This is a project that I undertook at the beginning of the summer in 2022. The goal of this project was to modify a non-functioning Polaroid camera with new electronics and a fully manual vintage glass lens, in turn creating an instant camera that handles like manual 35mm camera. In short, this involved disassembly and reassembly of the camera, modifying interior and exterior of the camera body to better accommodate the new features, building and soldering a new circuit, calibrating the focus of the lens via ground-glass, and finally sourcing and repairing donor lenses.
This project was inspired by a blog post (http://www.lofianddiy.com/2019/12/hacking-impossible-i-1-camera-deserved.html) and is nearly identical but I was very intent on expanding the features and building a camera that looks professionally made.
The 1st camera has been finished and has already been improved to a 2nd version. Preparations have begun for a 2nd camera that will contain more of the components internally.
Short term goals include adding a light meter and a laser rangefinder internally, and adding an Arduino. Long term goals include adjusting/modifying the camera to accept various LF lenses, 3D printing body body parts and building a new similar camera from scratch.
FYI: For those interested in owning a camera like this don’t worry, once I feel like I have a high quality, reliable and reproducible architecture for the design I will begin taking commissions for cameras built to order. For now this consider following me on Instagram for project updates.
(Clicking here will take you to my online store which will soon (very soon!) be populated by purchasable art pieces and services)
