Lightweight 4x5 Rangefinder camera build (Polaroid Mod)

[DirkFletcher]

I've wanted to do a Polaroid 250 conversion for years since first seeing the Sabre made by Chaminox.

There were several challenges that I wanted this camera to address to insure its usability and integration into my digital setup.

In addition to lightweight and hand 'holdability' I really wanted to be able to (quickly) change film holders with one hand and comfortably carry over the camera my shoulder when I'm not shooting. As cool as the Sabre is, it's reliant on either a Grafmatic or special holders that are screamed in place. After trying a bunch options, I ended up using friends CNC mill to cut a flange that held the film holder and allowed for a 1x1x1/8 inch angle aluminum frame to be built around it. This keeps stray light to a minimum and makes for a really robust standard. Modified springs from Nielson frames were installed to keep the film holder firmly in place while making it really easy to 'one-hand' them.

The camera uses one of my favorite little (and super affordable) lenses the 125mm f/5.6 Fujinon? Using a custom cam provided by Swiss camera builder @oscaroweson (builder of the super cool @panomicron) the Zeiss rangefinder is dead on.


Weighing in at just 1010 grams or 2.22 pounds it's lighter then my last lightweight 4x5 but with a fully functioning rangefinder! I can't find the weight of the Sabre anywhere but I'd be curious to see how this compares.

[EdSawyer]

I have a Saber. I'll weigh it and let you know. nice DIY effort!

[Michael Roberts]

Looks really cool, Dirk. Is it as easy to use as it looks?

[Tin Can]

Like the film holder solution, I bet it's fast!

[Havoc]

I like it a lot. I made a fix focus one with the same lens as you did, but a rangefinder is better. Can you really use it handheld without being forced to use high iso film?

[DirkFletcher]

Havoc, its interesting you say that because thats what I've been thinking about a lot lately. I love shooting Provia but anything other then bright (ugly) sun and you are down in the shutter speeds. I won't see my film tests for some time as I'm heading out on business for a bit but I shot a bunch of stuff.

I actually like the look of pushed 4x5 HP5 which is a cinch to shoot HH even with an orange filter. I wish Portra 400 wasn't so expensive to push...

here is the funny thing, as soon as I say there, here is a shot of the me doing a HP5 test photo on sticks!

[EdSawyer]

I shoot the saber handheld all the time with 100-speed film. f/11 - f/16 @ 1/125 or 1/60 is easily doable in good light.

[europanorama]

I've wanted to do a Polaroid 250 conversion for years since first seeing the Sabre made by Chaminox.

There were several challenges that I wanted this camera to address to insure its usability and integration into my digital setup.

In addition to lightweight and hand 'holdability' I really wanted to be able to (quickly) change film holders with one hand and comfortably carry over the camera my shoulder when I'm not shooting. As cool as the Sabre is, it's reliant on either a Grafmatic or special holders that are screamed in place. After trying a bunch options, I ended up using friends CNC mill to cut a flange that held the film holder and allowed for a 1x1x1/8 inch angle aluminum frame to be built around it. This keeps stray light to a minimum and makes for a really robust standard. Modified springs from Nielson frames were installed to keep the film holder firmly in place while making it really easy to 'one-hand' them.

The camera uses one of my favorite little (and super affordable) lenses the 125mm f/5.6 Fujinon? Using a custom cam provided by Swiss camera builder @oscaroweson (builder of the super cool @panomicron) the Zeiss rangefinder is dead on.


Weighing in at just 1010 grams or 2.22 pounds it's lighter then my last lightweight 4x5 but with a fully functioning rangefinder! I can't find the weight of the Sabre anywhere but I'd be curious to see how this compares.

Chaminox. Newest version of Minox?
btw Cosmic Circle once had a rangefinder for sale on ebay. i have images.
they are about to create now shorter than 58mm 4x5-bodies. no rangefinders. most probably no shift. website on ebay now working. 3s-krpc bought pinholeshutter(1/6 possible).

[europanorama]

I have that fujinon W.125mm needed compur shutter(or copal 0) for 150mm apo since i killed copal 0. has good reputation for landscapes. google the fujinons.

[europanorama]

doesnt option8 make such conversions? and there a another guy on FB.