I'm getting ready to build a 4x5 too. I don't know whether it will be from plans
or a kit like the Bulldog or from scratch.

So far I have a film pack, a lens and notes.

To your point, I do have small machine tools (lathe & mill) and am planning on
making all the metalwork; knobs, brackets, angles, etc. One of my current
projects is cnc'ing my little mill.

I'm leaning towards brass but don't know whether to coat it to keep it from
tarnishing or trying to either plate it myself of find a shop that will plate a
few parts.

Lots of parts are available on eBay but I think they can be made much less
expensively than those prices.

What plans are you working from? Have you checked out the Bulldog?

Paul

--- In cameramakers@yahoogroups.com, "jackreed1@..." <jackreed1@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi, all:
>
> I have a couple of general questions here. First, I have developed an
interest in building a 4x5 field camera that I can use for landscape
photography, I have a set of plans, and I either own or have the use of all the
tools I will need for the build. Some of the metal fabrications look as if they
might be available from some kind of supply house, others look fairly easy to
fabricate.
>
> I am wondering if any of you who have had the experience of actually crafting
a camera might be willing to share some experience along these lines.
>
> Thank you very much,
>
> Jack Reed
>