WHY MODIFY THE CAMERA

Why on earth would someone take a new, perfectly good, working camera and make numerous modifications to the original design? Maybe more to the point, who would do such a thing? Well, I would! Especially if it makes the functionality of the device more easily fit my mode and way of working.

I have said this many times and I will repeat it here; I want the hardware involved in the process of making a photograph to be as transparent as possible. By transparent, I mean that the equipment should not be a distraction when out in the field making an image. I want the hardware to fit my way of working so well that I do not have to concentrate on working with it. I do not want to have to fumble with the camera and be distracted by some aspect of its operation that is not fluid in its use.

The way I make my cameras as transparent as possible is to modify them to whatever extent necessary to make them fit me. Yes, this requires I disassemble the camera and make modifications. I would rather do this now, in my shop, where I can work out these things so they do not hamper me later in the field.

What is all of this about? Well, I just acquired a new K.B. Canham 8×10 camera and in order to make it fit me better, I had to make a few modifications. If you are interested in seeing what I did, take a look at “NOTHING HERE REMAINS THE SAME; PERSONALIZING MY K.B. CANHAM 8X10” for a look at what I did.

Have fun reading this account, but remember kids. . . you may not want to try this at home!

JB Harlin