P H O T O G R A P H I C ...A R T I S T |
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I first conceived the idea of a small, medium format view camera in the late summer of 1987, when I became frustrated with carrying around my larger 4x5 and its many accompanying film holders. As I considered the idea carefully, I felt that there would be a good market for a light-weight, roll-film field camera, allowing several exposures on a single roll of compact film, full view-camera movements, and made with old-world materials and craftsmanship... |
| Work on the preliminary drawings began in the fall of '87. In my mind, the camera had to be as small as possible, accept a wide variety of readily available lenses, and use an already existing roll-film backin as large a format as practical. Of course, the camera had to be easy to use and should fold up into a compact, self-protecting package for storage and transport. As my concept included actual marketing, I wanted the final camera to be attractive, as well as practical, and (hopefully) affordable. Final plans were completed by the start of the new year and I began to scout out the various craftspeople who would be needed to help make my paper dream a reality. |
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After meeting with John Shipstad, it was decided that the prototype would be constructed out of East Indian Rosewood and finished with tung oil. The brass was a more difficult problemthe cost of making the pieces was much higher than expected and the work had to be done to exacting tolerances. After discussing the logistical problems with Ed Hamilton, of Hamilton Tool and Engineering, we agreed that they could do the job within my budget and time schedule. The bellows were made by Western Bellows, of El Monte, CA and the Horseman groundglass and film holder were ordered from Calumet Photographic, of Los Angeles, CA. | |
When the pieces of the camera began to arrive, sometime in February, only a few detail parts had to be reworked and the original prototype was completed sometime in March of '88. Since completing the original camera, I have made several minor changes as a result of extensive field testing. In the spring of '90, I made a Polaroid back, using the pieces of a simple folding camera. |
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LIGHT-FIELD SPECIFICATIONS: Size: 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches (folded wood box) | |
| Due to the cost and time involved, I have since decided not to proceed with the mass production and marketing of the Light-Field. My own photographic work has taken higher precedence in my life and I became aware that I did not wish to be a full-time camera builder. While the prototype continues to be useful in my own work, to set up for mass production would entail a considerable investment in both time and money; though I still believe a market exists for this product, I have decided that it is not the sort of project that I personally want to undertake. Though the cost of building it was too high to be justified for personal use, the experience was very rewarding and I have no regrets. Those who wish to build their own camera, to save money, should please see me first! I am very proud of the singular uniqueness of my design, but, as a cheap way to have a view camera, I would strongly advise against it. Many beautiful designs already exist on the market and, for their reasonable cost, I consider each and every one of them a bargain many times over! |