Ultra-light, DIY ULF Camera

[Drew Bedo]

What a great job! Keep building and sharing the results.

[Michael Roberts]

11x14 camera made mostly with 1/2 inch balsa wood. Weight of camera: 5lbs; rail: 2.5lbs.

This is an older thread, and most of the pics have been lost in LF Photo server migrations, but with new interest in DIY work, I thought I would add back the pictures from my hard drive for any newcomers (since 2010).

I originally guestimated the cost at under $250. The bellows cost is the big issue. If, like me, you can find a used bellows then the rest of the materials will cost no more than about $50.

[Michael Roberts]

Backpack...and parts from McMaster-Carr:

[Michael Roberts]

Here are some photos of the 12x20 expansion:

[Michael Roberts]

and on location:

[Michael Roberts]

The only power tools I used for this build were a mitre saw to make sure the wooden cross pieces for the rail were cut with completely flat ends to square up against the aluminum rails, and a 1/2" drill for pilot holes. All of the balsa and basswood were hand-cut with a small craft wood saw.

The moral here is anyone can do this. If you've ever thought about building yourself a camera, I assure you, you can do it. No special tools or knowledge is required. This forum has all the info you need.

[Tin Can]

Nice, and I missed this as I joined in 2011.

Thanks for posting.

Again!

[Oren Grad]

Michael, this is great - thanks for updating!

[Tin Can]

11x14 camera made mostly with 1/2 inch balsa wood. Weight of camera: 5lbs; rail: 2.5lbs.

This is an older thread, and most of the pics have been lost in LF Photo server migrations, but with new interest in DIY work, I thought I would add back the pictures from my hard drive for any newcomers (since 2010).

I originally guestimated the cost at under $250. The bellows cost is the big issue. If, like me, you can find a used bellows then the rest of the materials will cost no more than about $50.

It appears your front rise/fall is maxed out at zero height. Is this a good choice? Serious question.

[StoneNYC]

Wow, looks much better than my 14x17 box camera for sure. But balsam? Isn't that really in danger of snapping? I've only used balsam with those airplanes you buy as a kid. But it was pretty easy to damage..