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C11.17 (prototype) Testing
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Big thanks to stcstc (Steve Crozier) of this parish, and 360dpi printing, for all his patient help in the making of the bellows for this thing. Will be back in a few weeks, will be in touch-
I believe a portrait demonstration might have been mentioned at some point…
C11.17 prototype at Shiprock NM by joseph – jb7, on FlickrTaking the first picture on the new (prototype) Carbon Fiber and Walnut packet loading multi format 11×17 folding studio camera at Shiprock, New Mexico at dawn yesterday. Desert testing. Didn’t go too badly, got some valuable feedback from the exercise. Loaded with 11×17 Kodak X-ray film. The camera was designed to take advantage of the image circle of a lens, to shoot 11×14 and 7×17 without reducing backs. An interesting side effect is the aggregate format, 11×17, which is easily cut down from 14×17…
The smallest size you might consider using on it might be 8×10, perhaps to shoot the odd sheet of colour film on your holidays, for example. Though I forgot to pack the little bit I have…11×17 Folding studio camera? Does that sound a bit odd? Did any studio camera fold? This one has been designed to accept heavy lenses, although it hasn’t been tested with one yet. I have placed a 9.25kg 36″ f/6.3 at the end of the front extension without appreciable deflection, though I haven’t mounted it on a lens board yet – a 9″ board, Century size. I have one waiting for it, that Eddie Gunks very generously donated to the project last year, in New York.
The camera has front tilt and swing which can be controlled from behind the back, although with a lens that heavy, I think only downward tilt will be available, if any. I’ll be back in Dublin in a couple of weeks and will try it out then-
It has an integral dark cloth, suspended from a closing lid which is necessary for shutting off the back of the camera while making an exposure; the focusing screen must be displaced to allow the film holder to register.
Bellows, up to 43 inches available on accessory rear extended tubes, around 36″ in this configuration. I should be able to use a 90mm for circular images too, on the recessed board in the picture- though movements are restricted below about 250mm-
Anyway, first look, a lot of testing to be done yet, although the film loading into the camera has passed with flying colours. The camera was designed and built in Ireland, but desert testing has shown up some shortcomings in some of the materials and adhesives used- I just wouldn’t have appreciated how cruel the sun can be outside of our temperate little isle…
It’s not finished yet, still some work to do…
beautiful!
where did you source the leather for the bellows? was looking for some myself a while back but had to put the project on the back burner for a while…
Thanks Isabella- I have a little of the outer covering left, if you want to try it- should be enough for a 4×5- drop me a pm, I’ll be back in a couple of weeks-
Extraordinary JB. Another triumph. I assume that you’ll be looking for porters to carry this for you ? :)
I can’t wait to see some photos from it.
Well it’s not that Mark, but it isn’t finished yet either…
Porters not necessary, but a car is useful. It isn’t light, but considering the lenses it’s been designed to take, it’s not that heavy either- and the target weight for the holders is a small fraction of traditional holders…
A nice shot from the top of Killiney Hill would be a good test, I’ll carry the film up for you. :lol:
Thanks Eddie- I’ll just have to bring enough big film to make it worth your while…
Looks impressive JB, although there is a bit of a glow off you. In contact with too many chemicals I fear ;)
Thanks Mark- yes, a mishap in the darkroom brought about some strange effects, and now I turn into Negative Man in the presence of Hypo…
Well spotted Isabella, it’s a Golden Rectangle, quite unusual for ULF… Still not used to it really-Behemoth. I’ll volunteer to carry one leg of the tripod, or a loupe, or something small. It’s my back you see….
Just seeing this now.. mighty impressive, JB!
With the size of that monster, I’m surprised you have not considered mounting/ incorporating it into a golf cart or the like..
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