Building my first Large Format Camera - Film Photography

Today I share my latest photography project, building a large format camera.
The project was filmed throughout the last 6 months and the build mainly comprises of hardwood and small rig components.
If you have any questions about the build, please be sure to leave a comment and I will do my best to help.
Next video
Testing the 4x5 camera - • Testing my NEW CAMERA ...
Film photography channels to watch
Ben Horne's Channel / @benhorne
Matt Day's Channel
/ mattdayphotofilmshow
Nick Carver's Channel
/ nickcarverphoto
Intrepid cameras
intrepidcamera...
Small rig
www.smallrig.com/
AWESOME plugin for Better Raw photos - Try it for free - DxO PureRaw2: tidd.ly/3wFxKIP
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#filmphotography #photography #largeformat

[@BenHorne]

That's a fantastic project and it was great to see how you went about making it all. Very clever to use the SmallRig components as well. I bet it's a very strong camera. Thanks for the mention, and I look forward to seeing the results.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you very much Ben, lots to learn but hopefully it will all come together in due course, just need some decent weather now 👍👍👍

[@indianwinter]

I like Steve O'Nions on youtube as a film photographer too. I don't even shot film, but sure is enjoyable to watch people that do. Nick Carver is on must see ASAP videos.

[@ian_worth]

Thanks Mark, yes I like steve's videos too, he's a very knowledgeable chap 👍👍😀

[@Luigi13]

From a photographer to a builder of a large format film camera? It is a very good engineering, after few images taken definitely it will rewards you once you see the final results. Bravo?

[@ian_worth]

I hope so Gino, time will tell 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍

[@pg-l4469]

Quite an interesting build! Looking for a budget way into 4x5 and this is super inspiring!

[@andyvan5692]

yes, you do need micro adjustments, as with the tilt\swing on this camera, the d.o.f. is shallow, even for 5.6 (normal max apature for these formats); so any assist in adjusting where your focus is, esp. on a complex object like a landscape, or 3D still life is worth it. the 'coarse' adjustment is usefull for setting up the infinity focus for different lenses, ie a 60 mm wide, or a 120 normal lens, or a 240 \350 mm telephoto, then the micro work actually does the critical focussing, the focus of the shot itself; done under the cloth with a magnifier; which while doing this you realy only have one hand, the other has the magnifier in it, pressing it up to the glass.

[@vincealexander4748]

One word ... (OUTSTANDING) wow you are amazing . fan from Quebec Canada ,be safe man.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you so much 😀

[@andrewfindlayphoto]

Like your vid. I built a Lisjohn kit 4x5 years ago. If you ever break your ground glass, use a sheet of picture glass and coat it with matt varnish. If you pour it on and then let the excess drain off from a corner. You get a brighter screen.

[@ian_worth]

That sounds interesting Andrew, might be worth a go 👍👍👍

[@dougdavies1089]

When i built a house or wall i took great satisfaction looking at the end product you must feel the same well done on your project

[@ian_worth]

Thanks Doug, yes very rewarding indeed 😀😀👍

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

One word...Phenomenal. As an average photographer with zero carpentry/joinery skills. It was a superb sit back with a cup of coffee....watch, listen, and enjoy moment. A pleasure to watch an Artisan at work. Fingers crossed for next week. But I have a good hunch it will work well. Just looks simply stunning as a camera.

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian, hope it works 😂

[@paulbonge6617]

Well done Ian, how satisfying that must have been. Almost makes me want to send in my vintage 5x7 & 8x10 Deardorffs to be overhauled and refurbished. They're around 70+ years old now and one I believe my father purchased from his friend Minor White.

[@VideoPixelStudio]

I love this video! Takes me back to my college days. Now wishing I had kept my box of darkslides!

[@ian_worth]

Cheers buddy 😊🙏

[@rodgerholden3855]

Wonderful achievement Ian, true craftsmanship. Can’t wait to see the results, bet you can’t either.

