Plans for building a 4x5 field camera?

Stephen Prunier · Nov 7, 2020

I've been interested in trying my skills at building a 4x5 field camera. I have plenty of woodworking experience and I have a small shop. I also have a bunch of beautiful cherry wood and mahogany that I could use. When it comes to finding information, I come up empty most of the time. I've even searched over on the large format forum. I'm thinking it would make a wonderful/frustrating winter project for me. Any information would be appreciated.

BrianShaw · Nov 7, 2020

No advice can I offer but good luck... that will be a challenging yet very fulfilling project!

Stephen Prunier · Nov 7, 2020

BrianShaw said:
No advice can I offer but good luck... that will be a challenging yet very fulfilling project!

Thanks

reddesert · Nov 7, 2020

Jon Grepstad's website has lots of links and he has a freely downloadable book on building a LF camera. https://jongrepstad.com/building-a-large-format-camera/view-camera-construction-faq-2/

There are a lot of pictures of people's builds on the LF photo forum.

If you seek a complete set of plans or mechanical drawings that is going to be harder to find. Most builds are tailored to the individual builder's preferences.

Stephen Prunier · Nov 7, 2020

reddesert said:
Jon Grepstad's website has lots of links and he has a freely downloadable book on building a LF camera. https://jongrepstad.com/building-a-large-format-camera/view-camera-construction-faq-2/

There are a lot of pictures of people's builds on the LF photo forum.

If you seek a complete set of plans or mechanical drawings that is going to be harder to find. Most builds are tailored to the individual builder's preferences.

Thanks

gordrob · Nov 7, 2020

Check out this site for plans and information on building a 4x5 camera
https://jongrepstad.com/building-a-large-format-camera/

If you google "large format camera plans" you will find quite a few home made cameras in the images section of the results. There is also a few YouTube videos on building view cameras
Gord

CMoore · Nov 8, 2020

Stephen Prunier said:
I've been interested in trying my skills at building a 4x5 field camera. I have plenty of woodworking experience and I have a small shop. I also have a bunch of beautiful cherry wood and mahogany that I could use. When it comes to finding information, I come up empty most of the time. I've even searched over on the large format forum. I'm thinking it would make a wonderful/frustrating winter project for me. Any information would be appreciated.

1. Good For You.!
I wait impatiently to see your results.
Next week perhaps.?

2. NOT a woodworker, just a painter......Mahogany is kind of soft isn't it.
Maybe the Cherry would make a better camera.?

Stephen Prunier · Nov 8, 2020

CMoore said:
1. Good For You.!
I wait impatiently to see your results.
Next week perhaps.?

2. NOT a woodworker, just a painter......Mahogany is kind of soft isn't it.
Maybe the Cherry would make a better camera.?

Well now, if we're going to be picky I can always use some Birds Eye Maple! Or really go all out and use a 3D Printer!

I'll keep looking for some plans or info. I build studio furniture ie, one of a kind. Some of the furniture makers I know specialize in reproductions of antiques and when they need plans they go to the source, usually a museum, and actually get permission to make sketches and take measurements. If I need to wait that will be okay too.

Thanks

thuggins · Nov 8, 2020

If you don't want/need movements, a simple, robust and effective 4x5 can be built with two telescoping boxes. I've kicked around ideas for one like that for a while.

Plans for building a 4x5 field camera?

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