14x20 camera build

[Michael Roberts]

Because I don't have enough DIY projects going on...

I offered to make a ULF camera for a fellow photographer a few years back. He accepted my offer. Time passed. There were discussions about needs and wants for the camera. There were design issues and problems to be worked out. Mission creep ensued. Day job greatly interfered with time available. Then I quit my day job. Finally, earlier this year, after working out the design issues, I made myself a 7x11 camera, both for myself and as a prototype for the bigger camera I promised to make. https://www.largeformatphotography.i...=1#post1495465

I titled this thread 14x20 because that seemed the most accurate. The more complicated explanation is it will be a 20x20 camera, essentially capable of 16x20 with a reversible back. Of course, this will make possible 14x20, 12x20, 8x20, and since my friend currently only has 14x17 film holders, the initial back will be a 14x17. I think he has plans to do 20x20 wet plate in the future. With what holders, I have no idea (nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy).

I began with four 3/8" thick mahogany planks (roughly 6 x 47") a friend who is a pro woodworker gave me plus eight pieces of 1/4 x 3 x 24" mahogany craft wood.

A couple of years ago, I chopped up two of the planks and glued them up to make the camera base.

This week I chopped and ripped the remaining wood needed for the camera rear frame (22 1/2 x 22 1/2"), the front rail, sides for the base, keeper rails (to hold the front rail in place), and the front standard.

The design I am planning will be mostly the same as the 7x11 I made earlier this year. It will be an easier build because this camera will not need a rear extension to be capable of 40" of bellows extension. It will be a more difficult build because it will be such a big mother.

I've got a family weekend coming up so won't get back to this project until next week.

Next step is some more chopping and then routing slots in the rear frame sides, the front L-R standards, and front standard base.

My wife and I are planning an extended fall trip beginning in less than four weeks, so it will be close whether or not I can finish this in September...or November (or later, given the history of this project).

I'm reminded of the late Douglas Adams' quote: “I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.”