Hello all,
Well after much debate with myself, I have decided to look into the cost effectiveness of producing a folder made of ABS and hard anodized aluminum. I would like to pick your collective brains about what is and isn’t essential, and what to actually produce.
I have in mind that a 4x5 would be the logical first piece to produce, but there are many very nice 4x5’s out there. Or is there more of a market for 8x10, 5x7, 4x10…?
What I hope to be able to produce (and how I plan to compete in the market) is a rigid camera design, made to high quality offered at a very reasonable price. Through the use of modern materials and manufacturing techniques I believe that I can make something pleasing to look at, but that is “bullet proof” in terms of field use.
So, my questions to you all are:
1. What movements are a must have?
a. Is lens axis tilt a must or is base tilt acceptable?
2. What do you like/dislike about the competition that I should incorporate/avoid?
3. Minimum focusing distance / Maximum bellows length?
4. Are removable/replaceable bellows a must have (i.e. for using bag bellows or replacing damaged bellows) or is that just a luxury?
And last but not least; If I should decide to go down this rabbit trail, are there any of you (three or four) who would be willing to “test” the Prototype for a week or so and give feedback? I was thinking that if someone doing a workshop could “loan it out” to some of the participants for comments and report back, that would be very helpful. (Steve are you listening?)
Maybe I’m crazy for even considering this, but as an Industrial Designer now and a Machinist in a past life, it would be very gratifying to produce something that is useful and economical.
Thank you,
Muggs
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