7x17 in the making

argus · Apr 28, 2006

After my projects of a first 4x5" and later on a 13x18cm (appr. 5x7") with 4x5 reducing back, I have started building a 7 x 17" camera...

I fell in love with the aspect ratio (my bank account is not very gratefull to you, scoortermm et al )

I'll keep you updated on the progres in this tread.
To reduce APUG server load on images, I have posted them on one of my sites, with comments.

Currently the baseboard has the extention rails installed.
The front box is glued and ready to be geared tomorrow or later this weekend.

Greetings,
G

Dave Parker · Apr 28, 2006

Cool,

I look forward to seeing the results!

Dave

scootermm · Apr 28, 2006

G,
have you ever been a member of the website boldering.com? I saw on your website what looks like Font or similiar slopey bouldering.

The 7x17 of yours looks gorgeous beginnings wise. ... Im envious of all you handy gents and your camera building... cant wait for the day when I can have a wood shop and do similar stuff.

noseoil · Apr 29, 2006

I'm wondering how much stability is in these drawer giudes? There may be some up and down movement due to manufacturing tolerances, but will have to see what happens when it is all put together. Good idea for a full extension bed assembly. A "friction lock" meaning a system cam of some sort? What is your target for overall weight of this camera? tim

P.S. "Im envious of all you handy gents and your camera building..." Geez Matt, you are too modest!

argus · Apr 30, 2006

noseoil,

I got the best drawer guides I could find: they are equiped with 2 sets of 3 metal balls, each set is spaced at app. 4 cm. It's the better kind of drawer guides I could find.
I tested them before and they really have *no* unwanted movements up/down or left/right. Maximum bearing is 10Kg, that will be enough.

There's no target for overall weight, I will see, or better: feel, when the camera is finished.

Matt,
I was very active on B.com and before on offthedeck some years ago. That's where I know you from

Greetins,
G

Colin Graham · Apr 30, 2006

That's really cool Argus! I bookmarked your page. Cant wait to see how it progresses.

argus · May 10, 2006

Et voila!

I concentrated on building a prototype for the film holders. There's a lot of work to be done...
The least I can say that it takes a long time, a lot of effort and a lot of woodworking skills. I hope mine are sufficient.

http://belclimb.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=52

Greetings,
G

metod · May 10, 2006

argus said:
....The least I can say that it takes a long time, a lot of effort and a lot of woodworking skills. I hope mine are sufficient.

Hey Argus, you are doing great, just hang in there....your project might inspire me into something. The winter nights are so long here in Canada...
Take care

argus · May 22, 2006

update!

I finally found my way out of making the film holders so forget the filmholder prototype pictures. They only serve as an example on how not to do it.
Don't make things to complicated!

The rear box is now finished an oiled. The baseboard is ready but not yet equiped with locking knobs. I'll make the knobs for that later this week.
That is, if I find the time to do that. Our daughters' baptism is next sunday.

greetings,
G

scootermm · May 22, 2006

congrats G.
youll have to share some photos of the rear box when you manage.
Congrats on the new family addition and the upcoming baptism.

argus · Jun 1, 2006

We're almost there.

Since I currently only have the Repromaster 213mm, I decided to make a bag bellows.
Did you ever see a bag bellows on a 7x17? Well, this may be the first time. The aesthetics are not perfect, but at least it is functional and allows for the full 2" front rise and 1" front fall that is available with a lens this short.
As I expand my collection of lenses in the near/far future, a folding bellows will have to be made.

@noseoil: the drawer guides are stable, especially with the weight of the back frame and front box with lens. No problem found!

I also worked on the locking mechanism for the extention rails but those are not finished yet.
The front box is temporary as I am still awaiting the curtain shutter I won in fleabay some weeks ago.

The camera features 65 degr. front tilt and 35 degr. back tilt but all will be limited by the bellows.
With almost everyting in place, the old Gitzo R2 head is still rock solid. Not bad for a 35 Euro head.

I will keep you updated.

With the fresh cut film on its way, time is very near to make some exposures!

G

Dave Parker · Jun 1, 2006

Argus,

That looks an aweful lot like a Ferrari Horse in the gill of you car????

R.

argus · Jun 1, 2006

Roxi331 said:
Argus,

That looks an aweful lot like a Ferrari Horse in the gill of you car????

R.

Sadly enough, it's only a Peugeot
But it's fast and aggressive

argus · Jun 18, 2006

I did a lot of work on the 7x17" lately.
We're almost there.

The bellows is installed, I upgraded the focussing mechanism for the rear standard and completed the ground glass frame.
Next task is to make the spring mechanism for the back and then the time has come to make the first exposures...