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it Rodg, I'm sharing the results in Thursdays video 😀😀👍

[@agylub]

For bellows try bookbinding cloth. Opaque and virtually made for folding

[@ian_worth]

Great idea! 👍👍

[@christianbauermeister6266]

Well done, Ian! That looks like a proper camera 👍

[@ian_worth]

Cheers buddy, much appreciated 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@latonyamiles1193]

Beautiful man!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Stunning mate love it to bits hope it works it actually does I know cause I watched that one first 😏 congrats 📷❤️

[@ian_worth]

Many thanks for watching Paul 👍👍😀🙏

[@herbmailey2779]

Wow! I am impressed what an awesome effort. Hope you enjoy your camera

[@ian_worth]

Thank you 👍

[@reeciep]

Very cool. Fingers crossed it works

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated, I've got everything crossed 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@garywedley9601]

Crazy video Ian...Wow ! ....a new Fuji GFX 500 Mp in the making !!...amazing and thanks for sharing your hard work...looking forward to the images next week...no pressure mate 🤣

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@rodmackay7566]

Fantastic video Ian, can't wait to see how you get on with it next week.

[@ian_worth]

You and me both! 😀😀👍

[@antonoat]

Oh this will be excellent.............Loved this film, thanks Ian, look forward to seeing how you get on with it! Ian Worth cameras, has a nice ring to it! cheers. The camera look beautiful by the way.

[@ian_worth]

many thanks mate 👍👍😀

[@derekwillson2538]

Wow! What an amazing project, as someone who is utterly ham-fisted and appalling at woodwork I would never attempt this but I can see how much there is to be gained by anyone with the right skillset. It looks beautiful, the wood you have used has a great texture and colour so the finished article really looks the part. I saw the first use video before this one and am very pleased it popped up in my feed. Well done.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked it, Derek 🙏🙏👍

[@gsminors]

Very nice craftmanship. Something I enjoy as well making things from scratch. Great video looking forward to seeing the results. Love your dads cabin mancave at the bottom of the garden very British. I now live in Alberta, Canada and have a workshop, mancave at the bottom of my garden. Been trying to get back to the UK for a photo trip and see family hopefully in 2022 at the latest. Take care stay safe.

[@ian_worth]

Thanks Geoff, hope you can come to the uk soon 👍👍

[@gashead2]

Ian, great video, you have combined by two hobbies, woodwork and photography. Interested in seeing how things progress. Thanks again

[@ian_worth]

Thanks Cary 👍👍😀

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

Nice!

[@ian_worth]

Thanks! 👍👍

[@philmoran5898]

Great work, looking forward to next week's video even more now

[@ian_worth]

Awesome, thank you! 🙏🏻👍👍👍

[@hermanndreen9952]

That one (almost) left me speechless! Such a great craftsmanship and what a brilliant idea. Really adorable and who wouldn't be almost quite a bit envious of you about now having such a beautiful camera. All the more I'm impatiently looking forward to first results and keep fingers crossed that all goes well! Triple kudos and congrats!!!

[@ian_worth]

Thank you very much! 🙏🏻👍👍👍👍

[@JohnFormstone]

Really impressive Ian. I never thought i would see a photography channel feature the photographer making a camera. I tip my hat to you, it looks a fantastic bit of kit and I look forward to seeing the follow up. 👍

[@ian_worth]

Thanks John, much appreciated buddy 👍😀🙏🏻

[@JohnQuinnJQ]

Soo good to see something different. Really enjoyed this. Camera looks fantastic. Thanks a lot.

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍👍🙏🏻

[@matssandquist9258]

Great craftsmanship there. Has camera manufacturer got it wrong? With mirrorless and cameras that getting smaller and smaller. You going the other way. 😊

[@ian_worth]

It still fits in my bag, that's the main thing 😂

[@GRAYnomad]

Brilliant.

[@ian_worth]

🙏🙏

[@Rich_Adventure]

Outstanding craftsmanship, well done, can’t wait to see the results!

[@ian_worth]

Thank you very much! 👍👍

[@RFranks]

Amazing! Can't wait to see the results.

[@ian_worth]

Video coming on Thursday where i share the results 👍👍🙏🏻

[@seanglossop2990]

Been a hectic week and been waiting for a quiet moment to watch this. Fabulous work Ian. Great video. Be interesting to see results, what a great project.

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it Sean, I'm sharing the results in Thursdays video 😀😀👍

[@ScottWilliamsPhotography]

WOW!!! Absolutely superb! Can't wait to see the results.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you! Cheers! 👍👍🙏🏻

[@denoise_]

Beautiful work man! Can't wait for the photos.

[@ian_worth]

Me neither 😂 👍👍

[@richardturner81]

Kudos! That looks utterly gorgeous. Cant believe you’ve made that from the ground up. Really looking forward to seeing the photos from it.

