My Walnut 14x17 is under construction!

[Curt]

Jim latitude film is available in 14X17 for chest X Rays that require more detail; it has a longer scale. I know the difference it makes when a chest X Ray is made on "regular" 14X17 and one on "chest film" in 14X17. If that difference is translated to photography then it will be apparent and an extra plus.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Curt, awesome to know and thanks for the information.

Jim

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Time for a bit of an update. I'm going to start working on the back GG assembly. I still need the bellows from Custom Bellows but the rest is done. So far it weights 17lbs. This is without the back. I'm thinking it should come in at 20-22 lbs. As it stands now 30" without the extension. Front has geared rise and fall, tilt and swing. Back has geared tilt, swing and shift.

Jim

 

[Curt]

Beautiful work Jim, is it a version of a "tailboard" design? It's been inspiring watching your build.

I found later that you already knew about latitude film from readings.
Does it take long to get a bellows made?

Best
Curt

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Curt, It is based on a Folmer & Schwing 11x14 that my friend Tri Tran has. I loved the look of the camera so I thought why not. The front standard does not move front to back. The back comes all the way up and the rail folds up.

The bellows is coming from Custom Bellows in England and should get here soon.

Jim

 

[Curt]

That sounds like a neat design, I would suppose rails could be added to the rear for the extension, that would avoid the entire front rack and pinion and the problem of eventual wear and slop that occurs, plus it simplifies the cost and design some too. Do you think it is a good design for an 11x14 these days? Are you going to make several extension rails for different focal ranges, that way you won't have a rail poking you in the chest when it's not necessary. It sounds like you have geared movements on all of the camera movements, was that for ease of use?

Curt

 

[mfratt]

I want a camera big enough to hide inside of too

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Curt without any extension rail the camera is 30" from front to back. If I do anything close up I have a 375mm lens and that still keeps me at 28". I can add a rail if I want to to the back but I don't think I will need to. Yes it would make a great 11x14. I copied my design from an 11x14! My longest lens is a 24" so I'm good there. The geared movements were not that hard to do. After two previous camera builds it does get easier.

Yes, I can clime inside this one!

Jim

 

[Roger Thoms]

Yes, I can clime inside this one!Jim

I hope you specified water proof bellows fabric so the camera can do double duty as a bivouac shelter.

Roger

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Roger, I have water proof dark cloth material that is very lightweight to use with this one. In fact I have this material for all of my cameras. I just hope the bellows is done soon.

Jim

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Well, here is an update for those who may be interested. Got an e-mail from Custom Bellows this morning asking me to pay for the bellows. They are now on the way. Working on the back/GG and some metal pieces and I should be done in about two weeks or so. I'll post some new images when I can.

Jim

 

[Curt]

Thanks Jim, I've started to work on an 11x14, it's going to be one using on old Kodak for parts. I need to find one Fidelity or the like film holder. I can't afford the S&S right now but I want to get going at something.

I still have the parts to make a Dorff model type model but this will be quicker until I have a bit more time. Your camera is really nice looking from the photos. I want to go to Joshua Tree get together but I can't get there without spending a bunch of money. My truck needs a new tramissiom so it's parked. I'm probably going to sell it and the trailer, I need an economical way to travel and photograph.

Curt

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Curt, thanks. Keep an eye out on the bay and other sites for parts. I got very lucky when I built the 11x14. I found a bellows that fit perfectly and the back from a studio Deardorff that made things a lot faster and easier. Hope to see you in JT. I will unveil the 14x17 there.

Jim

 

[Curt]

Thanks Jim,

Curt

 

[2F/2F]

Congratulations! I cannot wait to see the results.

P.S. It's big!

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Congratulations! I cannot wait to see the results.

P.S. It's big!

It is big! Doesn't look that way now but when the bellows get here and I put them on that is when you see how big it is.

Jim

 

[ghostcount]

Jim, this is awesome. I can't wait to see the unveil in JT and the logistics of it all - maybe I can learn something to motivate me to bring my micro format (8x10) around.

 

[weldonshooter]

Hi Jim, Looking great your project there. When is the Joshua Tree get together this year? I would like to make it if possible.

Jim Steel

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Hi Jim, Looking great your project there. When is the Joshua Tree get together this year? I would like to make it if possible.

Jim Steel

Jim, it will be February 26-27 this year. Hope to see you there.

Jim

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Some recent photos .... good ones!

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Just thought I'd let everyone know that my bellows came in from Custom Bellows in the UK. I hope to have the 14x17 done this weekend. I'll be sure to post some new pictures.

 

[heespharm]

I've been silently following this thread for weeks now... Now I'm ready to bust!!' can't wait to see it!!

 

[Tri Tran]

It's worth the wait as I spoke with Jim today and the camera will be ready this weekend. Stay tuned.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I saw the bellows yesterday at Matt Blais home where I had it shipped. I have to say the bellows is fantastic. They put it on my frames perfectly. It has 36" draw and compresses to about 1 1/2". It really puts the size of the camera into perspective when I see it. Going to do final assembly this weekend. I hope to set it up in downtown Riverside on Sunday for its maiden voyage!

 

[PVia]

Good luck with it, Jim...can't wait to see it!