Building a Large Format Camera

I build a traditional 4x5 large-format camera from scratch in my home workshop.  Commercial versions of this type of camera typically cost several thousand dollars, and even old, used cameras fetch high prices.  Building one at home not only saves a lot of money, but is a very satisfying project for a hobbyist.   It can be built without any specialized tools, and in fact, could be made with hand tools alone. This particular design is, however, not an appropriate project for a beginning woodworker.  For photographers with very limited woodworking skills and budget, there are designs which are simpler and more forgiving.

This project requires several small, aluminum parts which can be made in the home shop without any specialized metal-working tools.  I recently released a video showing more about cutting and shaping aluminum with woodworking tools.  Here is the link to that video:  Shaping Metal with Woodworking Tools

I often post plans for my projects on my website.  However, the early sketches and drawings that formed the starting point for this camera required many small changes on the fly, and I do not have a complete set of drawings with proven, accurate measurements that I can share.

I am far more careful with power tools than it often appears.  Despite decades of experience with the table saw, for instance, I still rigidly adhere to a set of personal safety rules.  Don't make the mistake of thinking that I am careless, no matter how my moves appear in the edited video.

For those viewers who want to make something similar, you can buy used film holders and lenses from a variety of camera stores, and online from sources like EBay.   I bought the rack and pinion gears from McMaster Carr at https://www.mcmaster.com/contact/los-.... Local hardware stores will probably supply most of the screws, bolts, and nuts you will need, with the exception of knurled nuts and knobs and a few other items.  I found the following on Amazon:
Knurled head screws  Shaping Metal with Woodworking Tools
Wafer head screws  https://amzn.to/3bAZcOx
Threaded inserts  https://amzn.to/2LKgNsC
Focusing knobs  https://amzn.to/35D2ahI
T-track (matte black color) https://amzn.to/3qfpSIM
Aluminum angle stock  https://amzn.to/3bETNpE
Fresnel lens  https://amzn.to/2KfXzdY

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