Re: [Largeformat] case for an old Calumet

[Don Wilkes <don.wilkes@gems9.gov.bc.ca>]

At 08:52 AM 4/5/00 -0700, Joshua Wein wrote:

>contemplated cutting the rail, but it is a little
>tough to cut the only one I have in case I change my
>mind in the future. I have had no luck finding a
>replacement - I have even called calumet. 

Ack!  I never considered cutting it - too risky, for that possible future
use, perhaps some extreme closeup work!

I have considered either making one, or getting one made.  With the groove
in the bottom, this wouldn't be entirely straightforward, but I think it's
not out of the question. I think any competent machine shop could whip one up.

I'm left wondering, though, how tricky getting it off the long rail and
onto the new one would be?  I wasn't even considering doing it in the field
(unless desparate); the original plan was to just get it compact enough
that I could ship it in a reasonably compact box. For packing it in the
field, I anticipated a separate, very light box, or maybe a backpack of
some sort.

>I would assume that if you undo the tiny hex nuts that
>bridges in Central Park - I would be very interested
>in hearing about your attempt at making this camera
>more portable. 

If I figure something out, I'll definitely let the list know.  Hmm. This
might be worth a "letter to the editor" thingy to some of the large format
mags.  Speaking of which, what's happening with "View Camera" magazine?
The last issue on the stands here is still the Jan/Feb 2000 one.  It being
April, a new one is long overdue.

>Oh - if you ever run into another rail - cut it in
>half and I'll buy half of it off of you - a 10" rail
>would suit my 135mm lens just fine. 

I think the odds of either of us coming across a spare rail are pretty
slim, Joshau <grin>. However, if I find a way of making one, I'll try to
ensure you know about it!

Cheers,
\DonW