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DIY Busch Pressman 4X5 Model D Lens Boards
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:03 pm    Post subject: DIY Busch Pressman 4X5 Model D Lens Boards Reply with quote
My first one works but required some modification work as a result of my mishandling the fabrication. It is the middle one in these photos. I had to slot the pin hole because I was off a few thousandths with my drilling. The back hole is not concentric with the front hole so I had to take extra off the sides of the back piece to allow it to fit in the camera. I plead guilty of hurrying too much and not taking my time with it. I used a drill then adjustable fly cutter to make the 2 holes in the first one. Nice holes but I missed the center line. I used 4 6-32 x 1/4" screws to mount the back to the front.
As with most DIYer's I am constantly looking for a quicker and easier way to fab my projects. With the second one I decided to use Greenlee Hole punches to make the holes. These are commonly used to punch holes in electrical boxes and control panels to mount conduit connectors. I used a 3/8" drill to get the center hole started and then used a 1/2" hole punch then a 1" hole punch for the outside plate's smaller hole. I did the same for the back Plate but switched the 1" hole punch for a 1 1/2" hole punch to make the larger hole. They worked great. If you know an electrician and he has a set of hole punches you are home free. I used a hand metal break to form the tab for the set screw on the back plate. I will furnish measured drawings for all the holes and plates soon but suffice it to say if someone says to use a 3" square plate you will need to reduce that by at least .015 of an inch for clearance. Also the original front plate is not 1/8" but rather 1/16" thick so the bottom front screws that are used to hold the lens board in the camera will need to be loosened to allow the 1/8" thick DIY lens board to fit. More later. Ask questions please but remember....This is an ongoing project and not my final solution...After using the hole punches I'll probably pass on the solid Billet Board as I cannot access the CNC turning centers at work and hand milling these on a Bridgeport mill is just too time consuming right now.

Finally for now...The first one works but needs a little more tweaking. The second works as good as the original but needs a screwdriver to adjust the bottom retaining screws. Neither is properly primed and painted as the chipped flat black on the back od the lens board shows. I just need more free time and that is in short supply right now!! LOL

Now the photos.




















Last edited by Big Dawg on Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:24 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Lovely !

And this is the difference between a real pro and a real DIY duffer -

The pro says - "you will need to reduce that by at least .0015 of an inch for clearance"

I (the DIY duffer) would say - "sand it a bit till it fits"


PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
luisalegria wrote:
Lovely !

And this is the difference between a real pro and a real DIY duffer -

The pro says - "you will need to reduce that by at least .0015 of an inch for clearance"

I (the DIY duffer) would say - "sand it a bit till it fits"


I just adjusted the Cincinnati metal shear to give what I needed then used a disc sander with a right angle guide plate to dress it up and give me what I needed, as measured with my digital calipers. It is really not critical to hold a tight dimension on the outside but rather better to get good clearance to allow mounting it. Sandpaper or a file will work. I'm blessed with a job that allows access to machine tools but most do not have that access or the skill set to use them. I'm a true believer in do what works with what you have. I will describe what I used and how I used it but there are many avenues to the same goal. Laughing Laughing


PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 11:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Now those are some fine lens boards. Very well done!!


PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Excellent work, BD. I must get round to making one or two - been procrastinating for ages.


PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
mmelvis wrote:
Now those are some fine lens boards. Very well done!!


Thank you. Still they are not the end of this. I have found some 1/16 inch aluminum with a brushed finish that will do better I'm thinking.


PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Farside wrote:
Excellent work, BD. I must get round to making one or two - been procrastinating for ages.


For what camera if I may ask.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 5:53 am    Post subject: i want the lensboard Reply with quote
I know this is an old post but i want a lensboard for my busch pressman model d 4x5 camera and not having alot of luck finding one online.
can you make me one, how much would you charge?


PostPosted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 1:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
A good idea, I will make one similar when version 2 of my 5x4 camera is made.


PostPosted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Old thread but nice work. I guess I'm in the old DIY duffer category as I make my Model D boards out of plastic. But they work fine.One time I made one on site with cardboard and black gaffer tape Very Happy
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