Sliding Box Cameras

[Andrew Moxom]

After seeing a few Sliding box cameras come up for sale, I am curious about the interior of these simple cameras. Is there a light seal of any sort?? Just having one box closely fit over the outside of the inside box is something I feel I can knock up fairly easily in my garage with a router jig and some time. That said, are these cameras literally just one snug box fitting over the top of another relying on their snug fitting as a means to stop light entering? Or is there a black felt lining on the contact surfaces?

As I think more and more about wet plate, I think this maybe the right answer for me to pursue not wanting any significant movements apart from rise/fall using a sliding lens board.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

 

[ford prefect]

i have seen some nesting box cameras with felt as a light seal it also makes them move in and out more easily (less friction than tight fitting wood on wood)

 

[Curt]

I was thinking about making one too after seeing this one, he posted here I believe. His isn't a sliding box though, a sliding box would be nice, especially in a large format where a standard camera would cost many thousands of dollars. I'd like to make an 11x14 as I have two 11x film holders and a 19" RD Artar.

Dead Link Removed

 

[pgomena]

I would think an apron of lightproof fabric attached to the outside of the inner box and the inside of the outer box might work. Felt glued to inner and outer surfaces might be easier to manage. My secret ambition is to build an 11x14 pinhole camera. I have the holders, which are the hardest parts to come by.

Peter Gomena

 

[Jeremy]

That said, are these cameras literally just one snug box fitting over the top of another relying on their snug fitting as a means to stop light entering?

That's correct. The light would have to enter in the space between the two boxes, turn the 180 degree corner around the inner box, and then proceed all the way back to the film plane. If the boxes have enough depth to them there's no need for anything else. Using felt between the boxes will probably make it easier to slide them, though.

 

[Mark Fisher]

That's correct. The light would have to enter in the space between the two boxes, turn the 180 degree corner around the inner box, and then proceed all the way back to the film plane. If the boxes have enough depth to them there's no need for anything else. Using felt between the boxes will probably make it easier to slide them, though.

Jeremy is exactly right. If you "trace the rays" it is pretty clear that this is true. I make a black Gaterboard camera it exactly this way is it worked great.....light leak free!

 

[removed account4]

my brother made me a 8x10 pinhole camera like that.
it has a handle on the back to hold and slide in.
and if i want to "zoom" i can have a wide angle exposure
or a tele

it wouldn't be hard to make a box camera like that for doing alt process
type 'stuff" and it wouldn't take very long either ... ( think shoe box / biscotti tin )

 

[Russ Young]

I have examined about half a dozen early (pre-1855) sliding box cameras over the years, and as Jeremy says, nothing is needed because of the geometry.

Russ

 

[BrianShaw]

The ancient Dag camera I have has no light seals... good tight wood-on-wood sliding surfaces. That's all.