[@ian_worth]

You and me both 😂 hope it works out 👍👍

[@ElusiveFrame]

That was fun :) The camera also looks great in my opinion! A video of how the elements work together would be interesting because it all kinda looked alien to me 🙃

[@ian_worth]

Thanks for the idea! i will be using it in next in next Thursdays video 👍👍

[@ElusiveFrame]

@@ian_worth Awesome! Thanks 😎😎😎

[@wesleylow3632]

Nice to see you in the woodshop. During lockdown perhaps inspiration from Edward Weston's Pepper #33?

[@ian_worth]

haven't seen his video, but will check it out 👍👍👍

[@McKinnellPhotography]

Looks fantastic Ian, great craftsmanship and I imagine very rewarding. Looking forward to seeing the first image. Well done fella!

[@ian_worth]

Thanks Steve, much appreciated 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

Really great!! It's not everybody who can say they designed and made their own camera - congratulations. Fingers crossed it's light tight! I really look forward to future videos and seeing you create some great images!

[@ian_worth]

Fingers crossed, will be taking it out for a test run tomorrow so fingers crossed 👍👍🙏🏻

[@andyscott5978]

What a wonderful project. You’ve built a a very impressive camera. It’s beautifully made and finished. Building a 5x4 is something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I started taking pictures forty years ago. To be able to control the process from start to finish must give you such a sense of achievement. Well done. Keep up the good work.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you very much! 🙏🙏😊

[@nqnmaca]

Congratulations!! You've made an excellent job!! I'm waiting for the next week video

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@faerphoto]

Wow! This was awesome! I love woodworking but have no skill. The fact that you were able to make a camera is just so great! The camera is beautiful. I can't wait to see how it does. I'm half a mind to think who cares? Meaning, even if tons of light leaks and not feasible for actual use, it's still great! I'd love to own that, it's so nice looking and a feeling of accomplishment for having built it. Hope that makes sense. Anyway, great job! Cheers from Maine, USA. :) Paula

[@ian_worth]

Thanks paula, I'm giving it its first test tomorrow, so finger crossed 👍👍🙏🏻

[@busterkeaton5288]

Great job Ian...look forward to seeing your first image!

[@ian_worth]

You and me both! Thanks buddy, 👍😀🙏🏻

[@TheCelophaine]

Hi there! Just seeing this now. Incredible job! Congratulations! I make my own pinhole cameras and have a 4x5 but the back and film holder is just held in place with elastic. I've seen the external spring solutions and they just seemed a little clunky to me. Not to mention the potential of all that exposed hardware snagging on things like clothes, cord, and whatever else in nature. I have an old Sinar and that has an internal spring mechanism like yours which is a far more elegant solution as the hardware is hidden and out of the way. Is there a chance you might go into greater detail as to how you designed and engineered the spring system you are using in this camera? Cheers!

[@hugocarrascosacarriedo7206]

Incredible, you are an artist !! I love your videos, they are fantastic and inspiring. I am inpatient to see you taking pictures with your new machine. Thanks for all your content, greetings from Spain.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you so much! 👍👍

[@Toto_Spb]

У вас талант и золотые руки, прекрасная работа!!!

[@trevhillphotography7852]

Brilliant! Beautiful craftsmanship, looking forward to seeing how this adventure unfolds. Well done mate.

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@noelbodle8863]

Excellent project Ian really enjoyed that, brings back memories for me when I used to work as a lab technician and I once used 5x4 and 10x8 cameras for copy work in the studio back in the day...

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it, that sounds interesting 👍👍😀

[@darrenkitchin3478]

Lovely video today, the camera looks amazing. Let’s see the results.

[@ian_worth]

Fingers crossed it works 😂😂

[@markprice470]

that was amazing Ian - can't wait to see it in use. I've recently got into film photography and keep toying with the idea of a 4x5 and this has really re-sparked my interest. Not sure my woodworking skills are up to yours though :-)

[@ian_worth]

Go for it Mark, its heaps of fun 👍👍😀

[@richardstorier6172]

it looks really cool! well done.

[@ian_worth]

Thank you! Cheers! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ianquincey8584]

Great video Ian. Camera looks beautiful, a real work of art. Thanks for sharing

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it buddy 👍👍🙏🏻

[@russellspeight5175]

I've refurbished a few cameras and lenses and the feeling of accomplishment you get from producing pleasing images is immense. Building your own camera.....different level!

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@jimbosmith123]

Work of art right there. Great job on the build looks amazing, looking forward to seeing the results when you use it

[@ian_worth]

Cheers Jamie 👍👍👍

[@kuggeleijn]

Great craftmanship! I still don't get however how you can see wether you are in focus or not with this type of camera.

