Wish my tools were that shiny and new.....and sharp!
You should make one, doesn't have to be that elaborate. A camera is just a light proof box with a lens up one end and a piece of film up the other. If you have a box that slides in and out with out letting light in you can even change the focal length. I made a 14 x 17 camera that way.
Any seriously skilled cabinetmaker could make a wooden view camera as beautiful and functional as any you could buy. I know a few that have. In fact, some camera manufacturers probably began that way.
Building a large format camera -- even a field camera with adequate movements and ability to fold up into a box -- isn't rocket science. It's "just" craftsmanship. The way it needs to work is very well documented, there are plans on line that can serve as a starting point, but it also helps a lot to have experience using a field camera to know what it needs and what it doesn't.
A less elegant DIY view camera is described here: https://jongrepstad.com/building-a-large-format-camera/. Experienced craftsmen should carefully examine such projects to adapt them to the craftsman's abilities, tools available materials, and photographic goals.
A less elegant DIY view camera is described here: https://jongrepstad.com/building-a-large-format-camera/. Experienced craftsmen should carefully examine such projects to adapt them to the craftsman's abilities, tools available materials, and photographic goals.
Yeah-- knowing about Jon's website (and book), I was a bit surprised to hear the video creator say "there's no designs available online". Apparently his search engine powers are rudimentary.
Very nice wood working, although I feel he glossed over the more interesting bits, and the fact that he never used the word "standard" was a bit jarring. Still-- very nice craftsmanship, and a nice final product.
Yes it does work and it wont fold down, but someone with some basic skills and a little spare time can easily make one.
If you are going to make a fold down camera that would be great, love to see it. I love it when people make their own stuff.....anyone can shop.