| OK, you skipped right to this part
because you believed a cheap banquet
camera could be built, but finding a lens to cover the format would be
expensive.
Now I don't think on-line auctions are for everybody, it seems that a
lot
of people unload things they can't get rid of any other way. That's
just
the polite way to say there's a lot of junk out there. But there are
bargains
to be found, and with access to the entire country, no, the entire
world,
your likelihood of finding an odd item is greatly increased. I located a 480mm APO Nikkor that I was able to buy for a reasonable price (just over $100). This lens throws a massive circle and easily covers my 12x20 format. Another lens that works well is the old uncoated Bausch & Lomb lens that came with my Seneca 8x10. |
 The picture above was taken before the addition of the Packard shutter. |
| The standard lens, at about 12 inches, doesn't come close; but by removing the rear element, the focal length works out to about 20 inches, and the circle is huge. With this lens, I have plenty of room for movements and it even has a shutter. I have found that for my style of shooting, a shutter is essential. When using front mounted filters, it is difficult to expose the film by removing the cap. Not to be stifled this late in construction, I once again found an internet auction and an old Packard Shutter. Thirty six dollars later, I was the proud owner of a 6x6 shutter that just fit behind the lens board in my Mammoth camera. I permanently mounted it, light tight and with brass tube fittings purchased from the plumbing department at the hardware store. I use aquarium tubing, covered with electric tape to keep out the light and for a bulb, I used one from an earwax removal kit. |
©2002 by W. Underwood