14x20 camera build

[Michael Roberts]

43" (Yardstick plus 7") of max bellows extension....

[Michael Roberts]

A little more progress...

Got three holes drilled in the base for tripod sockets. Planning to centrally balance the camera with lenses ranging from 375mm to 910mm.

I used 1/4-20 threaded inserts in the front rail; this will have two functions: most importantly, to attach the front standard. I put another insert into the rear of the rail to use for short focus, wide angle lenses so the rail does not have to be pulled back into the area the photographer will be trying to focus on the GG. I will have to test this out and see what wide angle lenses will clear the front of the rail when used this way (it's an experiment). Of course, one could also tilt the camera base down and use front and rear tilt to avoid vignetting due to the rail. We'll see how this works.

Glued in the brackets for the rear supports this morning. They'll need 24 hours to fully cure.

Also got a lot done on the spring back this past week.

So, progress! Slow, but progress nonetheless.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Michael, it is looking good. It is nice that you are taking your time. This is a BIG camera and you want to do it right.

[Michael Roberts]

Thanks, Jim. Yes, I am designing as I am going. I had to set up the rear frame side alongside the base to determine where to place the rear support brackets. Based on that examination, I decided I need to route the slots in the rear frame another 1.5 inches higher to allow a 45 degree angle for the support when the camera back is 90 degrees to the base.

Anyway, I’m getting there.

Thanks for your encouragement!

[Dariel]

Wow, it looks really cool! You encouraged me to do something similar. Thank

[Michael Roberts]

Awesome! Thanks for posting. Please share what you are doing.
Michael

[Dariel]

This idea is still only in my fantasies. If I still manage to get a vacation from work for at least a month, then I will try to make a similar camera, but in a more compact size. I'm really wondering what can come of it! I understand that the photos will not be as cool as on my main camera, but I think the experience that I will get will be invaluable. By the way, which camera do you use as your main camera? I'm sure you have one . I want to upgrade my camera, but it is really very difficult to choose among all the current models. The only strange thing is that I already know which lens I will buy if I buy a Canon or Nikon camera. A friend of mine recommended https://lensespro.org to me and to be honest I was surprised by their articles. I found a great lens, but I couldn't find a camera, nonsense ... Thanks in advance for your answer!

[Michael Roberts]

All great ideas start with a dream. Good luck!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Michael, it is looking good. Are you going to use the traditional gearing or friction focusing? I'd be curious how much she will weight when done.

[Michael Roberts]

Hi, Jim. Friction. I’m shooting for 13lbs.