Build your own SLR

[cliveh]

For those who wish to construct an SLR camera-

http://t.tech.uk.msn.com/cameras/diy-how-to-build-your-own-slr-camera-for-25-quid#image=1

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Looks interesting.

Jeff

 

[pbromaghin]

Funny, but a year ago there was more than one guy on here telling us something like this was impossible, that nobody could introduce a new film camera to the market. Where are they now?

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Oh that looks totally fun! I think I'll have to try and pick one up for a photoclass if budget allows. It looks a lot like the mini 35mm TLR build it yourself kits I see online all the time as well.

 

[AgX]

Such is great for playfully introducing someone into camera interiors.

On the other hand one should consider what a great lot of more advanced camera technology one could get for the same money. And still spend some time on cleaning and inspecting its interior...

 

[2bits]

I agree w/ AGX, We all could get a nice 35 SLR for the asking price of the konstructor. I would wait awhile till the price comes down just like the other lomo DIY cameras that average $14.00 new in box, not the $35.

 

[trythis]

I bought one, it was fun to assemble, and actually works OK. I am surprised by the image quality and found that I was willing to snap the picture without worrying too much about the result. Lots of the shots came out much better than I expected. I am very happy with this one:

I really like the swirly background.

I have better cameras that I have paid less for and take them out much more often, but I still enjoy the camera. It is ripe for modifications.

First time posting an image here, let me know if there is a better way, I cant seem to find a guide...

 

[Fast14riot]

Yeah, I spent $10 on my miranda F at the flea market, less than $2 on new seals and cleaning. I still get to use the wlf and have better image quality. Plus, it wont explode if i drop it. I'd rather have a 6x6 or bigger build it yourself camera.


-Xander

 

[cliveh]

I was thinking of building one of these Konstruktor cameras and I was wondering if I could adapt it to use a Leica bayonet to screw adaptor ring and thus use it with a 3.5 Elmar. Can anyone suggest how this could be done, if at all possible?

 

[Agulliver]

Resurrecting an old thread, I was given the Konstruktor kit as a Christmas present in 2014, and I consider it to be worth the price my friends paid for it.

I am not the world's best builder of mechanical things, but I managed to put the camera together in a total of 3 hours, over two days (Christmas is a busy time!) and by Boxing day lunch I was putting a roll of film through it. The lens is rather basic and plastic, but the central portion of the image is quite sharp. The focusing works fine and having a waist level finder is quite neat.

If you think that making your own fairly lo-fi 35mm SLR is something you'd enjoy, I really do recommend this. Yes I am sure I could find a better performing camera for the same or less money in a jumble sale, or get lucky at a charity shop...but it is capable of taking nice photos and for me a big part of the fun is making good (or even interesting) photos with such a lo-fi piece of kit.

Not sure about adapting it for other lenses, do bear in mind the aperture is fixed by the shutter mechanism at about f8 I believe, and it has a single shutter speed of approximately 1/80s and "B".

I've put a few rolls of Tri-X and expired Acupan 800 through mine, plus one 200ASA colour film, all of which yielded some nice results as well as a few clunkers. Above all, it is fun.

The two attached images are from long expired Tri-X film in my Konstruktor...the night time one was shot on the "B" setting last November resting it on a fence.

 

[ciniframe]

Looked at the title and didn't check the date. I bought one when they came out but was disappointed by the operation. Totally useless for adapting any other lens, gave it away without shooting a single frame. I had envisioned a set up like an Exa 1, a drum shutter, even with only one shutter speed. Instead the shutter itself forms the aperture. Neat idea, but of limited use to an inveterate tinkerer.

 

[darkroommike]

Looked at one just yesterday in a brick and mortar USA Barnes and Noble store.

 

[Agulliver]

I think if you take it for what it is, a functional but very basic lo-fi DIY SLR, and don't assume it can be modded to take great lenses (though Lomography do sell accessories including a macro lens I think)....then it is quite fun.

Sure, there are technically better cameras sometimes available for less...but that isn't really the point.

 

[wahiba]

A scenery shot and a

close up by the Konstructor. So long as you are careful works Ok although it does seem to over expose slightly in normal conditions.