions to duplicate existing pins if only 1 or 2 are missing, but that's overkill.

[Louis Pacilla]

I have an Adams Brown Ansco #5 w/ matching stand that came with only a 5x7 back but I already had an Adams Brown Ansco field camera 8x10 back. I bought brass stock rod the proper size at the local hobby shop measured marked my pin spots. I then drilled proper pilot holes, cut and rounded the exposed ends of the brass rod into 4pc's then applied a dab of wood glue to insertion side of brass rod and then tapped them in.Now the 8x10 back fits perfectly.

BTW I just drilled my pilot holes through the brass metal corners. The ones used on the Ansco field camera backs & I did not have to remove them.

[Kevin Crisp]

I did exactly as you suggest and it works fine. Pick a finishing nail of suitable diameter, tap it in solid, cut it off with a Dremel wheel, then gently round/smooth it off with a file so it doesn't scratch when being engaged.

[Dustyman]

Thanks all.
I had perfect diameter finishing nails on hand. Cut to size, then popped each one in my cordless drill, like a bit, and worked a metal file around the end while spinning the pin at high speed until achieved nice round end. I then switched the file for Scotch abrasive pads, then finally with 0000 steel wool to get a smooth mirror-like shine.
The last two steps also works great for restoring old screw heads to like new condition.
Small hand drill used as a power polisher.