Now I've gone and done it

Ezzie

Ezzie

E. D. Russell Roberts
Local time
9:43 PM
Joined
Sep 1, 2009
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2,702
Location
Norway
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I've finally done what I said I wouldn't.

When I last built a MF camera I got a lot of advice on how to approach the task, amongst them were tips about cannibalising other cameras to build a new one. Chopping up old folders and fusing them together etc. I said I couldn't do it, even if they were disfunctional, banged up, and Russian. Well for my new 6x17 project I could no longer rely on buying LF camera parts and mix and match these to make a camera, I wanted a more compact design, meaning I had to find a donor camera for all the smaller bits a pieces. The rollers, the winder knob, the film frame window etc. So yesterday I went and butchered a Genos Rapid for said parts. I thought I could dismantle it and when the opportunity rose could rebuild it, but that was not to be. Built of bakelite, and practically not a screw in site, but rivets galore ment the bakelite met with a hammer and chisel.

I've now officially killed a camera on purpose. I feel.......... something, I don't know what. Is there a place in heaven for people like me?
 
"The horror, the horror." Capt Willard 😱😱😱

It's always amazed me how so many people make their own cameras, okay pinholes sure we've all done that but real constructions with bits from other cameras?! I take my hat off to every single one of you for merely attempting this. My hands are unable to clasp small screwdrivers, my eyes do not follow instructions and my patience walked out on me many years ago. When it comes to photography I am the ultimate consumer I'm afraid, every cupboard and drawer in my house is home to an unused camera; a reservist kept on standby in case of war...well, incase of malfunction elsewhere mostly.

Perhaps I should have an open day, invite all you McGyver types round to salvage what you can, I could buy some new socks in accordance with my wife's wishes as I'd finally have somewhere to keep them!

I salute you Ezzie, one death is a small price to pay in the quest for eternal life (of camera parts.)

🙂🙂
 
Thank You Simon.

I hope to have something to show for it in a week or two. I have to try out 6x17, I just have to. Since I already have an LF lens from the previous poject the outlay will be miniscule, a matter of a few pieces of wood, some glue, paint, nuts and bolts, two clothespegs and of course the death of the Rapid.

The design is evolutionary, whatever works to solve the problem at hand. It might not be pretty, but it'll work. Of that I have no doubt.

Regarding dexterity, I've noticed I'm loosing it faster than I'd like. If I'm to do such things, I need to do them now. 😉
 
I am laughing, with an Evil Maniacal Tone and images of the Sith Lord fill my mind.

You have been turned.

Welcome to the Dark Side.

Yesterday, I shimmed a Nikkor 3.5cm F2.5 for a Contax. Ended up using a copper wire for a shim.
 
Oooooaahahahahahahahaaaaaaa! Bad guys have more fun? All of a sudden I feel good.

I too like using what is handy, copper wire as a shim rings true to me. The idea for the camera I'm now building camera came when consuming a glass of A E Dor Veille Reserve, and found that the wooden case its stored in looked like a frame for a panoramic camera. Instead of finishing the bottle, I started work at adapting the case for its second lease of life.

Other objects that will find out they are better used as parts for a camera. Clothespegs as film tensioners, bamboo chopsticks for film gate, skirting boards for the chamre noir, the list goes on....
 
Hi Silverbullet. I don't know Dean, but I know of him very well. His 6x17 and Razzle creations are the best of the best. An inspiration to all would be camera makers.
 
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