I'm working on the design for my next homemade 4x5 camera and am torn between the "old style" of camera bed (like this one http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/calamityjanecanary/anthonycliftonlongfocus8x10a433.jpg) and the style that now seems to be popular on field camers ( http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/calamityjanecanary/camera1.jpg )
Although the old style requires a removable "extension" to get good bellows extension and remain fairly portable, it should (from an engineering perspective) be a LOT more rigid at long entensions than the modern type (when both slides are extended).
Has anybody used both styles and would be able to comment on the relative rigidity of each?
(I am interested in the stability of the bed and extensions - the rest of the "mechanics" will be somewhat different than on either of these examples)
The old style is also easier to make and should be easier to maintain smooth movement....
Thanks Group!
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