I took the plunge, and with the help of a highly skilled neighbor, built the 4X5 Bender View Camera pictured above. This project required approximately 120 hours of work spread over 2 1/2 months. Portions of the projects were very tedious, but the outcome is that I ended up with a functioning view camera. I am currently shooting type 52 Polaroid film to test the camera. The pictures are coming out extremely well. I must say that if you take on such a project you need the right tools, preferably a shop and good model building skills. My neighbor is an expert model builder and this was a fairly easy project for him to assist me with. If you don't have the skills or access to someone who does (including the right tools), then this is not the right project for you. I am excited to have a 4X5 camera. The Bender Kit includes the camera body. Just like any other view camera you must purchase a lense, lenseboard, filmpacks, and film. This project was educational and worth it to me; The camera has all of the View Camera movements, and is far better than settling for a Speed or Crown Graphic (which I have)... I am sure that after awhile, I will probably go for a nice camera like a Zone VI, but I will have all of the reusable accessories. At that point, this camera will become a decorative implement in my study. Until then, I will be learning to use this camera in the field. In the short run, I have to obtain a 4X5 enlarger as my current one only goes to 6X7.
