Re: MF camera kit survey

["Paul A. Lehman" <palehman@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Just a couple more thoughts, although you've probably thought
through this quite a bit already.

As I see it, there are six categories,

1. A "point and shoot" fixed focus simple lens design
2. A front element focus.
3. A sliding box-in-box focus design
4. A bellows focus design
5. A moving lens focus design
6. A moving film plane design

The first step is to determine the target buyer. Would this be
for experienced 35mm to step up to MF? Would this be a truly
beginners MF camera (new to stereo)? Would this be a camera for
one to buy and use until something better came along? Or, to
target the experienced photographer (changeable lenses, film
sizes, gizmos, etc.)?

The second step, I guess, would be to find which lens/shutter
combination is available in bulk supply then build the camera
around it. It would really be nice if a bunch of those $30
polaroid lenses in the 70-80mm range came up for sale.

Third, how many to make. This dictates the number of lenses
needed (particularly to match focal length and shutter speed),
and cost and time to invest before sales occur.

of the choices:
#1 is the easiest, could use a simple lens, simple shutter, but
would give the poorest overall result (but a result that many
beginners may well accept in an inexpensive camera). A truly
basic introduction camera.
#2 would probably rely on finding old lenses as (AFAIK) these are
not commonly available as new. Difficult to match.
#3 can be do-able and easy to make, but clumsy to use.
#4 would be very elegant and classy, but, making bellows is a
real chore (voice of experience). Commercial bellows makers would
probably charge $50-$100 per bellows made, cheaper in bulk.
#5 may require some fancy machine work to accomplish
#6 ala Realist, certainly may prove difficult to make.

Personally, if I were thinking to do this, I would start out with
#1 within a range of $100-$150. Second choice would be #4,
foldable, compact, attention getter, within a range of $250-$500.

Keep in mind, my opinions are worth what I charge for them
($0.00)
;>)  ;>)

Paul A. Lehman