I make custom mahogany front rise panels for a variety of cameras including; Deardorff, Gandolfi, and Watson.

What is a ‘front rise panel’? In traditional camera making the front rise panel is the up-down sliding panel to which the lens board retaining frame is attached. Why would I want a custom front rise panel? It allows the use of a more convenient or more common lens board system. Especially when the new board type is too big for a lens board adapter to be made. What are some examples? Sinar lens boards on a Gandolfi camera. Graflex Type C lens boards on an antique Watson camera, and more!

Construction: My front rise panels are made using traditional construction techniques, materials (mahogany, lacquered brass), and finishes (shellac - French polish by hand).

Cost: The cost depends on type and complexity. Procedure: I can measure an original front rise panel if you would like to post it to me. Alternatively I can work from caliper measurements of the lens board or camera opening.

Send me an enquiry about custom front rise panels using the button below. For other enquiries please contact me.

Lead time for custom front rise panels is currently: 8-12 weeks. Sent by tracked postal services.

A custom front rise panel for a Gandolfi Precision 8x10” camera to hold Sinar 142x142mm lens boards. Based very closely on the original Gandolfi parts:

A custom front rise panel for an antique Watson (Dallmeyer) camera. Made to hold Graflex Type C lens boards of which three matching mahogany boards were supplied: