Help with compact digital RF-concept

[squirrel$$$bandit]

They are building phenomenal "no name" cameras in China already.

So where are they?!?

I have considered getting an M39 to C-mount adapter and trying some of these out on my R-D1. I assume I'd end up with a circular image in the middle of the frame?

Also, I assume they will focus on your camera with contrast detect and a focus confirm beep?

 

[Haanes]

That may well be true, but as a small manufacturer, you're going to find it VERY difficult and prohibitively expensive to make one.

That I believe, but I'm in the fortunate position that I'm only doing a concept, I'm not actually making a camera for production. I can pretty much decide how resourceful the manufacturer is, because it's all in my imagination any way. That's the upside of being a dreamer. 🙂

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

In that case, build a time machine.

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

That will not work. Distances to "film plane" are all wrong.

So where are they?!?

I have considered getting an M39 to C-mount adapter and trying some of these out on my R-D1. I assume I'd end up with a circular image in the middle of the frame?

Also, I assume they will focus on your camera with contrast detect and a focus confirm beep?

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

How many do you want?

http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Digital-Camera.htm

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

How many do you want?

http://www.chinasuppliers.globalsources.com/china-suppliers/Digital-Camera.htm

Oh OK...I kind of thought you meant, like, good ones. 🙄

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

Give them a couple of years.

They make stunning audiophile hi-fi gear.

 

[jbf]

Please dont take offense to this Nasby, but while your camera mock up's features are great, it is in need of a massive visual 'extreme makeover'.

 

[Petroleum V. Nasby]

Nothing stopping you from designing a better one.

 

[Haanes]

Thanks!

Thanks!

Current progress, for those of you interested (from http://haanes.no/viu ):

In just a few days I’ve gotten more valuable feedback on this site and at rangefinderforum than I would ever hope for. Big thanks to everyone who contributed.

First of all, since there seems to be some confusion on that point, I need to point out what kind of project this is. The viu is a concept camera, not aimed for production, but meant as an inspiration to camera manufacturers. I’m aiming to design a camera which I think many people, including myself, would want and need, one that would fill a void in today’s camera market.

Based on all of your feedback I’m starting modelling a mockup in the 3D-software Solidworks today. Hopefully I will have some crude renderings by tonight or tomorrow. I’ve decided on some factors:

1) The lens will be fixed, with a focal length the same as the sensor, which will make it a 42mm equivalent.

2) The camera will be a manual focus only, to avoid compromises on the viewfinder and the manual focusing abilities, and to reduce the amount of fragile and expensive electronics in the camera. I also think that this, even though it will scare some people away, will strengthen the concept as a no-nonsense minimalist approach to photography.

3) The camera will be larger and heavier than most compacts, but smaller and lighter than slr’s. The body will probably be made of a metal alloy (not decided which one yet), with a good grip vulcanite covering.

4) The grip will have to be tested by real photographers with different habits and hands. There might not be a need for much, because of the substantial friction of the vulcanite covering.

5) The form factor will indeed be kind of retro, to the core functional, and the color will be black. This is a camera for users, not collectors.

Again, thanks so much for your help, and please continue providing feedback. Everything’s of interest.

Cheers,

Henrik

 

[Haanes]

I've now updated the viu site with new rendrings. The concept is far from done yet, but it's starting to take shape. Let me know what you think.
Best,
Henrik

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Looks good, Henrik!

 

[Haanes]

Thanks, mabelsound.

 

[Marsopa]

Please, make it real!

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

I'll buy one like it is now!
BUt,
APS or 4/3 sounds oke to me. Maybe 4/3 and compatible with the 4/3 system.
Or exchangeable lenses based on the Leica-M mount like the voigtlanders.
If the lens has to be fixed I prefer 40mm. But 35mm is oke with me too. Might as well be a fast one 1.7 or 2.0 is perfect. Put in IS and we have a killer low light camera.
An hot shoe will be great too but it will spoil the looks of the camera.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[allen_a_george]

I'm not so hot on the shutter dial and shutter button placement. The shutter button because it seems a bit high-profile, which makes it easier to depress while packing it away. The shutter dial comes down to personal preference. I strongly prefer a front-mounted CL-style dial, because it feels like a more natural motion for my finger. Even a rear horizontal dial (like those used in SLRs) might be better because you can change shutter speed while keeping your finger on the shutter button.

That said, I wish you the best 🙂

 

[allen_a_george]

@Nasby:
Would have been nice to be able to set shutter speed too. Were it not for that, I'd buy that camera, EVF and all 🙂

 

[Haanes]

Marsopa, with my current resources I think it will stay a concept, but who knows, maybe I'll win the lottery. I'm really glad you like it though! 🙂

Michiel, I don't think I'll put IS in, it kind of distracts from the no-nonsense concept, also it adds weight to the camera (not much, but still …) A flash shoe, on the other hand, I'm planning on adding. I'll try to design it as discrete as possible.

Allen, I've not decided on the shutter dial/release placement yet, I'll have to do some more tests with physical mockups. People seem to prefer different placements (as with all things), but I consider a cl-type dial. Thanks for your input, I'll take it with me when designing the next mockup.

 

[Bill58]

Can you make it in Leica Thread Mount (LTM)?

 

[blw]

It looks great so far Haanes. Even though I realize it's quite a departure from the KISS concept that is the heart of your idea. Perhaps a slightly more affordable way to compromise with those that would like to exchange lenses would be to have a variable focal length lens...not a zoom so much as something like the Tri-Elmarits but in 4 focal lengths instead- 28, 40, 50, and maybe 75 or 90 (all equivalent of course).

I suppose it would inherently make the vf/rf more complex and expensive...but still, it might be worth considering for someone.