Wanderlust 4x5 P&S

[erie patsellis]

Silly idea, but given the small size of the 65 f8 and the length of the helicoid, couldn't a 65 version be as simple as either a recessed lens board/mount or more simply, flipping the innermost part of the helicoid around?

[Brian Puccio]

Just a small update. We recently finished editing our Kickstarter video, which introduces the 4x5 and gives a brief overview. This will be your chance to support the actual production of this camera. We also reveal a little secret in the video that many of you will find very exciting! You won't want to miss it.

Awesome, I cannot wait! I'm entirely new to large format, but I've been spending the past few months trying to research what it would take to 3D print a fixed body that would take a 4x5 holder on the back end and a helical and Schneider 90mm f/5.6 on the front, plus two cold shoes (one for a rangefinder and one for a viewfinder). Based on this thread, it looks like you're going to do it all for me!

On one hand, now I have one less project

On the other hand, now I have one less project to worry about

left is to add distance marks for the Angulon 90mm ƒ6.8. You'll be able to focus from infinity down to about 2 feet. If you're bringing a different 90, you'll need to make your own marks... Most other 90s seem to have a longer FFD, so the minimum focus will be greater.

Like I said, I'm new to large format, but I've been doing a lot of reading, including this entire thread. Are you saying that I'll still have infinity focus if I use a 90mm f/5.6, just my minimum focal length will be more like 3-4 (or more?) feet? No problem.

One thing I don't think we ever mentioned is that we hope to include an injection molded plastic ground "glass." This way, straight out of the box, you can set up your distance marks for your 90mm if its not an Angulon ƒ6.8.

Does that mean I can opt to get a "blank" helical and engrave my own 2m, 4m, 8m, 15m, infinity marks at a local machine shop?

We'll have more as soon as the Kickstarter goes up, which will be soon!

While I have mixed feelings on Kickstarter and some of the projects there, one thing I've seen is that they don't want people who have a product ready to ship -- it's the entire Kickstarter isn't a store thing. I hope your project gets approved and fully funded (and subsequently developed) without issue. Best of luck to you.

[Ben Syverson]

Like I said, I'm new to large format, but I've been doing a lot of reading, including this entire thread. Are you saying that I'll still have infinity focus if I use a 90mm f/5.6, just my minimum focal length will be more like 3-4 (or more?) feet? No problem.

Those ƒ5.6 90s are really huge. We haven't tried putting one onto the camera... If you do, it will definitely make the camera about 90% front weight, so you'll need to keep a good grip on it!

Does that mean I can opt to get a "blank" helical and engrave my own 2m, 4m, 8m, 15m, infinity marks at a local machine shop?

The marks are on the body (around the helical), not on the barrel of the helical, so they'll be very easy to add yourself. We're talking about polycarbonate, so you can just scratch lines into the body. There's an outside chance that we'll also sell stickers with the focal markings for different 90s, which you could apply to the lip around the helical.

While I have mixed feelings on Kickstarter and some of the projects there, one thing I've seen is that they don't want people who have a product ready to ship -- it's the entire Kickstarter isn't a store thing. I hope your project gets approved and fully funded (and subsequently developed) without issue. Best of luck to you.

Thanks! But to be clear, we do not have anything "ready to ship." We have no molds, we have no product. If this Kickstarter is not successful, the camera will not be made, full stop. So we really need the help of everyone on the forum to spread the word!

We'll have the video up sometime next week. I'll let you guys know when it's live! In the meantime, enjoy a few images from the camera, taken in Rio.

[tenderobject]

would be helpful if you post kickstarter link isnt it?

[Corran]

It's not live yet. At least that's what he said in the previous post!

[tenderobject]

my bad. i thought it was just the video thing.. i'll just wait for the update.

[Weihan]

The more I think about this, the more I realize what I really want is a camera like this that would take my 47mm XL. Yeah, I'll probably buy the 90mm model, but a 47mm P&S version would be awesome. Even if it was a little more due to lower production numbers. Super extra bonus points if it was somehow collapsible.

I had exactly the same thought. I'll definitely buy the 90mm version, but I'd like to be able to use the 47mm XL on a camera other than my Linhof TK, which is very tiresome to focus and set up with this lens. And the Cambo Wide versions cost as much as a new 5-Series BMW.

[Weihan]

Justin, sorry for my comment and thanks for the update. Great to hear thing are moving along. I also understand that the design has to worked out before investing in the molds. As far as the $99 price that would be fantastic, but I'm more than happy to spend more.

Roger

I'll second that!

[Andrew O'Neill]

Been anxiously waiting for this to become reality. Hope it does, cuz I've got a 90mm lens sitting on the shelf, collecting dust.

[Roger Thoms]

I also have a 90mm waiting in the wings, and will definitely contribute if the project is accepted by Kickstarter.

Roger