Progress photos of my 8 x 20 and a question

[Dan Dozer]

It's been a few weeks since I last posted progress photos of my new 8 x 20. I've been designing and building the bellows, and finally have it finished. These two photos are of things taped up to see how everything fits and works. The image of the bellows extended is at about 30".

Question - I'm ready to mount the bellows into the front and rear frames. In looking back to my old Kodak 8 x 10, it was glued to the front frame and tacked to the rear. You know the "turn of the century sharp as a needle" tacks that you can push in with a pair of pliers. How have any of you other ULF camera builders attached the bellows to the frames? I'ld like to use tacks like on the Kodak but I don't know if I can even get those old style tacks anymore.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[richard ide]

Dan
Very impressive. Check your local hardware store for carpet tacks. Razor sharp cut point and flat head with blued finish. Lengths available from about 1/4" to 5/8". If you cannot find them, I can mail you some. Now back to the basement to work on mine.
Richard

 

[argus]

Hi Dan,

again: tha camera looks very impressive, well done! Nice bellows also

I attach the bellows with regular small screws, but be sure that all is light tight.

I dislike the use of glue because it is so permanent and you will encounter a moment when you want to disattach the bellows.


Greetings,
G

 

[Dan Dozer]

Richard - thanks for the tip on the carpet tacks. I haven't been able to find them at places like Home Depot - maybe I need to go to my local Ace Hardware.

Geert - I followed with much interest with the progress of your 7 x 17 several months ago - a couple of questions for you :

1 - Now that you have had your camera finshed and have started using it, do you find yourself ignoring your other camera sizes and only wanting to do the "Big Stuff"?

2 - How did the film holder light trap work for you with the comb style cutting of the brass and did you use the .010" thickness? I built a prototype film holder up to the point of finalizing the design of the light trap and am curious how you liked your final design and if you have any other recommendations.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[argus]

Hi Dan,

1 - Now that you have had your camera finshed and have started using it, do you find yourself ignoring your other camera sizes and only wanting to do the "Big Stuff"?

I found no cases in ignoring other formats. I still use the 4x5 a lot since 7x17 is a very specific format.

2 - How did the film holder light trap work for you with the comb style cutting of the brass and did you use the .010" thickness? I built a prototype film holder up to the point of finalizing the design of the light trap and am curious how you liked your final design and if you have any other recommendations.

I solved the light traps without brass springs. I found that a tube of flexible plastic will do the job too, in shielding the film compartiment.

Greetings,
Geert