So I built my 4x5 camera using a screw mechanism (3/8" reverse-thread acme screw to be precise). I would have used racks and spur gears, but the only ones I have been able to find are ridiculously expensive (Chicago Gear, etc.) to the tune of several hundred dollars for all the parts I would have needed. I spent perhaps twenty dollars on the parts I used for the screw mechanism (and I have enough material remaining to build at least two more just like it).
For several reasons I would still like to explore the focusing rack option, as I continue daydreaming about starting on a 5x7.
Has anybody found a less expensive source for suitable gear racks and spur gears?
I just have to believe that something else exists out there.
I have even been considering buying a few of the plastic 32 pitch gear racks intended for building science projects and spur gears for R/C cars being offered on eBay. Has this been used before?
Thoughts/suggestions welcome.
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