ReallyBigCameras
Advertiser
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2004
- Messages
- 808
- Format
- 4x5 Format
FS: 4x5 Bulldog Camera
This is a 4x5 Bulldog Camera that was assembled and painted by me from a kit. The kit was sold by Camera Bellows of England and originally sold for $319.00 in kit form. The pieces of the kit are made from lasar cut MDF. I spent quite a bit of time sanding, filling and painting to get a more attractive finish on the camera. I also upgraded all the knobs on the camera with knobs I purchased from Reid Tool Supply. The stock knobs were very heavy, had poor grip and weren't very attractive. The replacement knobs are much lighter, easier to grip and add to the appearance of the camera.
This is a non-folding, wide angle camera with a fixed back (no rear movements), but wwith a full complement of movements (rise/fall, axis tilt, swing and shift) on the front standard.
Here's the official manufacturer's descriptions and specs:
The Bulldog 4x5 Self-Assembly Camera Kit is a large format field camera that is sold completely disassembled, because it's more fun that way.
It a is wholly satisfying and rewarding experience to construct one's own camera, as well as being an affordable entry into the world of large format photography. The Bulldog 4x5 accepts sheet film holders, roll film backs, and instant film backs that adhere to the international standard. It uses 50-125mm focal length lenses, and the kit also includes a 0.5 mm pinhole for lensless photography. The front standard is designed to hold Linhof Technika-type lensboards.
The tool requirements are minimal; some gluing, sandpapering, painting or staining and some light drilling are all the requirements to complete the camera.
Well, this one is fully assembled, so you missed out on all that "fun". Also, with the replacement knobs, the actual weight of this camera is 2 lb. 9 oz. Although they claim it will work with lenses down to 50mm, I found it best with lightweight lenses in the 90mm - 120mm range, although you could use it with a lightweight 75mm f6.8 Grandagon-N/Caltar up to a 135mm lens.
This is a kit camera made from MDF. If you expect the precision and silky smooth operation of an Ebony camera, you will be disappointed. If your expectations are more reasonable, and you're looking for a fun little camera that is compact, lightweight, fast to set up , and most of all inexpensive, this little guy is worthy of your consideration.
Here's some photos of the camera:
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
The camera uses the common Linhof/Wista style boards. I'll include one Wista Copal 0 board in the price of the camera.
Here's a couple more photos of the camera. The first shows the included Wista Copal 0 lens board. The second shows were the paint have chipped off in a couple places.
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
$125 + shipping.
Thanks,
Kerry
This is a 4x5 Bulldog Camera that was assembled and painted by me from a kit. The kit was sold by Camera Bellows of England and originally sold for $319.00 in kit form. The pieces of the kit are made from lasar cut MDF. I spent quite a bit of time sanding, filling and painting to get a more attractive finish on the camera. I also upgraded all the knobs on the camera with knobs I purchased from Reid Tool Supply. The stock knobs were very heavy, had poor grip and weren't very attractive. The replacement knobs are much lighter, easier to grip and add to the appearance of the camera.
This is a non-folding, wide angle camera with a fixed back (no rear movements), but wwith a full complement of movements (rise/fall, axis tilt, swing and shift) on the front standard.
Here's the official manufacturer's descriptions and specs:
The Bulldog 4x5 Self-Assembly Camera Kit is a large format field camera that is sold completely disassembled, because it's more fun that way.
It a is wholly satisfying and rewarding experience to construct one's own camera, as well as being an affordable entry into the world of large format photography. The Bulldog 4x5 accepts sheet film holders, roll film backs, and instant film backs that adhere to the international standard. It uses 50-125mm focal length lenses, and the kit also includes a 0.5 mm pinhole for lensless photography. The front standard is designed to hold Linhof Technika-type lensboards.
The tool requirements are minimal; some gluing, sandpapering, painting or staining and some light drilling are all the requirements to complete the camera.
- A do-it-yourself 4x5 camera, sold disassembled
- Accepts 4x5 sheet film holders, roll film holders, and instant film backs
- Uses Linhof Technika-type lensboards
- Includes a pinhole lensboard
- Requires no special tools
- Uses 50-125mm focal lengths
- Weighs just 3.5 lbs (1.6kg)
Well, this one is fully assembled, so you missed out on all that "fun". Also, with the replacement knobs, the actual weight of this camera is 2 lb. 9 oz. Although they claim it will work with lenses down to 50mm, I found it best with lightweight lenses in the 90mm - 120mm range, although you could use it with a lightweight 75mm f6.8 Grandagon-N/Caltar up to a 135mm lens.
This is a kit camera made from MDF. If you expect the precision and silky smooth operation of an Ebony camera, you will be disappointed. If your expectations are more reasonable, and you're looking for a fun little camera that is compact, lightweight, fast to set up , and most of all inexpensive, this little guy is worthy of your consideration.
Here's some photos of the camera:
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
The camera uses the common Linhof/Wista style boards. I'll include one Wista Copal 0 board in the price of the camera.
Here's a couple more photos of the camera. The first shows the included Wista Copal 0 lens board. The second shows were the paint have chipped off in a couple places.
Dead Link Removed
Dead Link Removed
$125 + shipping.
Thanks,
Kerry