The camera now features:
- 2" front rise
- bellows-limited front tilt
- 2.5" left & right rear shift
- 35 degrees rear tilt
- rear swing
- over 600mm bellows extention. The minimal extention is currently 205mm so it fits the 213mm lens shown.

As usual, you can find more pictures here: http://belclimb.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=52

G

Marc Leest · Jun 18, 2006

Hey G.

Looking forward to see first pictures taken with the camera. Great work.

M.

scootermm · Jun 18, 2006

argus said:
I did a lot of work on the 7x17" lately.
We're almost there.

The bellows is installed, I upgraded the focussing mechanism for the rear standard and completed the ground glass frame.
Next task is to make the spring mechanism for the back and then the time has come to make the first exposures...

The camera now features:
- 2" front rise
- bellows-limited front tilt
- 2.5" left & right rear shift
- 35 degrees rear tilt
- rear swing
- over 600mm bellows extention. The minimal extention is currently 205mm so it fits the 213mm lens shown.

As usual, you can find more pictures here: http://belclimb.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=52

G

G
just plain gorgeous.
I might try and sweet talk you into adding some shift to my camera just kidding.
Really looks like a wonderful 7x17 you seemed to have done a great job building it.

Jim Fitzgerald · Jun 18, 2006

argus said:
I did a lot of work on the 7x17" lately.
We're almost there.

The bellows is installed, I upgraded the focussing mechanism for the rear standard and completed the ground glass frame.
Next task is to make the spring mechanism for the back and then the time has come to make the first exposures...

The camera now features:
- 2" front rise
- bellows-limited front tilt
- 2.5" left & right rear shift
- 35 degrees rear tilt
- rear swing
- over 600mm bellows extention. The minimal extention is currently 205mm so it fits the 213mm lens shown.

As usual, you can find more pictures here: http://belclimb.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=52

G

Argus, It looks fantastic. Great job! Keep us informed on the progress. The back springs are of interest to me. I'm starting on a 8x20 modeled after a 2-D and a Korona. Once I figure out exactly what in the hell I'm doing I will post some pictures. Keep up the good work. Jim

Curt · Jun 18, 2006

Do you know what the weight of the camera is? Tried it out yet?

Regards,

Curt

argus · Jun 19, 2006

Hi Curt,

I put it on the scale yesterday and the weight is less than 4 Kg without lens and groundglass frame. The groundglass & frame will add a few hundred grams.

The view on the groundglass is amazing and the Repromaster 213 covers well!

Now I'm waiting for some film to arrive to complete a set of 4 double filmholders. I built the prototype around a sheet of paper of 7x17" but I will not start producing them without having a sheet of film in my hands.

G

Jim Fitzgerald · Jun 19, 2006

argus said:
Hi Curt,

I put it on the scale yesterday and the weight is less than 4 Kg without lens and groundglass frame. The groundglass & frame will add a few hundred grams.

The view on the groundglass is amazing and the Repromaster 213 covers well!

Now I'm waiting for some film to arrive to complete a set of 4 double filmholders. I built the prototype around a sheet of paper of 7x17" but I will not start producing them without having a sheet of film in my hands.

G

Argus, less than 4 Kg! Beautiful and light weight! The best of both worlds. I am adventureous in my plans to build an 8x20 out of walnut, but building film holders!! Argus, you are the man!!! This baby weighs less than my Seneca Improved 8x10!! Way to go!!

Jim

argus · Jun 25, 2006

Sorry to dissapoint you, Jim. The complete package weighs 5.2 Kg:

Here is it, featuring the Rodenstock APO-Gerogon 300 f9, focussed at infinity.

Greetings,

G

scootermm · Jun 26, 2006

GORGEOUS.
amazing looking camera argus.

Jim Fitzgerald · Jun 26, 2006

argus said:
Sorry to dissapoint you, Jim. The complete package weighs 5.2 Kg:

Here is it, featuring the Rodenstock APO-Gerogon 300 f9, focussed at infinity.

Greetings,

G

Argus, It looks great!! At 5.2kg. the weight is not an issue. Pack it up and shoot some film and let us see when you get a chance. Was the back any problem to build? That Apo 300 f-9 or the APO 360mm would look good on my 8x20 when I get to it.

Jim

Stay focused!

dogzbum · Jul 6, 2006

I want that one....

Can you please post details / more photos of the spring back construction / ground glass holder setup?

As per a recent thread in this forum this is often considered the most difficult part to make and the area in which you could assist others most.

Looking forward to seeing some test images.

argus · Jul 7, 2006

Hi All,

I compiled a PDF-file of the groundglass holder setup. It's 1.6 Mb and available on demand by email.

Greetings.

Geert

7x17 in the making

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