A Lightweight 14x17 Build

[Jim Fitzgerald]

At the end of June I started to design a lightweight 14x17. My current 14x17-20x24 is 32 lbs and I'll be 68 in a few days and it is getting harder to carry this beast. So I decided to build a new 14x17 that with all of the parts I have so far including the bellows is about 21 lbs. I'll have the camera finished in November I think or December at the latest. I have a commission for 40 clamshell Walnut presentation cases that is taking priority. Still I manage to squeeze in some camera building time. This will be my 4th 14x17 and when I'm finished I'll be selling the big 14x17 system complete with a Kondos portage Canoe pack and brass lens. Film and holders I'm keeping as I'll still be shooting the format. I'll sell the camera for a very good price when the time comes.

[Vaughn]

Looking great!

[Tin Can]

Yes, looks good.

What size bellows are you using?

If you would supply all dimensions specified to the maker?

[Tin Can]

Jim, I am not casually asking. But I am curious.

2 years ago I ordered from Custom Bellows. Dimensions below. They made them perfectly to spec.

As I will be using 14X17 X-Ray film holders, the long dimension is not 17 but 16" More rebate on the exposed film. Perhaps intentional by the film holder maker to help control film flop?

Small end: ID 8 inches OD 10 inches square (this is a change)

Big end: ID 14 inches OD 16 inches square

Length: 40 inches extended. Closed bellows NA

Corners: Truncated

Due to personal delays I have not completed my camera, yet I have all parts. I moved...

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Custom Bellows make all of my bellows. I’ll have to measure everything when I get home. I’m in Astoria for an opening now and will be back tonight.

[FrancisF]

Such beautiful construction and wood. Let us know how the new lightweight design works

[pjd]

Do you make the springs yourself? Any tips on DIY springs, or sources for parts would be gratefully received. I'm in the process of making an 8x10 back together and hope to make a 10x12 back later on, springs are a sticking point for me. I've read elsewhere here that old hacksaw blades are a good option, but your brass springs look very good.

[Lachlan 717]

Do you make the springs yourself? Any tips on DIY springs, or sources for parts would be gratefully received. I'm in the process of making an 8x10 back together and hope to make a 10x12 back later on, springs are a sticking point for me. I've read elsewhere here that old hacksaw blades are a good option, but your brass springs look very good.

Windscreen wiper arms.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Do you make the springs yourself? Any tips on DIY springs, or sources for parts would be gratefully received. I'm in the process of making an 8x10 back together and hope to make a 10x12 back later on, springs are a sticking point for me. I've read elsewhere here that old hacksaw blades are a good option, but your brass springs look very good.

Peter, I have a set of springs and the shackles left over from another build or shall I say an extra pair so I'll use those. I also will reinforce these with some stainless steel feeler gauge steel from McMaster Carr It is part number ST-31. It is .031 gage and works great for springs. I have the 1/2" wide material. Hacksaw blade look cheap I feel but will work. Hope this helps.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Randy, because this is a field camera ( I have a 14x17 studio camera) the bellows I ordered from Custom Bellows were:

Rear ID 17 9/16 x 17 9/16 OD 18 9/16 x 18 9/16 inches.

Front ID 8 x 8 OD 9 x 9 inches

Length extended. (useable) 34 inches

Compressed 2 inches.

Truncated corners with bellow tabs.

This is what will work for this camera.

Hope it helps. I'll post more pictures of the build as I go. The fun part is ahead. The hard part, tieback is done.