20 x 24 to 14 x 17 Walnut camera!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I just finished building my 5th camera. I based it on the Phillips/ Chamonix design. I built my 8 x 10 following the same design but with a couple of twists. I will post a separate thread on the build with photos of some of the stages of the build for anyone who may be interested.

I'm only using the 14 x 17 reducing back on the big camera so far.

 

[PKM-25]

Nice! I am looking at buying either a 16x20 or 20x24, but only if I can shoot gorgeous black and white transparencies...

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

It is a big beast! camera comes in at just over 30 lbs. Good luck

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

That wood looks great. Beautiful work!

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Thank you.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Good looking camera!

Jeff

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Jeff, thanks. When I got my new Saw Stop it made the build easier.

 

[tony1]

looks great

 

[rorye]

I like the blonde in the front standard, really pops nicely. What did you finish it with?

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

This is my 5th camera build and second 14 x 17. The first 14 x 17 is more suited to a studio set up so that is where she stays. All of my cameras are hand crafted from walnut stock. I dry sand to 220 then wet sand with oil to 1,000 grit with diamond pads. I then use several coats of paste wax followed by two coats of renaissance wax. The finish is hand rubbed and has a very nice patina and holds up very well.

 

[rorye]

I'm working on an 8"x10" walnut at the moment. One of my favorite stages is placing the wood, it makes a big difference where the colors and tones fall.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I'm working on an 8"x10" walnut at the moment. One of my favorite stages is placing the wood, it makes a big difference where the colors and tones fall.

I agree. Blending the tones is part of the fun. The other part is making changes as you go!

 

[illumiquest]

Very cool

 

[StoneNYC]

Nice Jim!

 

[TheToadMen]

This is my 5th camera build and second 14 x 17. The first 14 x 17 is more suited to a studio set up so that is where she stays. All of my cameras are hand crafted from walnut stock. I dry sand to 220 then wet sand with oil to 1,000 grit with diamond pads. I then use several coats of paste wax followed by two coats of renaissance wax. The finish is hand rubbed and has a very nice patina and holds up very well.

Wow, a craftsman at work.
My compliments!

Bert from Holland
http://thetoadmen.blogspot.nl

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Bert, and all that may be of interest. When I get back from my trip to the Redwoods I'll post a separate thread that will explain the build that will include images of the steps taken to build this camera. I found that the extruded 80/20 aluminum makes a solid, rigid lightweight base.

 

[TheToadMen]

Bert, and all that may be of interest. When I get back from my trip to the Redwoods I'll post a separate thread that will explain the build that will include images of the steps taken to build this camera. I found that the extruded 80/20 aluminum makes a solid, rigid lightweight base.

That would be nice. Could you post a link to this new thread here, please?
Thanks and have a nice trip!
Bert

 

[Dan Fromm]

Bert, and all that may be of interest. When I get back from my trip to the Redwoods I'll post a separate thread that will explain the build that will include images of the steps taken to build this camera. I found that the extruded 80/20 aluminum makes a solid, rigid lightweight base.

Jim, I'm sure you'll address this in your report on the build, but what size 80/20 T-slotted extrusion did you use? I used a piece of 1.5" x 1.5" for the base of my tandem Graphic, use 1" x 1" as rails for my Cambos.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Dan, I used both! I used the 1 inch for the base and the .05 for the tilt rail and front standard. Great stuff!

 

[Dave Wooten]

Where do you get the "stuff" , is it just off the shelf?

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Dave, I believe it is www,8020.net

 

[Dave Wooten]

Thanks Jim,
The linear motion stuff looks good ? I'd like to make a front standard and camera base.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Thanks Jim,
The linear motion stuff looks good ? I'd like to make a front standard and camera base.

I used the linear motion for the extension. Great stuff and not all that expensive.

 

[Kerik]

Nice work, Jim!

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Kerik, thanks.