How do field cameras fold shut?

3e8 · Jan 5, 2010

I'm in the design phase of building my own 8x10 field camera. I'm basing the design off of the plans by James Vail. The only thing I don't understand is how this design of camera folds shut, as the diagonal brass struts that hold the front are in front of the standard. I can understand how the cameras with these struts behind the standard fold shut, but I can't understand how it would work with the struts in front of the standard.

Thanks,
Bryan

glbeas · Jan 5, 2010

The front generally folds to the back then the back folds to the front on top of the front standard The front standard swivels to face down, there are various methods for disengaging the standard to allow this.

k_jupiter · Jan 5, 2010

Carefully.

Go see a Deardorff and you'll understand. The standard folds back, the front board rotates top to the front, the back fold down on top of it.

Done.

tim in san jose

3e8 · Jan 6, 2010

Sorry if my question wasn't very clear. I understand the mechanism of the camera itself closing, but the thing I don't get is the method of disengaging the front standard when the diagonal support struts are in front of the standard, angled back.

Steve Smith · Jan 6, 2010

If you are thinking about building one yourself, have a look here: http://www.raymentkirbycameras.co.uk/
and look through the 'Workshop' section. You should be able to work out how it folds up from his drawing.

If not, print his drawing out and cut out all the bits from paper and pin them together to make a working 2D model. I had to do this myself when I was considering the same question.

Steve.

k_jupiter · Jan 6, 2010

3e8 said:
Sorry if my question wasn't very clear. I understand the mechanism of the camera itself closing, but the thing I don't get is the method of disengaging the front standard when the diagonal support struts are in front of the standard, angled back.

Sorry,

The Deardorff has the angle struts from the back of the front standard (If I am picturing this correctly)..

tim

Steve Smith · Jan 7, 2010

Also, have a look at some of the pictures here: http://www.sandehalynch.com/large_format.htm

From those, you should be able to work out the folding up sequence.

Steve.

Jerevan · Jan 7, 2010

Here's one variation, although not self-built:

http://belaj.com/unsorted/my8by10/?pict=01#01

Another, but self-made:
http://web.archive.org/web/20050306024420/http://www.srv.net/~vail/camera.htm

Bruce A Cahn · Jan 7, 2010

Search my video on youtube.com "using a wooden field camera." It shows how.

j.green · Jan 10, 2010

The front standard is released and pushed all the way back, and is then folded forward. The only example that comes in mind right now is Wista DX45.

Gr.

How do field cameras fold shut?

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