Film cameras are gradually seeing a return in the mainstream photography world after taking a bit of a backseat to retro digicams. While the demand for such devices is still niche, the boom of Pentax 17 proved that film cameras are here to stay. Now, it has come to our attention that Custom Camera Building, which has been making customised cameras, is also launching new film cameras for film photography practitioners. In fact, their offerings are quite unique and will certainly be loved by panorama and point-and-shoot enthusiasts.
According to Custom Camera Building, the company has introduced four different cameras for film photography. These include 617C and 612C convertible cameras, as well as point-and-shoots called 45PS, 57PS, and 810PS. The latter three actually use 4×5, 5×7, and 8×10 film. The 617C film camera can shoot four ultra-wide 55x170mm frames per roll and is compatible with lenses that have large circles.
A Panorama Lovers’ Dream
Overall, the cameras were created with a 3D printer and designed using ABS Glass Fiber materials, which are known for their stability, vibration resistance, and grip. What is even more interesting is the camera’s flatness, which makes it quite easy to carry around and shoot with. In fact, the body-to-lens alignment is within ±0.07mm, exceeding ANSI flatness standards.
With the 617C panorama camera, you get a cone with an M65 mount for an M65 helicoid, a zone focusing scale, and a 3D-printed viewfinder. To capture the images, the camera is compatible with lenses such as Schneider 90mm f8 Super Angulon, Rodenstock 90mm f6.8 Grandagon-N, Schneider 90mm f5.6 Super Angulon XL, and Rodenstock 90mm f4.5 Grandagon. The latter two work better with the M77 helicoid. Custom Camera Building also notes that helicoids can be added and pre-calibrated upon request. In addition, users can use film rewind mid-roll, which helps them to swap to another back or format mid-shoot. There are also three cold shoe mounts that enable the use of rangefinders, meters, or optical viewfinders, and you get a standard 1/4-inch tripod mount on the bottom.
Specificaton of 612C and 617C:
- Width: 252mm (9.92inch)
- Height: 111mm (4.37inch)
- Depth – body only without protrusion: 34.75mm (1.37inch)
- Back door hardware adds 8mm to the depth
- Depth to the front of the lens board with Schneider 90mm SA: 100.75mm (4inch)
- Weight with 90mm SA cone, helicoid, and lens board: 425 grams
Point-and-Shoots Just Got Better
If you wanted a point-and-shoot, which also offers larger format, then the 45PS, 57PS, and 810PS are your go-to options. The film photography cameras are lightweight, modular in nature, with ground glass focusing and interchangeable lens cones. The 45PS also comes with a Graflok back for compatibility with standard accessories.
Of course, they’re not the typical point and shoots!
The cameras feature bubble levels and triple cold shoes, and they are designed for a fast setup. There is also a range of various lenses, from 45mm to 360mm which can be used by users based on their needs. As for the helicoid, there are laser engravings with distance and hyperfocal scales, and all units are calibrated using a custom optical bench for precise focusing.
Each of these cameras comes with conversion kits, such as Sinar F/P, Cambo, and Toyo Omega View 4×5 cameras. The kit includes a cone/helicoid/lens board unit, tripod mount, and single or triple cold shoe attachment for the accessory rail.
Overall, the cameras were created with a 3D printer and designed using ABS Glass Fiber materials, which are known for their stability, vibration resistance, and grip. What is even more interesting is the camera’s flatness, which makes it quite easy to carry around and shoot with. In fact, the body-to-lens alignment is within ±0.07mm, exceeding ANSI flatness standards.
In addition, CCB says the modular system allows users to use one less across different bodies, thanks to the M65/M77 flanges. The cameras are also sturdy, and durability is due to materials like ABS-GF, PA12-CF, and other composites. If you are interested in buying the camera, you can look at their Kickstarter campaign, which will begin in a few days.
If you look at it, what CCB is doing is quite extraordinary. In a time when customised cameras are rare, and film cameras rarer, the company offers a blend of the best of the world. If you are some who always wanted to experiment with a new format, them these cameras are just perfect for your film photography.