Large Format Dimensions

Southdowns

Southdowns

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Mark
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I sent this request to the guys at Yorkshire Cameras, but it occurred to me that it's not only them who may be able to help, so I thought I'd put it here too :)

For a project I'm doing I need to build a larger than life replica of a large format camera. It doesn't need to be an exact copy of any particular model, but does need to be "in the style of". To do that, I need a few dimensions from a real camera please.

If someone has a nice vintage looking, wooden framed LF camera, I'd like them to get a few dimensions for me.

If anyone can help, the easiest way to do it is to post a photo of what you have, which I'll then mark up with the dimensions I need.

The style I'm after is similar to this one:

Large+Format+Univers%2523B60602-2.jpg


I can't offer much in return other than some pictures of the finished article once it's done, but I hope you can help :). I'll share details of the project once it's up and running.

Cheers,

Mark
 
Cheers Steven. I should say that, based on the picture above I'll only be after 10 dimensions; I don't need incredible detail :)
 
I'm afraid mine is a more modern monorail design and not nearly as pretty. Both front and rear standards are 171x171 mm and the rail is about 50cm. I've not got it to hand though so I can't tell you how deep they are which is probably the only difficult dimensions.
 
ive got a wista DX so can measure up bits of that. How many parts do you want measured? the base, front and rear stands? I can do it tonight when i get home if noone else has managed it today?

Just read it, you want a pic. I'll see if i still have one on flickr of the beast.

here is a pic of someone else's but its exactly the same as mine

 
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Yep can help ...... I have tailboard half plate and whole plate or field quarter and half plate to choose from.

Let me know which style and size and i'll do what i can to assist.
 
You could download Jon Grepstad's book on building a LF camera here; there are detailed sizes etc.
 
Wow @essexash, that is a thing of stunning beauty! I've marked up the image with the dimensions I need please - hopefully not too much - but I'll PM it to you as it's not my photo to edit and upload :). Obviously length "H" on the photo is variable, but I'd like it with the camera set roughly as in the pick please. These are to get the proportions about right, not to make it exactly the same, so absolute accuracy isn't necessary :)

@Asha, thanks, but if essexash can give me these, I shouldn't need to bother you :)

Stephen, yes I'd seen that. It's brill if you want to build a working camera, but looks are more important than functionality for this project :). It really does need to look something like the Wista DX.
 
Not had chance to look into this yet Mark sorry! Will try and get some photos sent across tomorrow and some measurements. We have this in stock that I can measure for you if you like? It takes 10x12 so it's pretty big already.

1919654_806418452742322_7475827488241943928_n.jpg
 
thorton said:
Not had chance to look into this yet Mark sorry! Will try and get some photos sent across tomorrow and some measurements. We have this in stock that I can measure for you if you like? It takes 10x12 so it's pretty big already.

1919654_806418452742322_7475827488241943928_n.jpg
Click to expand...
Love the inclusion of the Midget :D
 
thanks Tom. I'm not at home at the moment, but it'd be good to have some dimensions from that please. Essexash measured his for me, but it'd be really helpful to have a couple of alternatives.

I'll mark up the photos ASAP and get them back to you.

Cheers :)
 
I'm respecting the concept and the dedication here Mark, plus the link to West Yorkshire Cameras who I haven't heard of before. Good luck with the project!

PS: I've got a Kodak 2 wholeplate camera that I could measure for you if you want?
 
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Cheers Peter. I may come back to you re your Kodak :)

@thorton, are you able to make those measurements please?

Cheers,

Mark
 
Hi I remember seeing a large format camera that took polaroid instant film. The piecs of film must have been about A2 size or bigger, quite impressive seeing the backing paper beeing peeled off! I think it was used as a promotional tool by polaroid. Dont have any pictures though sorry.

D
 
It's 20x24". There's a video here.
 
No problem at all Tom, thanks :)
 
All in mm:

a - 56
b - 56
c - 220
d - 219
e - 60
f - 10
g - 50
h - 210
j - 360

H obviously changes a lot because it's how you focus, however the way it is set in the photo it's 210mm.
 
wow that 10x12 is beautiful. Is it for sale or is it a display item?
 
thorton said:
All in mm:

a - 56
b - 56
c - 220
d - 219
e - 60
f - 10
g - 50
h - 210
j - 360

H obviously changes a lot because it's how you focus, however the way it is set in the photo it's 210mm.
Click to expand...

You might want to double check A and B, don't seem quite right.
 
robhooley167 said:
You might want to double check A and B, don't seem quite right.
Click to expand...

Yeah well spotted, was going to say I think that should be 560, but even that sounds way off compared to the others, will double check tomorrow lol.

Steve said:
wow that 10x12 is beautiful. Is it for sale or is it a display item?
Click to expand...

It's lovely isn't it. Yeh it is, £999 :)
 
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and the film isnt much cheaper than that! ;) lovely thing though
 
Would love to contact print a negative from it....imagine the result.
 
Thanks @thorton. Did you get a chance to check A and B?
 
Perfect, thanks :)
 
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