[@ian_worth]

You can see the image on the glass, by moving the front standard you can focus the image. Check out next weeks video for more 🙏🏻👍👍👍

[@kuggeleijn]

@@ian_worth ah! And after that you insert the filmholder. I will!

[@gregs2466]

Wow, I am impressed! Great job

[@ian_worth]

Thank you! Cheers! 👍👍👍🙏🏻

[@philipculbertson55]

Pretty darned amazing Ian. By the way, Scott Walton and Alan Brock also have great channels for Medium and large format work. Both are US photographers and both are friends of Ben Horne and their channels are similar. Can't wait to see this in use.

[@ian_worth]

Thanks Philip, yes i am subscribed to both of their channels too, they make lovely videos 👍👍🙏🏻

[@ste528]

Skills Ian 👍

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, much appreciated 👍👍😀🙏🏻

[@olitography]

Happy new year, is it too late to say that? not sure, all the best in 2021

[@ian_worth]

Hey buddy, and to you. Epic channel by the way, keep up the good work 😀😀👍👍👍

[@olitography]

@@ian_worth Thanks Ian,

[@IainHC1]

Realllllly cool :-)

[@ian_worth]

Many thanks 😀😀👍

[@bearshield7138]

thank you this was helpful

[@ian_worth]

You're welcome! 😊👍

[@jimrookphotos]

Very interesting, Ian. I've been gathering info on a build as well and plan to pattern after the Chamonix cameras. Any chance you'll be sharing all or a portion of your drawn plans? I'm presently trying to sort out the back. Front is relatively easy. Look forward to your continued videos on this and wish you great success in garnering some fantastic photos with the camera.

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, I never got round to drawing the back out, just marked it on the wood as i built it. Sorry i don't have anything i could share with you. 👍👍😀

[@jimrookphotos]

@@ian_worth Thanks for responding. I'll keep researching and watching.

[@hercules323]

great video

[@ian_worth]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍👍

[@gabrysgabriukas]

Nice work! I am interested in how you made cameras back springs inside?

[@StuartMcFarlane]

Another great video. Very cool project. I scanned down the list of comments, and I'm surprised nobody asked where you bought the fabric for the bellows. If you have a moment to respond, where would I start looking for a similar fabric? Cheers, from Montreal.

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, i bought it from eBay, it was called stage black out cloth, I'm sure you will find it if you search over there, it was really cheap too 😀👍👍

[@StuartMcFarlane]

@@ian_worth Many thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated. I need to learn to search eBay more. Cheers!

[@juliewillson3378]

Would American Linden (Basswood) work for something like this? It would be much lighter weight. The grain isn’t straight. It is commonly used for carving, but it is also used for bee frames.

[@ian_worth]

I've never used basswood Julie, but it sounds like it would work 😀👍👍

[@jacevers2658]

Hello Ian, I am converting an old plate camera to a 4x5, because the holders of the camera are no longer available. Looking for possibilities, I came across your video, you are talking about a coil spring for the back and ground glass. Is it possible to receive a drawing/photo of how I should make this. Great video on this one, and I'm definitely going to check out the others.

[@mikemitchem4846]

What a great project! Are you going to develop the film yourself?

[@ian_worth]

Sure am Mike, 👍👍🙏🏻

[@mikemitchem4846]

@@ian_worth I hope that process will e on a video

[@FILMFRAT]

Wow really love your content this is amazing. What is your preferred camera you use for videomaking , I'd love to have a conversation and maybe even collaborate on different ways in telling stories through film!

[@ian_worth]

Thanks buddy, i use the fuji xt3 and xs10 to film my vlogs 👍👍

[@FILMFRAT]

@@ian_worth Awesome thanks for the input mam keep up the great work!

[@joeysartain6056]

I've been looking for the follow up video to this one. Were you ever able to make one?

[@ian_worth]

Sure thing, check out this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHuVmJtng9B-arc I'm hoping to get back out with the large format camera in the next couple of weeks so I'm hopeful to make some more videos soon. 👍👍

[@joeysartain6056]

@@ian_worth great pictures with your large format. I was surprised at the sharpness and level of detail in the Portra 400. Very good.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Built a super format............out of a BedScanner A4 size format

[@ian_worth]

Awesome buddy 🙏🏻👍👍👍

[@porteal8986]

is that a combination jointer and planer?

[@ian_worth]

It is, saw, planner, thicknesser, spindle moulder in one 👍👍

[@nitrousman8882]

do you have a second video?