Cameras

Gigantic DIY Camera Shoots on 3-Foot-Wide Film

[Photo: Darren Samuelson]
Even with all the new high end DSLRs coming out today, film photography is still followed by a fervent group of enthusiasts. But for now, no camera--digital or otherwise--will rival Darren Samuelson's gigantic six-foot-long folding camera.

Samuelson built what he often refers to as “The Beast” because he wanted to enlarge some 8-inch by 10-inch prints without going digital. Well, he’s done it, as you can see. By using a little light manipulation and the camera’s bellows (the black accordion walls leading from the lens to the film), Samuelson can take 14- by 36-inch shots on X-ray film.

For those not familiar with ye olde tyme 1850’s photography, the folding camera design was originally created so photographers could take and develop photos in a portable darkroom using the wet plates that were invented slightly earlier. The elongated design of the camera also allowed the light coming through the lens to shine onto a larger canvas, as depicted in my, uh, extremely crude drawing below.

Cut us some slack; we're tech bloggers, not artists.

Next week, Samuelson is taking The Beast on a road trip from New Orleans to New York and everywhere in between. If you want to follow his progress, follow his blog and check out the handy work he’s already done.

[Darren’s Great Big Camera via Make]

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