Any suggestions on who to commission to help me build a camera?

I am guessing this is maybe in the right spot, even though the D.I.Y part might be from somebody else's hands..

I have ZERO technical skill when it comes to such things and am just wondering if there are people out there willing to take on this task?

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Maybe a bit more specific about what type of camera you would like to have build? A wooden or metal camera makes a large difference I'd think.

I would be looking at a wooden camera... :)

A wooden field, rail, box, pinhole camera? I made a pinhole one and it's quite easy but I wouldn't attempt to make a field one. ;)

Plenty of free help on this forum. Do you have a digital camera to post your progress and problems?

Unless you have specific needs, or just want to learn the art of camera building, there are lots of already-built cameras out there...

Some place in the forums, I remember seeing wood kits you can build with very little experience. Parts are precut so just glue part A to B n take the time to study the instructions. If you run into problems understanding something... just ask here?

A quick google search for wood 4x5 camera kits...... just off the top....

https://www.standardcameras.com/prod...ndard-4x5-kit/

http://www.jeremiahsphotocorner.com/...n-field-camera

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...x5-view-camera

Im sure if you did a more extensive search you would come up with lots more possible ways to DIY kits out there.



I hope that helps?

I've designed and built my 8 x 20 and Jim Fitzgerald has made a number of large cameras himself. Unless you are looking for something simple and minimal like a pinhole camera and if you don't have the wood working skills, you will need someone to do it for you. It's not the same as making a something like a dining room table. The challenge you will find is if you find a large format photographer with the experience, will he/she want to sacrifice their time for you instead of building one for themselves. If you want to build it for the sheer fun experience - plan on it taking quite a while even with someone working with you. In the long run, you might end up spending more money that if you just keep your eyes out for a used one to buy. I don't think i would try to build one myself for anything smaller than 8 x 10. Are you looking for something large or just a 4 x 5? As Paul points out, you might be better off getting a ready to build kit.

I am going to be selling two of my 14x17 cameras. One studio and one field camera. Both are great deals. I also am about 90% done with a custom 8x10 similar to an Ebony Sw 810 that I may sell. How deep are your pockets? If you want to build a camera it will take a lot of research, research and more research. Good luck to you.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wallpaperviking

I am guessing this is maybe in the right spot, even though the D.I.Y part might be from somebody else's hands..

I have ZERO technical skill when it comes to such things and am just wondering if there are people out there willing to take on this task?

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

---

Umm...Richard Ritter?