make sure that it is the image circle. I had the same thing on my 11x14 and it is the bellows getting in the way of the image. Sorry but I think this is the problem. image circle is round not straight line like this. How to fix it is something I'm trying to figure out and if someone knows i hope they post because I have not used my 11x14 since and am waiting to get enought money to send the camera out to get a new bellows.
P.S. I use a 480mm nikkor on my 8x20 and love it I think you got the right lens for this camera.
I think Michael is spot on. I've had these sorts of issues with my 12x20 Folmer & Schwing as well.
The best and most simple solution (and the one I still employ) is to just buy a couple small "c" clamps from Home Depot and compress the bellows and clamp a few of the pleats together in order to pull the bellows near the rear standard out of the frame.
More often than not, you can inspect the edges of your groundglass under the darkcloth and see if the bellows are getting into the image area, if they are, clamp them together, and then check the GG again to make sure they are out of the way.
Nice to have another 12x20 shooter around here Ian. Good luck continuing to work with the format. I look forward to seeing yer prints.
PS, another thing I just noticed, I saw your website link and another idea is possibly that your dark cloth is coming into the frame infront of the lens, obstructing the view. Just an idea.
I think your are probably correct Michael. I did swing it almost the entire way though.
The bellows are brand new from Turner Bellows in rochester. They did a fantastic job.
But at least i know what the problem is now. The dark cloth was posed for the shot on my site.
Since i am the shutter, it wasn't near the front standard.
I did just find an old Ilex Paragon Series S 12" (305mm) F4.5 in my grandfathers basement.
Its pretty big, almost the same size as the nikkor. I just mounted it and it looks like it barely covers.
I cant tell until i get the new dark hood i ordered from the view camera store.
It is a bit wider than the 480 and looks pretty good but its not coated and it looks pretty mushy.
i'll give that a try,. I know I'm domed to get a new bellows due to there is more gaffers tape than bellows and i'm just pushing the limit on this bellow.
Michael,
Give Turner Bellows a call. They did 2 for me and they are great. 1 for the 12x20 and another one for my Korona 5x7. They will also install it for a fee.
The film is so expensive, i felt the cost for a new bellows is minimal compared with the chance of ruining the negs.
Joe Merry
Turner Bellows, Inc.
(585) 235-4456 x 202
http://www.turnerbellows.com