DIY 6x9 or 6x12 or even 6x17

6x12 and 6x17 diy projects

6x12 and 6x17 diy projects

Two projects that might inspire you.

A 6x12 wood/plastic beauty by Steve Smith
http://www.stockholmviews.com/diy-6x12/index.html
6x12.jpg


The aluminum 6x17 monster by Stefan L
http://www.stockholmviews.com/diyphotogear/diy_6x17_camera.html
focusingunit.jpg


Enjoy/ S
 
This camera: http://www.galerie-photo.com/chambre-legere-4x5.html really does set the standard in the DIY P&S/Handy type 4x5's.

The parts are one their way. Some have arrived.

Arrived:
Fuji 80mm/F8
Graflok back w/ground glass, sans hood

On their way:
DAYI 6x12 rollfilm back
Remote release cable
Accessory shoes
2.1mm lens for CCTV camera, hopefully adaptable for VF (160deg AOV, if I'm right I need approx 150 odd degrees)

Other stuff
Chopping board to form basis for frame

What to do about cone? I'd rather have something tapering towards lens, Will see of I can find something adaptable or ripe for cannabalism.
 
I've been looking hard and long at different P+S designs. I really like the camera types represented by the two links I've posted earlier. but the do require access to tools I do not have. So I'll be settling on something that can be crafted from wood.

Trawling the net has uncovered a number of rather nice wooden based cameras well within most people's (mine included I hope) manufacturing skills, many with a Graflok back as the backbone of the design:

Such as:
Nana Sousa Dias' 4x5 SA 47mm P+S:
dias_2586.jpg



Greg Roberts Black Wide angle 4x5 SA 90mm:
4x5_wide_front.jpg


Sandeha Lynch's Neretta Snap SA 90mm
IMGP4269.jpg



Sean Michael Stimac's version of the Sandeha's Neretta design:
snap01.jpg


Bitt K Lekman's 4x5 SA 65mm "Pancake" Camera:
4X5_1.JPG



And my current favourite: FLickr user Saltriver's 4x5 and 6x12 SA 65mm "IKEA plant pot" P+S:
4430078866_ff93bdd42b.jpg


There are however not that many projects of this kind on the net. But 4x5 and 8x10 view cameras, field and monorail, there are hundreds! Works of art many ot them

Oh well. I've started piecing things together, I'll let you know how it'll progress.
 
OK... the customs are coming out....

OK... the customs are coming out....

I picked up this custom recently. It uses a box..(the first camera probably used a box) with an old Mamiya Press camera lens mount (from the early standard 23 model) on the front. It has a Linhof 4X5 Ground Glass back with Graflok capability. This one currently has a Mamiya Sekor Press 75mm lens and focus helix mounted, and will use all the Press lenses. The 75mm covers 6X12, and a Da-Yi back can be mounted on the graflok back. I have a 105 LF lens mounted on a 100mm Mamiya Focus Helical and can shoot 4X5 as well.
 
Very nice indeed.

Mine will be something like it. I too will be using an IKEA plant pot as lens cone, like Saltrivers camera shown above. There are quite a few 4x5 cameras based on that particular box, though most of them pinhole. I'll mount the lens on a Chinese helicoid and then onto a Linhof type lensboard. A home made standard, Graflok back, DAYI 6x12 back, Gaoersi finder.
 
Trial fitting of MK0.9 before finishing

Trial fitting of MK0.9 before finishing

But first, the lens collimation confirmation: Picture taken through lens front to back with GG inserted, marked with an X. DSLR w/300mm (35mm equiv) lens set to infinity should focus on the spot when lens is correctly collimated. The lens box had to be successively reduced through sanding until in focus:

U32099I1273144576.SEQ.0.jpg


Front:
U32099I1273144572.SEQ.0.jpg


Rear with DAYI 6x12 back mounted:
U32099I1273144574.SEQ.0.jpg
 
No, sorry. Its not really put together yet. And since I can't process the films myself (yet), and I live in the country (in a country where film no longer exists) it'll take a while before results will be coming. Oh, and I need to get a decent scanner. When I do get some results, I'll post them. Meanwhile I'll be doing the finishing touches to the camera and post some better pictures of it shortly, that and pictures of the parts separately.
 
