New film camera models ever?

[Ai Print]

With the exception of large format, the way forward is not with new and likely too costly to produce cameras, but restored used ones.

I have long advocated for both cameras and darkroom equipment to be gathered and restored for future use since the cost of new on either of these items is exponentially more than even the higher end of used prices.

Up until recently, there has been a mindset associated with quality used film and darkroom gear (and film) that it will always be around and should always be cheap. Obviously, as the niche of using film has gained some traction, there is evidence that the better gear is starting to dry up a bit and see increases in average price.

With 3D printing and CNC tech, there is no reason why good quality mechanical film cameras can not be restored to as good as if not better than new. There will and should be a price associated with this and it would logically fall somewhere in-between what the item last cost new and what the average used price is...people need to be compensated for their time and expertise.

If an FM2N cost $450 bucks when last new, would you pay $550-$700 for one that has been completely restored and has some new upgraded focus screen? Some people on here have gotten way, way too comfy-cozy with the bonanza pricing on used film gear and might not pony up for that restored FM2N. But many people who want the best alternative to paying top dollar for what is now a very limited selection of new equipment will gladly do that. And some would pay another few hundred to have the camera highly personalized by an artisan camera guru like Dora Goodman, I know I would.

If we want to have film round for a long time, we need film cameras & darkroom equipment around a long time. So much like we advocate for and support film makers and go out of our way to make it known, we now need to do the same for the emerging cottage industry of camera and darkroom restoration. We also need new repair techs to take the reigns, there needs to be incentive for that and some mentoring.

Support outfits like Dora Goodman Cameras, Cameraventures.com and more will pop up. We need more camera / darkroom equipment restoration and repair techs, now is the time.

It's literally time to pay it forward and pay it up folks!

 

[Luckless]

Well, with good quality 3D Printing and CNC tech, and their growing ease of access, is there really any reason why a completely new camera is much more expensive or difficult to produce than trying to refurbish old ones?

Open design offers a solid future for photography.
- I've been toying with a radical redesign of a Mamiya TLR that I hope to build in the next year or two, and will publish the plans if it works. (Basically the thought process was "I really like this C330 and the lenses on it, but I wish I could have it fold up a little smaller, and maybe take interchangeable film mags..." and thus the sketching began.)

 

[Ai Print]

Well, with good quality 3D Printing and CNC tech, and their growing ease of access, is there really any reason why a completely new camera is much more expensive or difficult to produce than trying to refurbish old ones?

I think overall it will still be much cheaper to simply make new parts like springs, catches, pawls and levers for existing cameras than it would to start from scratch. But I also think the issue needs to be addressed in every possible way in order to ensure viability and sustainability of the medium so if someone wants to come up with a new camera, the more the merrier I say.

 

[michr]

Well, with good quality 3D Printing and CNC tech, and their growing ease of access, is there really any reason why a completely new camera is much more expensive or difficult to produce than trying to refurbish old ones?

Open design offers a solid future for photography.
- I've been toying with a radical redesign of a Mamiya TLR that I hope to build in the next year or two, and will publish the plans if it works. (Basically the thought process was "I really like this C330 and the lenses on it, but I wish I could have it fold up a little smaller, and maybe take interchangeable film mags..." and thus the sketching began.)

I hope you're able to produce something according to your plans. For myself, I've been inspired by Kevin Kadouka's project from a few years ago, have you seen it ? http://www.designboom.com/technology/wooden-polaroid-twin-lens-reflex-camera-by-kevin-kadooka/
and also, the Perfekta http://camarasclassicas.blogspot.com/2010/09/welta-perfekta.html which if I could afford to buy one, would be too precious to actually use.

 

[Craig75]

the Lomo LC-A 120 looked pretty impressive - a medium format auto program zone focusing compact with 21mm lens and 6x6 negative - basically medium format wide lens XA3 - never used one but specs look pretty innovative

 

[Neil Kelly]

Well, with good quality 3D Printing and CNC tech, and their growing ease of access, is there really any reason why a completely new camera is much more expensive or difficult to produce than trying to refurbish old ones?

Open design offers a solid future for photography.
- I've been toying with a radical redesign of a Mamiya TLR that I hope to build in the next year or two, and will publish the plans if it works. (Basically the thought process was "I really like this C330 and the lenses on it, but I wish I could have it fold up a little smaller, and maybe take interchangeable film mags..." and thus the sketching began.)

I'd love to see the plans and/or help if I can. It sounds dead interesting, and I would love to be able to get a new camera that doesn't break the bank!