Sunday, January 31, 2010

Graflock back prototype pictures



Here are the latest pictures of the graflock back prototype (in construction). This is just a quick assembly to test fit, most of the bass parts are not finished yet.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Graflock back and other news

I made a decision to offer a graflock back as an optional feature and as an upgrade kit to the standard spring back. The upgrade kit will contain the arms connecting the ground glass carrier to the back, the hooks the arms connect to (to be mounted on the back) and the two sliding film holder locks (and all the hardware required). The upgrade can be done with just a screwdriver (or two) in 15 minutes or less.

I started to record the videos with the assembly instructions. It's more difficult then I anticipated, but it's coming along. As they are ready(ish) I will publish them, so stay tuned if you are curious to see them.

I am now writing up the full specifications of the camera and the options offered. Once this information is available, I will publish it and start accepting pre-orders (A pre-order is nothing more then a reservation, no payment or any obligation is required.). The first batch will be rather small, and the kits will be sold to in the order of the pre-order/order dates.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Custom Bellows Kit will be available really soon (a few weeks at most)!!

Have a camera that desperately needs new bellows? Got a quote for custom bellows that was more then what you paid for the camera? Well then, this should be good news for you ;-)



A Custom Bellows Kit will be made available within a few weeks, before the camera kit. Based on the dimensions you provide, we design the pattern for both the coverings and the stiffeners (the ribs which keep the bellows rigid and give it shape). Using the patterns, you cut the fabric and the stiffeners and assemble the bellows.


Limitations :


* the maximum width of the largest side is 12 inch (if you require a larger bellows, please contact us).

* the maximum length is 44 inch (if you require a longer bellows kit, please contact us)

* the bellows can be tapered or parallel

* the tapered bellows is center tapered (when folded, the center of both ends overlap)

* each end can be designed to connect to the frame at the inside/center/outside

* the bellows can be square or rectangular (most monorail cameras have square bellows, most folding camera with non-removable bellows are rectangular)

* the corners are of the "truncated" type (when folded and seen from the front or rear, the corners look truncated)

* the size of the folds is uniform (all folds have the same width)




The kit includes :


* outside cover synthetic material (grey, red or brown)

* (inside) liner material (black)

* pattern for cutting the cover & liner

* pattern of the ribs printed directly on the ribs material

* spray adhesive for the cover/stiffener/liner sandwitch

* contact cement for closing the bellows

* illustrated step by step instructions to assemble the bellows

* DVD with a video recording of a complete assembly process.



Tools & supplies needed (not provided) :

* utility cutter with NEW blade

* straight metal ruler (or a thin straight metal piece) to guide the cutter

* flat cutting/working surface (MDF board from local hardware store is perfect)

* low tack adhesive tape (painter's tape)

* protective equipment (gloves, mask)



Pricing
The exact pricing will be announced shortly, but will be based on the size of the bellows. Ball-parking, a kit for a 2x3 cameras would be about $30, a kit for a 4x5 camera should be $50 at most, a kit for an 8x10 camera about $80.