11x14 box camera with 1:1 magnification

[fsibold]

I want to build a 11x14 camera that will have a 1:1 magnification (the image will have the exact size of the object). I will use a 11x14 film holder and a 18 inches Wray Lustrar lens. This means that the camera will be 36 inches long and that the subject will be 36 inches in front of the camera. The camera will be a box camera : no bellows.
I want to make portraits with this camera.
Did somebody build such a camera and can give me an advice ?

[jon.oman]

For ideas, you may want to look here:

http://www.amazon.com/Primitive-Photography-Making-Cameras-Calotypes/dp/0240804619/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346945507&sr=8-1&keywords=primitive+photography

Primitive Photography, A Guide to Making Cameras, Lenses, and Calotypes

[Steven Tribe]

1:1 will surely produce portraits without ears and a nose of Cyrano de Bergerac size.

[fsibold]

Thank you for the book reference Jon.
Steven, I'll make a 1:1 photo of a doll's head with a 4x5 camera and a normal lens to see how bad it looks. Thank you for the warning !

[gambaphoto]

@fsibold - I've been looking at the same idea but actually at 16x20 but more 3/4 length portrait. Let me know if you find anything. I've been looking at a sliding box style.

[C. D. Keth]

Are you sure you wouldn't rather settle for slightly less than 1:1 so you can still focus at infinity?

[Tin Can]

jon.oman, I looked at the Amazon link and read the first chapter online. Fantastic. Just what I need. Thanks!

[jon.oman]

jon.oman, I looked at the Amazon link and read the first chapter online. Fantastic. Just what I need. Thanks!

I'm glad it is what you are looking for!