Fixed Focus 8x10 semi-DIY

[Tenser]

My project is to build a Fixed-Focus 8x10 camera. The camera have to have the forn plate raised because im shooting just urban landscapes. the focus distance is fixed because i shoo only form 20feet or more to infinitum.

i'm using a Fujinon 250mm f6.7
cof 398mm
flange tofocus distance 246mm

I'm indecise wether to build starting from using the components i already have from a 8x10 Legend Cambo camera, or build a shoes-box like camera...

what i have is these parts dismounted form a Legend Cambo
(i can show pictures because this stupid forum doesnt allow)

Front Frame 335 gr.
Rear Frame 660 gr.
Glass+frame 1200 gr.
Soft Bellow Bag 335 gr.
Lens+plate 770 gr.

so i was thinking to add
1 wood o metal board rectangular
4 slotted aluminum bars
8 knobs with 5/16" threaded rods + 8 bolts

this is my naive plan, given that i need just the fron raise and honestly the raise can be fixed too because i'm gonna shoot the same prospective
also the distance between front and rear frame must be fixed as I said i'm gonna shoot just landscapes so from 20 feet to infinitum or so...

that's why an alternative could just a wood box. cut in a way to accept the font lens plate and the rear glass+frame]

what direction do you suggest?
i feel the first could be more versatile because if i screw something i can replace the base and set a better focus distance etc... which one would be lighter?I dont mind about saving money given is already a diy, so i'd rather go metal even if more expensive

on the other hand, the wood box sound like easier because it becomes like a point-and-shoot camera with no need for adjustments etc...

or basically i would need a HOBO camera with a raised front lens...

 

[John Koehrer]

Try googling the Hobo camera I believe it was a hand held point & shoot and might give you some ideas.

 

[michaelbsc]

If everything is fixed, then I would suggest the shoebox. It will be stronger and better in the field.

You can build the camera body to become the camera case to store the lens.