My new Reisekamera

[Lostlabours]

Came via DHL yesterday, an 18x24 Reisekamera and inexpensive. I'd ordered and I thought paid for a 13x18 camera from an online shop only to find they'd sold it and then got muddled thinking they still had it.

I got offered the other camera (which looked very similar folded) instead unseen on the basis they'd take it back if I wasn't happy, oh and at the same price :D

http://www.lostlabours.co.uk/photography/cameras/images/rk1824-01-sm.jpg

http://www.lostlabours.co.uk/photography/cameras/images/rk1824-04-sm.jpg

http://www.lostlabours.co.uk/photography/cameras/images/rk1824-09-sm.jpg

It had a major issue but it took me less than half an hour to repair. There's a block in the base that slides to lock the base firmly when it's opened for use, some wood was missing, other bits cracked, but I grafted in new pieces and glued it all up. I will give the camera a good clean and re-french polish it.

I may well make a 10x8 back as I have two 10x8 cameras and plenty of DDS (film holders) but I'll also get some 18x24 holders.I'm not sure yet what type it takes. I'll also make some new lens boards.

Ian

[MartyNL]

Looks gorgeous and now that's what I call a labour of love.

[Alan Clark]

Ian, thanks for posting this. What a superb camera. I love the elegent simplicity of the design, clearly visible in your photographs.
Correct me if I'm wrong but the movements you have are front rise, front cross-slide, and rear tilt. Very useful.
The rear tilt seems to be slightly lower than "centre" or "lens axis". Any idea of the reason for this? The brass brackets to control and lock this tilt look to be capable of locking the back in a very rigid manner, but they could have been extended upwards to make the pivot point on axis. So there must be a reason the pivot point is lower than centre.
Another point. If you adapt the back to take modern side entry film holders, will one go in when the back is tilted back?

I am very taken with this camera. My first thought when I saw your pictures was that I must make one to this design. Mine would be a 5x4. And the tailboard would have a solid panel to protect the ground-glass when the camera was in transit.

I'm just off to make a few working drawings.

Alan

[Xpres]

You lucky fellow!

[big paul]

wow you have at least half a tree there ,what a lovely thing ,you will have to keep us updated < I for one cannot wait for you to use it and show use the results
good luck



www.essexcockney.com

[Steve Smith]

Very nice.

So it's twice the size you were expecting?


Steve.

[Lostlabours]

Very nice.

So it's twice the size you were expecting?

Steve.

Not exactly as I spoke to them after ordering the original camera and was offerd this one instead and they measured the back while I was on the phone.


Alan, the way these are made the screen is protected when folded up.

http://www.lostlabours.co.uk/photography/cameras/images/rk1824-06-sm.jpg

The centre panel on the back slides to lock the two parts of the baseboard flat. There's another panel as well, in the photo they are roughly U shaped bits the outer one slides on the inner one to give greater extension, there's a little brass locking device to lock it as in the photo or with the extra extension.

Unfortunately there's not much movements but it's really a portrait camera.

Ian

[Alan Clark]

Thanks Ian, especially for the photo of the underneath. I am really impressed by the design of this camera.

Alan