Locator pins in 8x10 B&J Back

bennoj · Apr 6, 2005

I just got a 4x5 back for my B&J 8x10 field camera. It fits just fine, so I'm pretty sure it's the right back for my camera, but the locator pins to fit into the mounts are not in the same place as those on the normal 8x10 back, so it won't stay on! They are close enough so that I'll definitely have to pull them and then fill in the holes and drill new ones. Has anyone else done this? If I lose any of the pins in the process, what can I use as replacements?

noseoil · Apr 6, 2005

A - Don't lose the pins
B - Plug existing holes with wood toothpicks and wood glue. Let the glue set up completely and then sand down the excess with a sanding block, gently.
C - Use the right size bit and make a jig out of a block of wood for alignment and set-back from the edge. Drill the block first, then check it before drilling the back. tim

bennoj · Apr 6, 2005

noseoil said:
A - Don't lose the pins

Ha! I am almost guaranteed to drop something as small as one of these pins.

Also, how to pull? Pliers? If they're glued in, won't there be a chance of breaking the wood?

Yours,
Clumsy in Seattle

fotch · Apr 6, 2005

I just shipped my B&J with 3 backs out and know what the pins (brass) look like but no reason to measure the size. So, measure one with a caliper and save the info. If you lose a pin, I can make you a new one. Not that hard to do. Good Luck.

PS. I recommend you glue it in with hide glue, which is reversible.

David · Apr 6, 2005

You can use brads and cut the heads off. Leave them a bit higher than you need before you cut them so you can gently file the nail head then tap into place.

noseoil · Apr 7, 2005

The pins work well because of the tapered heads and the alignment into the spring clips is better due to this taper.

Pliers, or something which can slide under the tapered heads at first will work well to get the pins out.

If you drill the holes with the correct bit, the pins won't fall out. I don't remember their diameter, but an industrial supply or hardware store should have one that works. A snug fit, without a lot of hammering, should do the job. If there is any concern, do a dry run first with the pins in place and make sure they are all correctly located. Once you are certain that all is well, the hide glue is a good suggestion, but any kind of glue will work. I would stay away from epoxy, but plain old white glue will be fine if that's aal you have. tim

Deckled Edge · Apr 7, 2005

Ken Hough, the legendary Deardorff restorer, has the pins. They occasionally come up on e-Bay, but I'm sure he will do a direct sale if you contact him at:
<k4sb@niia.net>
I used Deardorff pins to restore the Korona back that I use on my Kodak Empire State 11x14 (there's a mixed metaphor!)
For a much healthier fix, don't use tooth picks and glue. Get small hardware doweling at your hobby or home improvement store. Drill the same sized holes where indicated and glue in the doweling. File off the stumps, then drill the pin-sized hole into fresh hardwood and glue them in, noting how much pin should protrude. This fix will last you another 75 years.

fotch · Apr 7, 2005

Yes, the pins on my B&J were rounded over, not flat or jagged (from just cutting). If you lose and need to replace, it would be nice to make similar to the other pins.

If you send me the size, I can tell you the correct drill to use. The best size might be a numbered drill however, if you only have the fractional drills, can tell you what is close. Drills are inexpensive.

"Snug fit", as noseoil stated, is most likely all that is needed.

bennoj · Apr 7, 2005

Thanks for the various suggestions and help. I need to take care of some more pressing matters before undertaking this, but it does not sound like I risk too much in terms of destroying the darn thing....

Locator pins in 8x10 B&J Back

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