Attempt to turn a 1880’s Studio Camera into a “Flat Pack” version

[Steven Tribe]

I have too many heavy mahogany/cherry/teak/walnut cameras studio dinosaurs that came with an exciting lens mounted.
These are of the type “collection only” cameras - not so much of their weight - but more because there are always two sections that completely bounded to each other at 90 degrees making a huge volume parcel which is very susceptible to ugly fractures. It is possible to send these through the usual postal channels. I once received a Century lookalike from France without serious damage!

So this project is to adapt an existing studio camera into a “flat pack”. In other words “disassembled” into sections suitable for posting in a box and which is capable of being assembled by anyone who has managed to follow IKEA instructions at least once

So perhaps I can reduce the number of cameras I have opposite my bedroom door.


I will not be spoiling a photographica treasure of the late 1800’s by doing this. The camera which is most suitable has a certain rugged beauty, but shows the signs of adaption to the photographer’s changing demands. The lens board needs replacement and the sliding back is a replacement itself. Wet/Dry plate holders need to be found and modified to fit. There were no bellows and these have to be ordered from custombellows and fitting frames need to be made which can be easily mounted.

You must excuse me if I take my time over this - lead time for the bellows alone is 3 to 4 weeks.
As you can see from the photos, the basic deconstruction has taken place. Total weight is just over 10kg which is probably a lot less than might guess The square GG hole suggest that the last use was for full plate size.