Hello, I am new to this list. I am interested in working with a camera
builder or receive input on how best to build a camera I have designed in my
head. If the project is successful enough I would consider marketing this
camera as there is a void in the world market place for a MF stereo camera.
Here are my preliminary specs, any interested builders or contributors would
be greatly appreciated.
The camera will utilize a matched pair of 2 Schneider Digitar lenses,
80mm. The lenses needed to be mounted in a lens board so it can be changed
out with a different lens board, no wider than 47mm fl's. (lens fl range
would be from 47mm to 80mm) A rectangular piece of wood will suffice.
The film shall be 220 (120 if it's that much easier) and have an
exposure area of 6x13. This should be sufficient to achieve two 6x6 chromes
and also get 12 exposures on a roll of 220 film. (it's possible, 6 x 12.5
will be the max. per exposure which would be acceptable if the septum is
thin enough. This roll film holder seems to be the bottleneck of the
project. The only ready made roll film holder that measures a true 120mm is
the Linhof 6x12 Techno Rolex and it's a real clunker, very heavy and
cumbersome. Made to fit 4x5 camera, via graflock. The next longest roll
film back is 112mm, not long enough for two 6x6 images. Is there anyone
that custom makes roll film mechanisms? I know Keith Canham is coming out
with a 6x17 back, but its made to fit a 5x7 back.
The septum will be able to go between 47mm and 85mm. This should not be
hard as there space between the lenses to put a bellows type flex material.
Alternatively removable septum's would be acceptable. The septum should be
as thin as possible sw it does not waste film...all that is required is a
separation at the film plane. The film will be cut apart after processing.
The focus will be bellows type to accommodate the lens fl mentioned
above. Focus range only needs to be from 47mm from the film plane to
approx. 85mm. The focus method is preferred to be gg focussing. But some
type of mirror SLR would be acceptable if it becomes too hard to remove the
film holder. If a roll film holder can be made then I would think the
simplest thing would be to remove the gg after focussing and attach the roll
film holder.
The lens board should be able to accommodate some lens axis tilt and
also some lens rise. The amount of movement would be very minimal, such as
5 deg. lens tilt and 15 - 20mm lens rise / fall. No side shift. The lens
tilt is a luxury but would sure make the camera unique!
The camera will be used primarily in the field for nature photography.
So it must be somewhat rugged but certainly does not need to be made out of
metal. A hard wood is fine. The lens board should compact tight into the
camera, with the lenses intact and a wooden cover would go over the lenses,
making the camera into a closed rectangle. The gg and roll film holder can
be held separately, or the gg can remain intact. The benefit of a removable
roll film holder would be to carry two different types of films. Plus
people are much happier with gg as focussing. The body should have a
standard tripod socket.
The two lenses will fire simultaneously. They can either be linked
mechanically or via a dual cable release mounted on the board and finely
tuned. Once permanently affixed to the lens board, the firing should remain
simultaneous.
So this is my starting point...sound feasible? Or am I simply crazy?
Any input would be appreciated.
BTW, the only alternative to building this from scratch is a using
the 6x12 back on 4x5 with the addition of a septum. I like the compact idea
of this home brew camera. 4x5 is bulky and heavy, but if my concept is too
much of a fantasy, then 4x5 it is....
Thank you
Bill G
_______________________________________________
Cameramakers mailing list
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://rmp.opusis.com/mailman/listinfo/cameramakers
