I am currently building a camera that few people have heard of even though the concept is quite old. This is a
swing lens camera (Noblex is a commercial example) where the film lays in a half circle in the back of the camera
and the lens pivots on it�s nodal point to kind of paint the image onto the negative.This camera is a fairly
miniature version of George R. Lawrence's camera which he used in 1906 to shoot a photo of
"San Francisco in ruins" after the earthquake in the spring of that year. My camera will only use about
10" X 25" of roll film per exposure. I am planning on building a near replica rig to loft this camera into the air.
My before mentioned friend "Ron Klein" is building the full sized camera which shoots about 22" X 50" of sheet film
per exposure. This camera is a real presence in a room and is about as big as a coffee table. There are still a few sources
of film in this size, but sources are disappearing due to so many people abandoning film in favor of digital photography.
This is really sad in my oppinion. The days of elegant photography are fast being abandoned in favor of "shotgunning" the
target with digital imagery.
Time get off my soapbox and move on to the little do-dads that I use to make KAP easier, especially when I haven�t got an
assistant(which is usually the case). Beginning with a simple �Tie down stick� which is nothing more than a short piece of
wood with a small marine cleat attached to one and a short line with snap on the other end. This is useful when you need
to secure your line so you can make simple adjustments or fiddle with your rig. Just attach to a friendly tree,
park bench or even to yourself, so your hands are free.
The next item is an improved version from my earlier version of a walk down pulley (used to walk down your kite line when
you have an open field or beach available). My earlier pulley had an open side and worked fairly well, but I saw a simple
safer version at FliBB 1996 (a KAP workshop) in Germany. This was made by Otto Bonke, who has since passed away, I am very
greatful to have met him. It is quite easy to make your own, all you need is a screen door roller (the type with a bearing
in it) a couple of small pieces of Aluminum or Stainless Steel sheet and an appropriate sized rivet or bolt. A length of
line handle and snap makes a handy helper. With proper tools it can be made quite quickly.