Constructing LF minimal cold weather camera

[NWT Ron]

I have no plans to build this at this time, as I have way to many projects on the go, but I wanted to tap into the resources here.
If I had the time I've been looking at LF (4X5) cameras that would be light weight and basic enough to mount on my barn door style tracking platform for astrophotography. A significant consideration is the weight more than the size of the camera, the stepper motor driven platform must be able to move it smoothly.
The camera as I see it for this should be light, very basic (more or less fixed focus on infinity), the body probably should have a minimum of metal (reduce condensation), have a reasonable fast lens with a simple shutter.
Has anyone built something like this? My other MF and 35mm cameras work, but I think that this could be made even lighter weight.

Ron in Yellowknife NWT, Canada

 

[NWT Ron]

Having explored a little, including commercially made camera kits (Bender, Bulldog, Intrepid, Travelwide), foam board cameras caught my attention. They should be the lightest weight, and I'd expect they'd be less likely to dew up (except the lens).

There are a couple of things that I need some advice on. First, there appears to be a variety of foam board materials, is there a better choice, and other question is whether it is rigid and strong enough to support a lens for astrophotography (meteor trails)? All of the designs I've found online are for pinhole photography.

Ron in Yellowknife

 

[mike c]

Gaiter Broad might be a possible material to use, it is a wood vernier with foam on one side, check into it. You need a saw to cut it, and far stronger than any foam board and more weather worthy.

 

[NWT Ron]

I'll see if I can get some at a reasonable cost here. Elmer board is available as well as Staples brand. Would it be too thick to mount a lens onto?

Ron

 

[mike c]

The Elmo and Staples will warp when exposed to moister.

 

[NWT Ron]

Thanks, this is very good to know . Of the pinhole foam camera sites I've visited that didn't come up.

I do have a copy of Primitive Photography .... on order, hopefully that will answer many questions. In the meantime I've been learning a few things about pinhole cameras from various websites.

Ron, Yellowknife NWT

 

[mike c]

The thin foam board 1/8 " with the paper backing is the one that warped on me. I had placed them on the bathroom window as a light seal, with in a couple of days the moister and sun had warped them badly. Maybe thicker stuff like 1\2" would last longer, I do not know.

 

[NWT Ron]

Not all of the sites on pinhole foam board cameras say what thickness of foam board to use. Most often I see 3/16 mentioned, but will that be rigid and strong enough. Perhaps with Gator board it would be. I should find some and try it.