Another thread on my latest DIY project - an ultra large format (ULF) 24x24 inches camera. It is not perfect and probably never be. But I guess it has become workable ie I can shoot with it. ULF is defined as anything bigger than 8x10 inches. There are a few reasons where an ULF camera is preferred :
1. large negative size is suitable for making contact prints of the same size
2. no enlargement are required - less demanding requirement for the lens.
3. Can shoot smaller format using adapter boards
3. can shoot with wetplates, xray film , paper negatives. This can be done also with smaller large format cameras, but of course the overall result - given the much smaller size - is less impressive and satisfactory.
Of course, it comes with a price
1. very big, heavy and costly( which is why i built one instead of buying)
2. Need a lens with an image circle to cover the film size
3. Cumbersome manipulation, which slows down the photographic process
4. Everything else (negatives, tripods, holders, trays) are much bigger/bulkier.
After doing some research, I opted for a simple design that only has the front and back standard and no bed and focusing rails. This significantly decrease the build time as the focusing racks and bed are the most complicated to build.
I also opt for a equal size front and back standards which require a square bellows rather than a taper bellows again for the ease of construction.
This is how the camera look like when folded. You can also gauge its size.
1. large negative size is suitable for making contact prints of the same size
2. no enlargement are required - less demanding requirement for the lens.
3. Can shoot smaller format using adapter boards
3. can shoot with wetplates, xray film , paper negatives. This can be done also with smaller large format cameras, but of course the overall result - given the much smaller size - is less impressive and satisfactory.
Of course, it comes with a price
1. very big, heavy and costly( which is why i built one instead of buying)
2. Need a lens with an image circle to cover the film size
3. Cumbersome manipulation, which slows down the photographic process
4. Everything else (negatives, tripods, holders, trays) are much bigger/bulkier.
After doing some research, I opted for a simple design that only has the front and back standard and no bed and focusing rails. This significantly decrease the build time as the focusing racks and bed are the most complicated to build.
I also opt for a equal size front and back standards which require a square bellows rather than a taper bellows again for the ease of construction.
This is how the camera look like when folded. You can also gauge its size.
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