Calumet C1 or 2 stainless steel bands -- Why? What purpose? (also posted on LF Forum)

[Kino]

For the life of me, I cannot figure out the need or proper use of these stainless steel bands on the side of my C1 (C2?) 8x10 "Black Monster".

I am starting to call them "camera ejection springs", as I want to throw the camera in the nearest ravine when I start fighting them to get the camera on the focus rail.

I can discern no real purpose for these maddening bands, but hopefully someone can educate me on their intended purpose and the proper use of said items. Surely Calumet didn't just say, "Oh, hang a couple of steel bands on the focus rail to infuriate the users. That's a good idea."

 

[MarkS]

It was mentioned on the LFPF that those were to hold the base rail close to the back when the camera was folded.
When I used a "green monster" on the job in the 80s and 90s, it lived in its aluminum case when faded, so I never used those straps. That one had been used hard from at least the early 70s- it was rather battered but still did the job. For our (industrial) purposes it worked better than the Kodak Master View that we also had on hand.

 

[Kino]

I am designing a 3d printed strap to hold the back rail in place for shipping, as well as a pair of edge clamps for the GG board.

The springs on the GG back are a bit weak and it's too easy to gap the holder when pulling a dark slide out in portrait orientation.

I figure a clamp on each side from the hinged back to the frame will eliminate that problem.

 

[MarkS]

As far as I can tell, the C-1 was designed in the 1960s as a modern alternative to the wooden 8x10s then generally available. And to sell at a far lower price than the Linhof and Sinar 8x10s that were appearing on the American market. They did a good job; they are workhorses that will perform for decades (as the one I used showed.) But there are certainly areas where that design could be improved. Glad you're making it work for you. Best of luck!