Now near completion. Two pics for now. Have reached upload limit. Will need to post more tomorrow:

The main parts described:
U32099I1273242289.SEQ.0.jpg



Put together:
U32099I1273242292.SEQ.0.jpg
 
That's looking eally good, Ezzie! Well done!

I've just spotted one on ebay (AU) that would be of interest to anyone who'd like to follow this path. No connection to seller (other than wishing I could be a buyer!).

"6 x 12 Wide Format Camera with 3 Lenses and 2 Backs" #200469795211
 

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Thanks Chris.

I need to order some film, I´ve forgotten about the basics when engrossing myself in sanding and more sanding. :D

Nice camera you´ve linked to. Just about the most compact interchangeable lens and back 6x12 I´ve seen. There´s no limit to what you can do with a CNC lathe.
 
More pics:

Frame with sub-frame. Sub-frame has two purposes. One is to act as a light sealer, the other is to enable the lens box to be slid on and off (as I plan on making several). The fit is so tight friction alone will keep the frame and lens box together. The foot on the lens box is however fastened to the frame for the sake of safety.

U32099I1273324641.SEQ.0.jpg



Lens box with handle, viewfinder and foot attached:

U32099I1273324643.SEQ.0.jpg


The P+S compared to a grown up DSLR of the same weight class:

U32099I1273324639.SEQ.0.jpg
 
Just a little correction to Ezzie's earlier post. Sean Stimac came up with the name "Snap" for his own camera that he based on my design. Mine is just a Neretta, the Neretta, and dat's because it's black. :)

Some brilliant designs here!
 
Gorgeous inspiration here! I might find a use for my old non-op Crown Graphic, if I can get to a band-saw...

I found a nice, solid platform to start with was a 9x12 plate camera.
I found a Voigtlander Avus 9x12cm plate camera with a great intact bellows but a ruined front standard that someone had pried the lens from.

I flattened the front standard then widened it up for a 90mm Graflex Optar f/6.8. I made a focusing scale for the rails and set up a new infinity stop.

The hardest part was finding a rollfilm back. They were made but they are a bit difficult to find. The one I finally secured was a Rada 6x9 that had a lot of room to the sides of the film gate for widening. It opened up to 113mm, so it technically was a 6x12. This little camera was tiny. Folded up nicely in a little steel box covered with leather & had a lunch pail leather handle. I attached a bubble-level to the top and side and used a modified wire-frame sportsfinder for composition.

These old plate cameras are extremely robust and work well even with their stock lenses. The 9x12 Avus has 15mm of shift and 18mm of rise in case I cared about perspective in the city (and I love vertical panoramas)

The other 6x12 I built was a very inexpensive non-op Kodak 2C Autographic vest pocket camera. Similarly modified as the Avus, but the Kodak had film transport built-in. 6x14 is possible, but keeping the film flat is a challenge, even with a large pressure plate. It tends to buckle in a "W" almost.
See this thread:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90686

Phil Forrest
 
Yet another change in the design. Not just cosmetic, but indeed very much needed. The handle has been redesigned altogether. After the first trial run I found the existing handle to be too puny and cramped for comfort. I took design cues from one of flickr user adbieber´s creations ( www.flickr.com/photos/adbieber/4491652903/in/set-72157623... ). Much better grip for handheld shots now. The added advantage is that it´ll be a one man camera (if there was ever a chance of it not being that already) as the handle is sculpted around my right hand, and is a tight, but comfortable fit.

4676126084_57f7d23a72.jpg


4676127000_b8b0728d9f.jpg


I think my woodworking skills are improving. Which bodes well for the next project (winter 2010/11?)

But first, I need to take some pictures. Chemicals are coming my way, and I´ll be processing the negs (contrary to my initial thoughts) in the kitchen - to my wife´s despair not doubt.
 
Ezzie - that looks like a fine handle, and nicely crafted. Well done.

But how do you hold the camera while fitting and removing a film-holder?
 
I see your point. Mounting it on the right hand side was a consciuos choice. It just feals unnatural with a grip in the left hand, I don't know why. For the most part I'll use a 6x12 roll film back and scale focusing, so it won't be much of an issue. When I do end up using sheet film holders I may have to reconsider and move the handle (make another one) to the other side.
 
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