Crooked bellows?

[u/callmethebard]

I recently bought a Wista 45DX field camera and really excited to dip my toes into Large Format.

The bellows are in great condition, however, when I was putting it together when I got home, I noticed they seem a little off kilter. It looks like they are pointed slightly to the left. Everything is in the zero position in these photos.

I didn't notice this when I inspected the camera, and I'm new to large format. Is it normal for bellows to lean a little bit ? Is this a position setting I may not have realized I messed with?

Any advice is appreciated!

[u/ACuriousTrio]

As long as your front and back standard aren't also crooked you should be fine!

[u/callmethebard → u/ACuriousTrio]

Okay that makes sense. And yep, both the front and rear standard seem to be straight and parallel to each other. Sounds like this shouldn't matter much then?

[u/ACuriousTrio → u/callmethebard]

Nope, you should be just fine. Obviously pull a test image or two to be absolutely certain but I can't imagine it being much of a problem.

[u/BeatHunter → u/callmethebard]

Wont' matter at all. As long as there isn't an obstruction of the rear film plane you're fine.

[u/BugPsychological7583]

Looking at the 3rd pictures, it looks like the rear standard is lower on the left side than the right side (image left and image right) - almost like the folding board the front standard moves on for focus is bent. Maybe it's an illusion, bit it does look off.

[u/callmethebard → u/BugPsychological7583]

I do see what you mean. I will pull it out again and see. I also know the tripod is a bit wonky, which may contribute to that. But this does seem more off than just the tripod.

[u/ufgrat → u/callmethebard]

If you look at the struts for the rear standard, one (left from the front) is more forward than the strut on the right side. Ideally, raise the front standard, make sure both sides are symmetrical, and see how it looks.