Large Format photography group - From "zero to hero!"

Steve Smith said:
As promised, some pictures of my folding 5x4 camera in its nearly finished state. Just need to add some catches, a carrying handle and some knobs on the focusing pinions and it will be done.

5x4-3.JPG


And here is a sequence of pictures showing the unfolding sequence.

http://stevesmithphoto.webs.com/fold1.JPG
http://stevesmithphoto.webs.com/fold2.JPG
http://stevesmithphoto.webs.com/fold3.JPG
http://stevesmithphoto.webs.com/fold4.JPG


Steve.
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Cool!
 
Andysnap said:
That is bloody brilliant. ^^^ (y)
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Agreed

I've been tempted to try out Jon Grepstads monorail plans, but I know I'd be wanting to be making a field camera throughout.
 
Oooooooooh PM inbound!
 
Andysnap said:
Make two Rob and I'll have the other one. ;):banana:
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It took me three to make this one... I started twice, got half way, decided I didn't like it and started again... and again!

robhooley167 said:
*Eyes up reclaimed mahogany planks in the garage*
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Mine is all made from 9mm thick mahogany which I bought from an eBay seller in pieces about 100mm x 400mm which made it easy to fit on the CNC router. This thickness also allowed me to try out parts cheaply using 9mm MDF first.


Steve.
 
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A good source of wood for cameras is old furniture. I made a wide angle 6x12 camera using oak from the drawers of an old chest of drawers.


Steve.
 
Steve Smith said:
A good source of wood for cameras is old furniture. I made a wide angle 6x12 camera using oak from the drawers of an old chest of drawers.


Steve.
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what the hell are we gonna prop the tunnel up with now ?

you really should consult the escape committee before using up our wood on frivolous personal projects....


kinda reminds me of my first foray in to medium format equipment, it was suggested if I wanted to avoid reliability issues with old mech 6x6 SLR's, I ought to buy a wooden LF camera, to which I was nodding appreciatively
but secretly I was thinking, that's all I need, to go from gunky light seals and sticky shutters to woodworm and Dutch Elm disease...:)
 
I'm now ready for a test this weekend. I have just loaded up some film holders and I even remembered to take off my luminous watch before putting my hands into the changing bag!

Notches are top right, right? It's been a while since I loaded 5x4.


Steve.
 
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joxby said:
you really should consult the escape committee before using up our wood on frivolous personal projects....
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But what about that nice vaulting horse I made for you out of old packing case wood?



Steve.
 
Woodsy said:
Yep, notches are top right if loading in 'portrait' orientation.

That zebrano wood is horrific. Other two are nice though, @robhooley167 .
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I agree it's a bit of an acquired taste, could always look at Ipe, Bubinga or Cocobolo.

So many exotic hardwoods, so little time...
 
robhooley167 said:
I agree it's a bit of an acquired taste, could always look at Ipe, Bubinga or Cocobolo.

So many exotic hardwoods, so little time...
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I thought cocobolo was an std and Bubinga plays in goal for Ipswich. You're just making stuff up now Hooley.:D
 
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Okay fundamental and possibly stupid question. When focusing wide open should one always be able to get the whole image sharp or is it often a case of even and least possible oof prior to stopping down?

I've been out to the Forth Bridge to have another go while it was light and I remain unconvinced I've got the dammed thing properly focused. Basically trying to get this shot but in the daylight to try and keep things a bit simpler. I had a fraction of front tilt and a bit of rear swing then stopped right down.

Forth Bridge Evening by Steven, on Flickr
 
The first section of the bridge? If so, I think you may have possible focused too far (in actual distance) into the frame. The depth of field does not extend by equal distances forward and backward of the point of focus, the extent of the depth of field forward of the point of focus is always larger than the depth of field backward, though the ratio of these distances asymptotically approaches 1:1 as magnification increases.

I'd probably suggest focusing on something like the center of the bottom horizontal thirds line (in that specific photo) and then stopping down. It may be that that is enough to get the whole image in focus.
 
Asha said:
We'll have to start calling him "wooPsy" for you to do that :p:D
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Should you not be getting you self together for your trip.:D
 
Andysnap said:
I know, I went to grammar school and learnt many big words, but I just like taking the pee out of Woodsy :D
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Were they the days when Grammar schools were called Comprehensive in the northern Labour days.:woot::D
 
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No, it was a proper Grammar School for Boys. It changed to a comprehensive the year after I left when they realised that the summit had been reached and it was downhill for everyone after that. :)
 
Woodsy said:
The first section of the bridge? If so, I think you may have possible focused too far (in actual distance) into the frame. The depth of field does not extend by equal distances forward and backward of the point of focus, the extent of the depth of field forward of the point of focus is always larger than the depth of field backward, though the ratio of these distances asymptotically approaches 1:1 as magnification increases.

I'd probably suggest focusing on something like the center of the bottom horizontal thirds line (in that specific photo) and then stopping down. It may be that that is enough to get the whole image in focus.
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Annnnyyyy way.

So in this instance, ignore the far bank I'm happy for it to fall oof, I wouldn't be able to get the whole bridge sharp on the GG so I'd be better effectively hyperfocusing and letting dof carry me through? Even with swing?
 
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