Another 14 x 17 Camera Build

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Randy, the camera is done. The bellows are 48". I'm thinking the usable amount is 46". The camera extension is 36" which I feel is fine for this size. Matt has a 30" Artar to use and it gives him some wiggle room. He wanted the ability to have an auxiliary bed for his studio stand to extend the camera out for portrait work in the studio. The front standard will go into this bed for full extension. I have not built this part yet. The camera came in at 23 lbs. She seems solid and Matt is one happy guy. I did take him up on his offer to help. He dug my Festool sander!

[Forrest Atkins]

Nice work guys!

[jon.oman]

Another nice camera Jim!

[Tin Can]

Randy, the camera is done. The bellows are 48". I'm thinking the usable amount is 46". The camera extension is 36" which I feel is fine for this size. Matt has a 30" Artar to use and it gives him some wiggle room. He wanted the ability to have an auxiliary bed for his studio stand to extend the camera out for portrait work in the studio. The front standard will go into this bed for full extension. I have not built this part yet. The camera came in at 23 lbs. She seems solid and Matt is one happy guy. I did take him up on his offer to help. He dug my Festool sander!

Jim, that is great info and again very usable for my project.

Thank you!

[Matt Stage]

Let me tell you it took a lot of persuading to get Jim to do all this. I am very happy to have participated in the design and build of the first Black Mamba. The sanding really was the best part of the project, both by hand and with the Festool. It is amazing to work with walnut. In Jim's shop not one sliver of walnut is wasted. I am amazed that we got it done so fast, with such an amazing amount of detail. I would recommend this design and build to anyone.

And to think that back in November all I wanted was to get some speakers . . . .

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Yes Matt, the cabinet that had speakers in it that we tore open and now I have some more cabinets to move! :-) I must say my friend the camera is a nice one. I do love the 14 x 17 contact prints. Also, your camera is 8 lbs. lighter than mine! Now mine can do 20 x 24 so I know that is why.

Here she is!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

A few more pic's.

[Peter De Smidt]

Looks great. Nice work!

What holders do you use?

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Peter the camera was built around the S&S holders.

[Pali K]

This is gorgeous Jim! Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Pali