The back for my 5x7 Korona is an exact fit except for the width of the perimeter baffle, so I know a 5x7 back would fit. My interest is to make it a 4x5, not only based on cost but also availability of film options, but its just as easy to build two backs (4x5 and 5x7) as to build one once you set your router bits at the right height! But you are right, it is a half-plate English style camera, taking a #2 panning tripod. I am also having to make a tripod adapter for it.
Here's mine. I've really enjoyed this camera. It's an older version that I picked up at a swap meet in 1994 for $450, including the compendium bellows. Since then, I've purchased the long bellows (shown) and the leather bag bellows.
Kind of a neat feature, I adapted one of the old MC bayonet systems to an Arca recessed lensboard. I think the reason the MC system didn't make it, was because the lensboards were so hard to insert. Too thick. I have mine made out of 1/8th inch plastic and thin them a bit on a belt sander. They work great.
Last edited by neil poulsen; 20-Nov-2006 at 00:32. Reason: I never get it right the first time.
Still have not built the backs, but cleaned the camera up and built the tripod adapter. I have a 150mm Fujinon lens on a Copal on it's way for it.
Asanuma King 1 (circa 1935), a predecessor of Nagaoka.
Last edited by Rafael Garcia; 25-Nov-2006 at 07:56.
Asanuma Shokai King 1 w/ Fujinon WS f6.3 on Seiko shutter
Agfa 8x10 with Graf 16"-18" Variable Anastigmat.
(For reference, the lensboard is 7 1/2" square.)
14x17 Empire State camera, 22 1/4" Verito, Agfa stand, god-awful blue floor.
Both of my 4 x 5 cameras are hand built. One -- a Pocket View -- by Peter Gowland, and the other -- a modified Bender -- by me.
Here's the Bender. The front has been reworked very slightly. The brass strip along the top is held on by two screws into threaded inserts to facilitate lens board changing. It's more secure than the "slip and slide" latch.
I rebuilt the back completely to eliminate the fiddly "L" screw attachments and added a ground glass holder frame that more closely resembles a Graflok back shape. It's made of cherry, but the wood hasn't darkened with age yet.
I'm planning to replace the aluminum monorail with a wooden one with a channel cut into it to accomodate brass rack and pinion gear sets front and rear. I'll probably rebuild the back again with new wood, too. A lot of the brass you see is there to hide the many ugly holes I made while experimenting with different configurations.
Will, I have a light that is the same as the one on the floor in in your picture. I need to get a bulb for it. Can you tell me the lamp number and supplier? Thanks.Originally Posted by wfwhitaker
Another one - 24x30cm (9.5x12") plate camera (antique German Reisekamera) at the back. A really beautiful size, IMO! Some lenses in front of it, and one on it.
Ole, that's really nice. Do you coat your own glass plates or are they still available somewhere?
Here's a shot of a 5x12 I made. The more I shoot this format the more I like it. If you're bored, you can look for all the commercial ideas I stole...;->
Last edited by Colin Graham; 24-Jun-2007 at 06:55.
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