Building the "Sinar Norma Handy" camera!

[Daniel Unkefer]

Classic more modern Sinar Handy. This one has 75mm lens and allows some movements. The 65mm F8 -just- barely covers the plate, no room for movements. I'm OK with that

Classic Sinar Handy by Nokton48, on Flickr

Compare my design to this one. Notice how high up the optical finder is.

[Daniel Unkefer]

One final touch. I'd like to add some strap lugs for carrying the camera. I've looked at McMaster Carr but nothing suitable. Anybody have any ideas for strap lugs? There is nice thick aluminum to drill and tap into.

Handy type camera from China 3 by Nokton48, on Flickr

Strap lugs like on this Handy type camera from China ^^^

[Daniel Unkefer]

Actually these might work, they are for the Pentax 6x7. Any thoughts? I wonder if these brackets are fixed? I want the strap to mount straight up on the camera. If these are adjustable these might just be perfect.

Pentax 6x7 Strap Lugs by Nokton48, on Flickr

[barnacle]

Those look to be a type which will mount on a ball-post or something similar; a press-to-release button is visible on the top (away) side of your image.

Neil

[Daniel Unkefer]

Those look to be a type which will mount on a ball-post or something similar; a press-to-release button is visible on the top (away) side of your image. Neil

Yes I believe you are right. I was thinking of simply putting a machine screw through the hole. I can drill and tap the Norma frame (top) to fit the screw.

[EdSawyer]

Could just fab some up from piece of L stock aluminum. The ones from a graflex speed or crown graphic are pretty close to what you want too.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I ordered the Pentax 6x7 strap lugs. Just drill and tap the top of the Norma frame and install rock solid. Lots of aluminum to screw into on the top of the Norma frame.

And I ordered a black Domke Gripper 1.5" strap to finally complete things. I can sling the camera over one shoulder, and carry a small messenger bag over the other, to hold holders and related stuff.

I think I will use HP5+ processed in Acufine, which should give me 800 EI with copious shadow detail. Acufine is the only developer I know of that really honestly increases shadow speed. Three 4x5 Graphmatics giving me eighteen 4x5s will fill up my JOBO 2500 Multitank. Seems like pretty good 4x5 production but we will see.

Compactness and quick operation are the advantages of using the Graphmatics. Seems appropriately "Handy". No wonder they named it that........

[Daniel Unkefer]

Cable Release Extension. Coming from Samy's Camera in LA.

Cable release extension by Nokton48, on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

The Pentax 6x7 Strap Lugs are here now, so I am now determining where to place them. I will need to buy machine bolts of exactly the right size, as well as washers, and a tap to thread the hole in the top of the Norma frame. And I need to paint the base plate with flat black paint. This will be a fun project.

Only problem right now is four inches of snow and getting to Lowes today in one piece!

Pentax 6x7 Strap Lug Placement by Nokton48, on Flickr

Project so far, shown with Sinar Norma Ruler.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Here I've attached the Pentax 6x7 Strap lugs, and the cable release extension. So this is how I intend to carry the camera outside, it's actually very comfortable and weighs only 3.5 lbs. On the other shoulder I will carry my favorite Swedish medical bag, with holders and related stuff. Very compact and discreet.

Sinar Handy with Strap and Cable Extension by Nokton48, on Flickr

I'm hoping I can take my Wife shooting tomorrow at the local botanical garden "Crystal Palace". A good place to shoot inside when it is cold. I have some 4x5" HP5+ and Tri-X Ortho loaded up ready to go. Eighteen sheets in all.