HA! It is a folding camera that will be 18" wide and about 9" high. The body will follow the plan for a 10x12" that Alan Greene features in his book "Primitive Photography". Much modification, though, because his wants a 22" body, and I intend to keep mine to 6". As far as I can tell, it simply will collapse and fold flat after the lensboard and film holder have been removed. The body itself is made of wood slats hinged together. Like shooting out the side of a shoebox. But it should be very sturdy. The most elaborate part will be (I think) the assemblage of the film holders.
What I hope to do is shoot film. Berger makes 14x17 sheets of ASA 200, so these would be perfect if cut in half lengthwise. I want to use film because I'm doing argyrotypes right now (and soon will be doing albumen and POP salt). But paper isn't a bad idea, either. I've never actually done it. You might be right about making a box from scratch. I started out wanting this to be used with a lens, but decided that my first attempt will be with pinhole. It's the way I like to work anyhow. You've got me thinking, though. I'm still assembling the wood, etc., so there's time to change my mind and modify this the "right" way for a lens, and meanwhile make that box you mentioned. The idea worked fine when it was a 4x5 film box, so there isn't any reason it couldn't go larger. I will keep you informed. Mike ----- Original Message ----- From: "andy schmitt" <aschm...@warwick.net> To: <pinhole-discussion@p at ???????> Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2003 9:24 AM Subject: RE: [pinhole-discussion] Coverage -----Original Message----- From: pinhole-discussion-admin@p at ??????? [mailto:pinhole-discussion-admin@p at ???????]On Behalf Of Michael Healy Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2003 9:39 AM I am building a 7x17" camera, which I intend to use w/ a pinhole. This will be a wooden folding camera, so it will have a fixed focal length. ... <snip> Are you going to use a fold down with a bellows or a pull out? With the other dimensions being what they are and a 3 or 4" focal length, it might be just as functional (& a heck of a lot easier..) to make a fixed box. <snip> when I followed Andy Schmitt's GREAT sugggestion to shoot inside a 4x5 film box. Thanks... 8*) & of course...what are you going to do about holding film/paper sheets? Will this be a one shot? so many questions...sounds like fun... I want to see it when you are done. andy
