A New 4x5 SLR

Donald Qualls

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
12,354
Location
North Carolina
Format
Multi Format
I got a headline in my phone's feed this morning about a new 4x5 SLR with direct support for Instax Wide that's currently on (already fully funded) Kickstarter.

This camera has 3D printed frame with carbon fiber panels, an own-design lens (presumably there will be the option to change lenses at some point), and apparently interchangeable backs to support conventional film holders as well as an Instax Wide back. And a focal plane shutter -- newly manufactured! -- that based on the photos operates very much like those on the Graflex and Speed Graphic cameras (slit selection as well as spring tension adjustments). Even flash sync at 1/15 (slow, yes, but it's a 4x5 focal plane shutter, after all).

I have nothing to do with this (other than wishing I could afford to put down $2900), but here's the Kickstarter link.

I'm posting it here because a new SLR in any format in today's world is a headline -- and one that costs less than a factory new professional grade field or view camera is front page material, IMO.
 

blee1996

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Messages
1,286
Location
SF Bay Area, California
Format
Multi Format
I saw this as well, and even registered my email address for their kickstarter project. It is a bit beyond my budget, even though I will not complain about their price as a niche new product in large format. I'm wondering if Intrepid or Lomo can make a budget version of 4x5 SLR, under $1000 for example with lens & shutter.

The lens alone is interesting, a bit like modern version of Aero Ektar. I hope it has good character like the Aero Ektar.
 

xya

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
1,043
Location
Calais, Köln
Format
Multi Format
You must be a very happy person if this only a bit beyomd your budget. Seen there is the Lomography Instax back for whatever Graflok camera (which I own both) this is a lot of money for reflex view, certainly desirable....
 

blee1996

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Messages
1,286
Location
SF Bay Area, California
Format
Multi Format
xya said:
You must be a very happy person if this only a bit beyomd your budget. Seen there is the Lomography Instax back for whatever Graflok camera (which I own both) this is a lot of money for reflex view, certainly desirable....
Click to expand...

Haha, I was joking about when I said "a bit over my budget". I'm actually happy with a $200 Graflex RB 3x4 with Kodak lens that I need to do some TLC.
 

Dan Fromm

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2005
Messages
6,850
Format
Multi Format
In the Kickstarter they mention considering a variety of lenses:

To determine which focal length would be most suitable for mass production, we developed four focal lengths: Smartnon 178mm F2.5, 200mm F2, 225mm F2.5, and 240mm
Click to expand...

I've had a 200/2 S.F.O.M. lens from an Omera aerial camera. It weighed around 15 pounds. They talk about taking inspiration from the Dallmeyer Super Six. I've never had a 200/2.0 Super Six, did have a 6"/1.9 that weighed 3.5 pounds. I don't know why, but this makes me wonder about the enterprise.

Neither the Kickstarter nor their site (https://smartflexcamera.com/) gives the body's dimensions. No indication of focusing travel. Graflex dealt with focusing travel by making bodies with little and with a lot, giving up, respectively, the ability to use long and relatively short lenses.

I wish them luck and their customers happiness but have to wonder.
 

AnselMortensen

Subscriber
Joined
Jun 9, 2020
Messages
2,558
Location
SFBayArea
Format
Traditional
Not being an "early adopter", I'll be waiting to hear unbiased reviews from those who are.
Oh, and waiting for used ones to somehow reduce down to my price range...providing that early adopters think highly of them, what with cognitive dissonance and everything...
I'm good at waiting.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP

Donald Qualls

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
12,354
Location
North Carolina
Format
Multi Format
Well, I missed the fast (for large format) lenses. This might have potential for those who want to do candids in available light, never mind formal(ish) portraits (their avowed purpose for the camera). Load up with TXP or HP5+ and be prepared to push, and you could do some interesting work with a lens that fast. Might be interesting to see a retrofocus lens that would give a wider focal length and still clear the mirror, too, but that seems likely to get expensive, fast, with the need to cover 4x5...
 

Nokton48

Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2006
Messages
3,026
Format
Multi Format
Shooting Large Format handheld is great fun. Fast lenses rule. But choices are infinite almost. I have classic ones like the 150 F2.8 Xenotar, even a B&L F2 70mm projection lens. The 180mm F2.8 CZJ Zeiss Sonnar is very lovely to look through. The one I'm still looking for is a nice set of front and back 15cm Voigtlander Apo Lanthar.

SK Grimes Hasselblad Compendium Adapter 180mm Sonnar by Nokton48, on Flickr

These new cameras are very cool! New in every way.

BTW the widest lens I use on my Makiflex Standards, is a 120mm F6.8 Schneider barrel mounted Angulon on a recessed board. When focused hyper focally it clears the Maki mirror.
 
Last edited:

Bill Burk

Subscriber
Joined
Feb 9, 2010
Messages
9,383
Format
4x5 Format

Even if someone bought one, the “sunk cost” fallacy would get in the way of giving an honest review. It happened to me.
 

Arthurwg

Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2005
Messages
2,759
Location
Taos NM
Format
Medium Format
I think I've finally reached the end of my compulsive GAS, at least for now. I don't need another camera, even if it might be fun. And without Type 55, Rediloads and Quickloads 4x5 has lost much of its appeal. Still, I must admit I would like to own a Fuji GX680 III, or a Hasselblad ArcBody.
 
OP
OP

Donald Qualls

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 19, 2005
Messages
12,354
Location
North Carolina
Format
Multi Format
I'll reiterate that if I had $3k in my camera budget, I'd probably get one of these. Having an SLR that shoots Instax Wide, and also takes 4x5 film holders, would make it worth my while if I had that kind of money to spend on a camera. My Annie (with Graflok conversion back) and LomoGraflok can do the same, but it's RF or the spacer for focusing with the Instax and then the framing is well off center due to the construction of the LomoGraflok. And has anyone noticed that Instax is price competitive with Fomapan in 4x5?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…