Medium-format cameras are the next best option for those who appreciate fine details. However, a 6×7 device can be quite expensive, especially if one is targeting models like Hasselblad or Fujifilm. Some serious photographers are able to achieve this, but others struggle. One such latter photographer decided to take things into their own hands, and the device is quite stunning to look at.
According to the creator, u/ifyy, the camera is an analog medium format, offering a 6×7 format. The Fysh Technical camera FT-C 1, as called, appeared on r/AnalogCommunity. To create this, the camera features the creator’s logo (essentially his surname), is compatible with Mamiya RB67 film backs, and boasts a hybrid CNC and 3D-printed design.
The camera delivers a 4×5 large format system, without the weight or the setup time of an analog medium format. I love architectural photography and perspective correction,” the creator explains, “but after hauling a 4×5 across Korea, I realized I needed something lighter, faster, and more affordable.” So, how does it work?
The camera can rise vertically by 30mm, fall 5mm, and has a horizontal shift of 15mm to the left and right. There is also a lead screw mechanism, which works in your favour. Additionally, there is a rotating back with a 360° rotation, which can be used for both portrait and landscape orientations.
The film covers a 6x7cm image area and is compatible with the accessible Mamiya RB67. You can also use it with large-format lenses, such as 47mm and 135mm. There is also a quick-release feature at the back, as well as a magnetic ground glass for composition and focusing. The body plate is made of aluminum, and the other parts are 3D printed using ABS and nylon. The handle is made of Tasmanian oak and can accept a cable release.
The FTC-1 was designed as a film-first camera and is not repurposed as a digital system. “I’m not designing this for 150-megapixel digital backs,” he says. “It’s for film — where what matters most is usability, rigidity, and the shooting experience.” The lead-screw mechanism is easy to adjust, and the locking plate can keep things light. The designer also intends to use a hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder to help mimic lens movements for handheld use and for the frameline overlay.
The device took two years to create, and there is no word on whether it will be launched for the general public. However, it is an ambitious project that focuses on film in 2025. With various techniques and ideas, the creator has given us something that many people aren’t thinking about now. Perhaps, with more DIY options, young photographers begin to show more interest in the medium. Until then, do keep an eye out for more.
