3/8" Tripod Mounting Thread

[John Snyder]

I'd like to add a 3/8" tripod thread to the bottom of a view camera. Is there a place these can be bought and easily installed (rather than sending the camera out for modification)? Also, is there a source for the small bubble levels found on many brands of view cameras?

Thanks,

John

 

[Dave Parker]

I'd like to add a 3/8" tripod thread to the bottom of a view camera. Is there a place these can be bought and easily installed (rather than sending the camera out for modification)? Also, is there a source for the small bubble levels found on many brands of view cameras?

Thanks,

John

Not hard to do, I have modified many of my cameras to accept 3/8" inserts found at most hardware store, the levels, although not exactly the same as the ones on the new cameras, I pick up at Home Depot, they are called keychain levels and work very good for laying on the top or the side of a view camera..

Dave

 

[MichaelBriggs]

A wooden camera? Many sources have threaded inserts that are designed to insert into wood. I suggest trying one out on a scrap piece first. Reid Tool Supply (reidtool.com) has them under the name "Knife Thread Inserts for Wood". I suggest Reid because they also have an excellent selection of small levels for installing on equipment -- see for example "surface mount circular".

 

[wildbill]

You can try a "t" bolt i think it's called. They make ones with prongs that sink into the wood and ones w/o that have 3 small holes for screws. Lowes has these and bullseye levels for about 3 bucks. you can stick it on or just rest it on the bed when you need it.

 

[Jim Jones]

Most hardware stores should have the threaded inserts Michael mentions. They may be more reliable if both threaded and epoxied in place. The T-nuts Bill mentioned are even more secure.

BTW, Bill, the bottom drawer of MY refrigerator is not for film unless the film is well protected against moisture! I'm too embarrased to explain further.

 

[Terence]

It may be obvious, but when using the "T" type bolts make sure to put the top of the "T" above the camera bed so that when you tighten down onto the tripod the "T" is pulled down and the prongs anchor themselves into the wood.

 

[John Snyder]

Thanks for the responses--yes, it's a wooden camera. I'll be looking around for the items mentioned.

John

 

[p krentz]

I have found that a 6 inch torpedo level works great, small enough to be out of the way and large enough to read in bright sunlight. Pat