New Lightweight 14x17 Camera is finished!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I decided to start a separate thread for this. I started building this camera in late June of this year and finished two days ago. So it was about 5 months of off and on building. Most of the important metal parts came from Chamonix and several I fabricated myself. I decided to go with 6x6 lens boards as I'm using this as a field camera and wanted to reduce weight. The camera I have now which is way overbuilt for this format weights 32 pounds. This one weights 20 pounds 6 ounces. The wood is some aged Walnut I've been saving for many years and was about 80 years old when I got it. The extension is about 35 inches. My lenses go from a wide angle of 14 inches to my 30 inch Artar so I'm covered I feel. This is the nicest camera I've built to date. I'm very happy with this build. Thanks fo following this. To those who are contemplating building a camera I say go for it. It is very rewarding.

[Louis Pacilla]

You never cease to amaze me brother Jim. That's a beauty for sure congratulations my friend.

"This is the nicest camera I've built to date." you
I'm not as sure,,,, all your cameras have been works of art. me

[Jim Fitzgerald]

My brother Louis, so kind of you to say. I've been building many special presentation cases for a client and I've been working on this part time. The great thing is all this work has honed my skills and brought them to another level. I'm so excited about the weight of this, only 3 1/2 lbs heavier than my 8x20.

[David Karp]

Congratulations Jim. It is beautiful.

[Vaughn]

What?! No picture of the bottom??!! Just kidding. Looks great -- hope to see it in the redwoods one day!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

What?! No picture of the bottom??!! Just kidding. Looks great -- hope to see it in the redwoods one day!

Yep, I forgot that one and the one at full extension. I'll put it on the tripod and do a test once the rain stops! Then I'll show the bottom as it is cool too. Redwoods will be a trip real soon.

[Sal Santamaura]

Location: Vancouver Washington

...once the rain stops...

It stops?

[Old_Dick]

Wonderful work, very impressive.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Sal, the rain is suppose to stop later today and we will get some sun all weekend and next week! Thanks to all for the nice comments.

[Mark Sampson]

Beautiful. To quote Alexander Calder, "Fine tools contribute to find work."