How do you tuck your camera in at night (Dumb beginner Q's)?

[SteveH]

All,
Well my 4x5 setup is in working shape now, as my lens just arrived. Do most of you leave a lensboard with affixed lens on your camera when its in the case ? My lens came with a front slip-on cap, but no rear cap. Perhaps it would be best to remove the lens board, put a rear cap on, and store the lens board in it's 'slot' in the case, rather than on the camera ? My reasoning for this is that the rear element will be protected from dust and perhaps a knock against the ground glass.
FYI - Its a Sinar F2, in a Sinar Suitcase.
Also, I know that one should not leave the shutter cocked for any longer than necessary. Any other commandments ?


Thanks !

 

[John Kasaian]

If I'm leaving a monorail "up" I'd cover the lens with a cap and cover the whole camera with a dust cover---either a plastic bag or a 'dust-proof' pillow case. Since my cameras are currently all old woodies, the are folded, lensboard off(or a undrilled lensboard in place) and stored in thier cases. The lenses & boards are stored seperately. The filmholders live in plastic zip lock bags.

Hey, it works for me!

 

[SteveH]

John,
No, I usually leave the camera in its suitcase when not in use.

Thanks !

 

[jp80874]

If you leave the camera up, reduce stress on the bellows by not leaving it all the way in or out. If you cover the camera with plastic leave some opening for air especially in a humid environment.

If you leave it in the case, again be cautious of humidity. Nothing like a little mildew to spoil the fun and value.

Good luck. Use it and enjoy.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

When the camera is in the case I usually leave a lens on it so it's ready to shoot.

When I leave the camera set up, I usually put the bellows in most of the way without stressing it so that it doesn't develop more sag than it should. With the Sinar it's good to rotate the bellows occasionally to reduce sag.

 

[SteveH]

David,
Good idea with the bellow rotation, I will do so.

Thanks again,
Steve

When the camera is in the case I usually leave a lens on it so it's ready to shoot.

When I leave the camera set up, I usually put the bellows in most of the way without stressing it so that it doesn't develop more sag than it should. With the Sinar it's good to rotate the bellows occasionally to reduce sag.

 

[medform-norm]

"How do you tuck your camera in at night (Dumb beginner Q's)?"

Well, first I read to it a little from the Kadlubek, the McKeown or a Linhof book on view cameras, than I sing a little song about camera heaven and after that, I tuck in the blanket real tight so it's three little feet won't get cold...

sorry, with so much good advice, I can only come up with this....