Hacked Instax SQ6 Camera

[kolbysoft]

Hi,

my name is Michael, I've been a lurking member here since 2009.

I finally wanted to share my latest project, a "hacked" Instax SQ6, with a Zeiss Tessar 75/3.5 lens from an old 6x6 Ikonta.
I followed this project on hackaday:
https://hackaday.io/project/158654-instax-sq6-lens-transplant



which has really good instructions.
I modeled my own lens mount, and I didn't need the helical since the lens has a front focusing ring. The camera is basically turned into a film processing back. The shutter button ejects the picture. Everything else is done with the lens. The lens tube has been cut down after 3D printing to get the focus distances on the lens to match the actual focus.



Here is the camera: (Image link didn't work for me)
https://photos.app.goo.gl/U7bFtHZS51dfxYBw6

And here is a picture taken with it (not scanned, just a phone picture):
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vBHyK8UxjwTUqca4A


Next, I need to make a filter mount, without an ND filter ISO 800 doesn't work well outdoors with old shutters.


- Michael

 

[Mackinaw]

Interesting. Do you still have auto-focus? Auto-exposure (camera sets shutter speed)?

Jim B.

 

[kolbysoft]

All manual, the lens has focus, aperture and shutter speed controls. The camera controls are non-functional. The shutter button and all the image eject mechanism switches get wired to a tiny motor controller.

The electronics in the camera are no longer powered.

 

[Mackinaw]

Gotcha. Use an exposure meter, dial in ISO 800, and set aperture and shutter speed accordingly. I assume you're scale focusing?

Jim B.

 

[kolbysoft]

That's pretty much it. I use a phone app for metering. Although, the mechanical shutter has not been CLA'd, and while the glass is perfect, the shutter speeds seem a little slow, so I currently adjust for that.
Focusing is by guesstimating, but the DOF is pretty narrow at anything under f/8-f/11, so you'd better guess right 😉
I'm thinking of getting a little laser distance measure to carry with me when it matters. They're not that expensive, compared to some add on rangefinders.

After a couple days of shooting, you won't need the exposure meter anymore.