New cheap 4x5 format film camera.
Nov 1, 2017 07:04:31 #
I saw a new 4x5 film camera project on Kickstarter. This seems to be very cheap and good camera for those who want to experiment with large format film without spending a lot of money on the gear. The camera is called Malefic camera and can still be had for as little as $109 if the backers will be many enough to launch the project. I could not resist to jump on this for curiosity sake 
Nov 1, 2017 07:06:10 #
JPL wrote:
I saw a new 4x5 film camera project on Kickstarter. This seems to be very cheap and good camera for those who want to experiment with large format film without spending a lot of money on the gear. The camera is called Malefic camera and can still be had for as little as $109 if the backers will be many enough to launch the project. I could not resist to jump on this for curiosity sake
Interesting.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1876908573/malefic-camera
Nov 1, 2017 07:07:18 #
Nov 1, 2017 07:08:30 #
The name "Malefic" doesn't inspire confidence in me. Reminds me of "malevolent."
Nov 1, 2017 07:27:52 #
the $109 camera is fixed focus. of course no lens which is the most expensive part of a basic 4x5. why not find an old Calumet 400, 402 etc with lens on Ebay etc. and be able to have movements and focusing abilities? the cost for those is not very high. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Calumet-4x5-CC-400-Monorail-View-Camera-CC400-599/202085244364?epid=141747495&hash=item2f0d381dcc:g:4K8AAOSw9hdZ58pT
Nov 1, 2017 07:31:58 #
I've seen 'real' 4x5 cameras going for about that on line. I've never been inspired to 'invest' in a kickstarter project. There is no guarantee that they will be successful, or be around long enough to provide service if needed.
--Bob
--Bob
JPL wrote:
I saw a new 4x5 film camera project on Kickstarter. This seems to be very cheap and good camera for those who want to experiment with large format film without spending a lot of money on the gear. The camera is called Malefic camera and can still be had for as little as $109 if the backers will be many enough to launch the project. I could not resist to jump on this for curiosity sake
Nov 1, 2017 07:34:39 #
watch this one, by the time you purchase film holders lens etc for the one you are looking at you will be above the starting bid on this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sinar-f-4x5-camera-with-Schneinder-5-6-210-lens-and-extension-tube/253234503129?_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D48741%26meid%3Da0728e6ca185470da123aa42435f4235%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D2%26sd%3D172952743998&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982
Nov 1, 2017 08:25:24 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Thanks for the link, Jerry
Nov 1, 2017 09:30:25 #
I use a Polaroid 150 and simply put a sheet of 4x5 in it. It works fine producing image of 3.5x4.5 inch.
Nov 1, 2017 23:14:28 #
View cameras’ swings, tilts and shifts are the major part of the fun of using one! I’ve used a studio type and field type 4x5 with sheet film and several roll film adapters for 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 formats to take advantage of the flexibility of these cameras. The kickstarter camera, albeit a cute idea, has none of those capabilities.
Nov 2, 2017 06:11:28 #
jerryc41 wrote:
The Rubber Bands on the Film Holders are a good idea. I use masking tape as well. Those darn slides tend to open. Especially in a backpack.
I'd want a real 4x5" view camera. And do have two, a studio Rail Omega View and a Gundlach Folding Wooden Field Camera.
Since this photo was taken I obtained three propper wooden lens boards for my 120mm, 150mm, & 210mm Lenses.
(Download)
Nov 2, 2017 06:26:25 #
lamiaceae wrote:
The Rubber Bands on the Film Holders are a good idea. I use masking tape as well. Those darn slides tend to open. Especially in a backpack.
I'd want a real 4x5" view camera. And do have two, a studio Rail Omega View and a Gundlach Folding Wooden Field Camera.
I'd want a real 4x5" view camera. And do have two, a studio Rail Omega View and a Gundlach Folding Wooden Field Camera.
This is a really nice camera.
I agree that the traditional 4x5 camera is in many ways a good option with all the movements for tilt and shift. On the other hand the new camera on Kickstarter is light and easy to use and can be a lot of fun for newbies to experiment with. And no bellows to damage and less need for tripod are points to consider. Those who really get into this will of course want to get a real 4x5 sooner or later.
Nov 2, 2017 08:55:59 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
JPL wrote:
I saw a new 4x5 film camera project on Kickstarter. This seems to be very cheap and good camera for those who want to experiment with large format film without spending a lot of money on the gear. The camera is called Malefic camera and can still be had for as little as $109 if the backers will be many enough to launch the project. I could not resist to jump on this for curiosity sake
This is not related but I thought I would share a photo of my 8X10 century Kodak camera. The photo is not my camera, my camera has the base that matches the camera. I would not recommend it for the field.
https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=images+of+kodak+8X10+century+camera&fr=mcafee&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fimg0.etsystatic.com%2F006%2F0%2F5858142%2Fil_570xN.386897598_4wtz.jpg#id=12&iurl=http%3A%2F%2Fimg0.etsystatic.com%2F006%2F0%2F5858142%2Fil_570xN.386897598_4wtz.jpg&action=click
Nov 2, 2017 11:14:47 #
Nov 2, 2017 12:46:54 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I'll keep my cherrywood and chrome Wista DX field camera!
But this does look interesting and I really hope that they'll be successful.
Just keep in mind that you'll need an appropriate lens... and, if purchased new those start around $500 and go up to and over $3000 apiece.
Plus you'll need film holders... Which I was stunned to see are now selling new for $130 for a two-pack (each of which hold two sheets, so that's four shots total... I've got 30 or 40 somewhere in storage, maybe I should sell them!)
Plus a box of film.... B&W, 25 sheets: $30+. Color film, 10 sheets: $45+
Plus a darkroom setup to process the film.... or a lab capable of handling it for you.
Plus an enlargement setup or high quality scanner to work with the images.
But this does look interesting and I really hope that they'll be successful.
Just keep in mind that you'll need an appropriate lens... and, if purchased new those start around $500 and go up to and over $3000 apiece.
Plus you'll need film holders... Which I was stunned to see are now selling new for $130 for a two-pack (each of which hold two sheets, so that's four shots total... I've got 30 or 40 somewhere in storage, maybe I should sell them!)
Plus a box of film.... B&W, 25 sheets: $30+. Color film, 10 sheets: $45+
Plus a darkroom setup to process the film.... or a lab capable of handling it for you.
Plus an enlargement setup or high quality scanner to work with the images.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.