Re: MF camera kit survey

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

Alan Lewis wrote:

> 1) Focus by rotating element on lenses (using lenses from other cameras
> of course).  IOW; no focus by shifting lenses.
> 2) Viewfinder, not third lens ground glass.
> 3) Single roll of film.
> 4) "Little red window" film advance.

Sounds just like my siamesed Isolletes :>)

> What do you think about the following:
> 1) What lens to use?

This will be the hard part! Some old (and very cheap) suggestions
would be the lenses from early polaroids, or the lenses from the
AGFA C3 cameras (the "bricks"). Both kinds of cameras are a dime
a dozen on the flea-market circuit, but reasonably useful lenses.
Not real high quality but possibly good enough for an entry
level, inexpensive start.

> 2) Inexpensive way to get or design a viewfinder that people would
> actually like, and might even work.

As simplicity goes, I really like the viewfinder on the Realist
45. Its essentially a straight through, single element finder.
Its two key assets are the large eye hole and brightness. 

> 3) Other things to consider (remember, entry level camera, inexpensive
> is the operative word).

This relates to my questions/discussion earlier in the week about
the possiblity of a fixed focus box camera. It may have its
limitations, but as an entry level, inexpensive approach, its
worth considering.

Two really abstract ideas:

use your viewer kit design, attach a removable film holder back,
use it as a camera and a viewer.

Or re-design your viewer kit into a camera with pinhole "lenses".
No focusing needed, no glass to clean.

> 4) Would anyone come to my party?

Sure will if you provide the transportation. ;>)

Paul A. Lehman