Burke & James 5x7 Project Cam - Progress...

[scott]

Decided in an attempt to save a few bucks, I'd do the liquid electrical tape patch thing. Have had mixed luck with this over the years. First coat on the top folds worked about 75-80%. Bellows still folded easily. No sticking. Okay, continuing.





In those pictures, the top folds are at the bottom (camera upside down) and the the folds to the right were coated about 20 minutes prior. This stuff soaks right in to the fabric, which seems like it would be a good thing. The top folds (on the bottom...) had just gotten a second coat. Moving on to the other side. They WILL be done, if not today, then definitely tomorrow. I know this isn't a permanent fix, but if I can put off the new bellows for a couple years, I'd be happy. If not, have already contacted Chronolens on eBay, though I see the price went back up (was $89, now $139...).

[scott]

Geez-ow. Done. At least conditionally. Ended up painting in all the corners, all edges, and all the deep folds from the inside. However, it was the peak folds on the inside that had some pinholes as well. Went back over them. Holding a light inside, there are zero leaks I can find now. Provisionally excited. Will let the stuff cure at least overnight before seeing how it folds.

Next up is a couple lensboards. Have two lenses immediately to use - a 210/5.6 Sironar-N (which was the first lens I originally bought years ago for 5x7) and a 125/5.6 Fujinon. Should be good for a while. Thinking three piece boards, 'cause why not?

[Brazile]

Hmm. Which Fujinon is that? The image circles for the various versions are reported on LFPF as:

For the single coated "W" version (with the lettering on the inside front of the lens barrel): 210mm
For the multicoated "NW" version (labeled "W" on the outside of the lens barrel): 198mm
For the multicoated "CM-W" version (labeled as such on the outside of the lens barrel): 204mm

A little tight for 5x7 (~218mm diagonal) but might work in a pinch. The 210 will obviously be fine. Looking forward to seeing an image!

Robert

p.s. FWIW, my first functional LF camera was (is) a Calumet CC-400 (might have been purchased off someone at nelsonfoto, now that I think about it), whose bellows were liberally liquid electrical taped upon my purchase to make it functional. Still holding up, I believe, although I haven't used it in quite a while. I say first functional, because i'd bought a Bender 4x5 kit years before, but didn't finish it until after I got the CC-400.

[scott]

I have the W. Yeah, it’s tight, I think it’ll cover though. When was shooting 5x7 I had a Super Angulon 121/8 that covered up to, like, 8x10. Way too big but fun. I have a Nikkor W 150/5.6, also sketchy on 5x7, but might try it. Guess I’m going to have to start trolling eBay for cheap lenses that will cover. When I got out of 5x7 years ago I focused on a kit for 4x5. Who knew?

Just checked: bellows are about 97%. Going to let this coat cure all day, finish it off mañana.

[Brazile]

I think I bought that Super Angulon 121/8 from you. I still have it and like to use it to shoot 4x10 from time to time.

My recommendation: see if you can find some Wollensaks. I have a Wollensak Raptar 7.5" (190)/5.6 in I think a Betax shutter that I got cheap and I love it; it's my most-used 5x7 lens. More recently I found a Wollensak Telephoto 15" -- it's just in barrel, but works fine and covers plenty.

Robert

[scott]

That's super funny! I've had so many lenses through my hands that I don't remember where any of them ended up. Hopefully it's still in good shape.

I'll start trolling. If I don't have to immediately replace those bellows, well, that money should be reinvested somewhere, right?

Tuned up my bandsaw after 30 years. Have a piece of walnut that I think Imma try and resaw for a couple three piece lensboards. I'm sure this is ill-advised...

[Brazile]

Not at all. Keep moving forward! It's all fun and good.

The Super Angulon is in great shape and is one of my favorites when I shoot big.

Bandsaws are wonderful thing. I redid mine (aligned the table with the blade, etc.) a couple years ago and that made a big difference.

Robert

[scott]

I have a 1993 Delta 14" that I added a riser to maybe 28 years ago. Changed out the 3/4 HOP motor for a 1-1/2 HP one. Made a (really awful) auxiliary table for it. Then nothing. I changed out the ties for urethane a few weeks ago, new Cobra Coil spring, new Timber Wolf blade. Got the tension right (for the first time literally ever), guides adjusted. Thing cuts better than it ever ever has. Remarkable. The walnut I'm going to try to resaw is already about 13/16". Masochist.

BTW, I was digging through some bins in the basement on the hunt for old computer gear today. Uncovered another couple 5x7 holders. Went for 1 to 8. Think I'm good. Sheesh...

[Brazile]

Yeah, getting the tension right (I finally bought a gauge), aligning the table with the blade properly, and good blades are my top 3 tips as well.

[scott]

Venturing way off topic, but since we're talking about it, and it is in the context of lensboards for this camera...

Went ahead and resawed the walnut.






Amazing. What a difference. That little RE magnet on the table is my fence, BTW. And worked great. The cut isn't entirely flat/plumb, but the table is square to the blade. The issue was that I assumed the edge of the board was square; it wasn't. Run it over the jointer next time. A couple passes in the planer and it'll be good. Plenty of wood for two three-piece boards. Maybe a third if I'm careful. But this opens up a new world of possibilities for my impending box making career.