Designing New 4x5 Cameras

A quick question. After a few years of being out of production, I was wondering if I should start building LF

cameras again based on my <A HREF="

Profile back</A>.Take a quick look at the ideas on my photos page and give me your advice. Is there a market for new ideas like mine?

<p>Noah,</p>

<p>Looks fascinating. I think you might want to post this on Large Format Photography Forum as well to access an even broader range of LF shooters.</p>

<p>Really, I don't see any reason why not but, as Tim says get published everywhere even on Apug org. Okay its not gonna be a top 10 seller as they are probably all digis but remember in this digi age vi are less and less who shut with film.<br>

If the camera is good works well easy to operate and the price is right than you gonna sell.</p>

<p>I like your back locking system. Actually, I never considered other back options. I think you're on to something. I think a lot of people would be interested in a well built, sturdy introductory camera that is affordable. Maybe modularize it a bit.</p>

<p>Noah, pardon me for missing the point. Y'r video shows a converted Polaroid 110, or something much like one. Is that what you're thinking of making? If so, from the user's point of view what's your system's big advantage over a conventional back? That is, aside from elegance.</p>

<p>What about standard cut film holders? I'm building a 4x5 so I'm intrigued by this, but it doesn't seem to be able to hold the typical 2-sheeters. Can it?</p>

<p>If I understood right than Noah would like to manufacture something based on that camera or similar apperes on the video but for a classic two sheeters.</p>

<p>I don't know what the market would be for this but I would love to make something similar for the Polaroaid 110A conversion I am currently working on.</p>

<p>Id love to have my Polaroid 800 Land Camera converted to allow me to use 4x5 in film holders instead of loading one sheet at a time in the dark.</p>

<p>Cost is keeping me from having mine converted though.</p>

<p>Noah...you know my answer already....anything you do will be first class! Tell me, did you ever get the Merc repaired after the tree incident?</p>

<p>I always thought the Polaroid conversions were a good idea . . .but it is a BIG camera for a compact folder. I have thought something like a Mamya 7 in 4x5 would be neat: Rangefinder, interchabgeable lenses etc.</p>

<p> Another idea is something like the Polaroid SX-70. Folds up small and is an SLR. The configuration is adaptable to 4x5. Maybe a converted SX-70? Imagine an inverted Graflex Reflex operating backward (you have to close your eyes to see what I mean).</p>

<p>Yet another wild idea might be to start with a 6x12 body and expand it to 4x5 (10X12 cm). A couple of panoramic Holga pinhole bodies could be the basis for a proof-of-concept effort. They are plastic and not too dear.</p>

<p>What is possible?</p>

<p>Doesnt the SX-70 require a battery pack (the film pack) to operate it? I happen to end up with a SX-70 with a empty film pack but the battery still works :P</p>

<p>But: that would be a cool camera to make into a 4x5!</p>

<p>The SX-70 is an SLR too....</p>