A DIY 5x7 conversion unit for Toho FC-45 monorial

[Joseph Kashi]

Here's a DIY 5x7 conversion kit that I just made for my Toho FC-45X monorail, with all parts bought off new off the Internet except the custom aluminum supports that I had a machinist plasma-cut locally.

The 5x7 conversion unit consists of an integrated one-piece film back-bellows-Wista lens board adapter unit that can be dismounted from the extensible Toho monorail base attachments for easy packing. Full base movements using the Toho rail, 3.5 pounds total weight including rail. The 5x7 conversion unit is less than 2 inches thick when packed. It's light-tight and surprisingly rigid. I just finished the camera within the past days and have successfully taken the first test photos with it. Now, I just need to calibrate and scribe the neutral reference marks.

The original 4x5 top unit is unaffected and easy to remount in place of the 5x7 unit. I made this camera after learning that, sadly, Mr. Nagaoka was no longer with us and that there will be no more new super-light-weight 5x7 cameras from there.

[Joseph Kashi]

A few more photos showing other aspects, including the Toho FC-45X monorail and base attachment units that include tilt, swing, rise/fall/ and shift movements. The Toho rail's mechanical design is very clever and compact, fitting all movements into a very small but rigid and adaptable unit. That's what made this project feasible without access to a serious machine shop.

[John Layton]

Joseph...who made the bellows for this project? I like what looks like a good balance between available length, good compressibility and yet not too much taper.

[Joseph Kashi]

Joseph...who made the bellows for this project? I like what looks like a good balance between available length, good compressibility and yet not too much taper.

Keith at Custom Bellows, UK. The rear was about 8.5 inches square to fit the back/adapter place and the front was somewhat over four inches to fit the 5.5 inch square Sinar pattern Technika adapter board and adapter plate.