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NikNak
10-Jun-2009, 08:13
Hi Everyone,

I'm new to both large format photography and this forum, although I've been reading a lot of the posts for the last few weeks.

I've slowly worked my way up from digital compact, 35mm SLR, DSLR, 35mm rangefinders, Medium format rangefinder and medium format TLRs. Recently I've been getting the itch for a new toy and been thinking about something bigger. Only problem is the price, even second hand and broken was out of my puny budget. So I ended up convincing myself I could make one. So far it's going ok but it's been a lot harder than I thought. It's been excelent fun and I'm learning a lot for the MkII :D
So far I've done a fairly rough design, made the basic front and back standards, my own bellows and bought most of the hardware I think I'll need (knobs, thread inserts, washers, brasss stock). The next jobs are the movements, the base plate, ground glass, dark slides, lens board and then putting it all together. Actually that sounds like a hell of a lot now I've just listed it :o
Anyway, I'm still at the point where I can make changes so any advice would be very welcome. I'm doing a blog about it as I go at http://www.photos.craftysims.com or there is a page of links in the right order at http://www.photos.craftysims.com/?page_id=243

Cheers

Nick

r_a_feldman
10-Jun-2009, 09:07
Nick,

Interesting blog. I wish you luck with your camera.

There have been a number of threads here about building your own view camera. Take a look at http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=49056, for example.

As to the design, take a look at the Shen Hao PTB 54 pictured at http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/product.asp?P_ID=2336&PT_ID=437. It has a good design that would not be as difficult to copy as some other designs.

Dan Fromm
10-Jun-2009, 10:36
http://home.online.no/~gjon/

r_a_feldman
10-Jun-2009, 11:56
I have seen 35mm and 120 roll film pinhole cameras made of Legos on the Web (such as http://www.foundphotography.com/PhotoThoughts/archives/2005/10/medium_format_p.html), but I wonder if anyone has made a view camera from Legos?

NikNak
10-Jun-2009, 12:28
Thanks for the links. I like the idea of a lego one, I've also been toying with the idea of converting an old USB powered A4 scanner into a digital back..........A Lego, digital field camera, now that sounds mad. See how easily I get side tracked :)

NikNak
24-Jun-2009, 13:56
I've rushed it a bit and cut a few corners but it's finished :)

I've made a 6x9cm film holder so far and I think it will just about take a 5"x4".

I have to say I didn't expect it to be so hard. I need to work a lot more accurately and slowly. But I've learnt a lot and enjoyed it.

Details and pictures at http://www.photos.craftysims.com
Or all the posts in the right order at http://www.photos.craftysims.com/?page_id=243


Nick

jongrep
17-Oct-2015, 23:31
http://home.online.no/~gjon/

New URL: http://jongrepstad.com/

Jon Grepstad