Topic: Instax "back" for SLRs (and Leicas)

[Indofunk]

https://www.diyphotography.net/the-instant-magny-35-is-an-instant-film-back-for-your-35mm-slrs-and-rangefinders/

This is the first Kickstarter where I've actually said "shut up and take my money". As soon as I said that I started second-guessing myself, but I have been wanting to try Instax film, and I do hate Instax cameras, so......

The only camera that I own which is on the list of compatible cameras is the Pentax ME, but I'm not quite sure why some cameras would not be compatible. Also, I can't tell at all from any of their dumb promo videos how the thing actually works. How do you get any sort of sensor and transmission equipment into a light-tight SLR back? I'm assuming it's a digital sensor which sends digital information to something which projects the image onto an enlarging lens which exposes the Instax film, but again, I can't tell at all  Anyways, I'll probably back the Kickstarter because what the hell and I happen to have a dayjob now so I actually get paid from time to time

[Bryan]

I’m interested but do I have to cut a hole in the back of my camera?

[John Robison]

So, from what I see, the aerial image at the focal plane is bounced off of a first surface mirror and directed through an enlarger lens to be projected to the film. Since it uses Instax square format then the 24X36mm frame must be cropped to 24X24mm. You would have to take this into account when viewing the scene in the viewfinder.


PS, Most photo equipment KS campaigns run late to very late to very very late. If they say these KS rewards will be shipped in December 2018 be ready to wait until at least December 2019 (or later) for them to arrive.

[Skorj]

These were quite common a number of years ago; first for pack film, then integral.
Mostly used for medical / dental purposes.

The originals still pop up on Yafuoku sometimes, mostly for the Nikon F3.

[hookstrapped]

Do you have to remove the camera back? With Leicas, that's easy but with SLRs?

[Francois]

Those things usually replace the back altogether. On some cameras it's quite easy. On the Nikon FE there is a large screw on the inside hinge. It's actually a small button to slide the hinge off.

[EarlJam]

Interesting. Looks like an updated version of the Speed Magny. I never had the opportunity to use one, but remember seeing them used in various lab applications - shooting oscilloscope screens, etc.

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf2/filmbacks/index2.htm

[Francois]

probably more lightweight than the original too

[Indofunk]

Those things usually replace the back altogether. On some cameras it's quite easy. On the Nikon FE there is a large screw on the inside hinge. It's actually a small button to slide the hinge off.

Oh, man, are you kidding? So it's an actual process to convert it from a 35mm camera to an Instax camera? And of course, each time you unscrew and rescrew the back you're introducing a little looseness and perhaps light leaks If it were compatible with SRT's then that would be great, I have 3 of 'em

[John Robison]

Those things usually replace the back altogether. On some cameras it's quite easy. On the Nikon FE there is a large screw on the inside hinge. It's actually a small button to slide the hinge off.

Oh, man, are you kidding? So it's an actual process to convert it from a 35mm camera to an Instax camera? And of course, each time you unscrew and rescrew the back you're introducing a little looseness and perhaps light leaks If it were compatible with SRT's then that would be great, I have 3 of 'em

On the Olympus OM you just press down a little clip and the back comes right off. That was so you could use the bulk film backs or Recordata backs available with the OM system. Please remember the resulting instant print is mirror reversed.

Another question I have is where are they obtaining all those backs? From junk cameras? Or do they intend to mold or 3-D print backs compatible with the cameras they list.

[Francois]

Those things usually replace the back altogether. On some cameras it's quite easy. On the Nikon FE there is a large screw on the inside hinge. It's actually a small button to slide the hinge off.

Oh, man, are you kidding? So it's an actual process to convert it from a 35mm camera to an Instax camera? And of course, each time you unscrew and rescrew the back you're introducing a little looseness and perhaps light leaks If it were compatible with SRT's then that would be great, I have 3 of 'em

Sadly Nikon engineers are too good to give their cameras the possibility to have some hip light leaks. The back is hooked like a sliding latch for a barn door.

[cs1]

There're a few Magny and Polaroid back contraptions for the Canon F-1. Too bad that it isn't listed. 

[Francois]

It probably has to do with the availability of spare backs on eBay.
They use existing backs that get cut and the pressure plate removed. I also suspect that they grind off the part that pushes the frame counter lever so that it doesn't keep on counting up until the spring goes ptoinggg thonk thonk.

[zapsnaps]

Quite the like this idea, but as I don't have any of the cameras listed, it will give me time to pick-up a body and 90mm lens.

Now, the obvious question is, which camera do I buy to strap a gadget onto which isn't even made yet? And what happens if I like the new camera & lens rig so much I don't want to wreck it by putting a down-firing periscope on it? Sill, it's an excuse for another camera...

[John Robison]

Quite the like this idea, but as I don't have any of the cameras listed, it will give me time to pick-up a body and 90mm lens.

Now, the obvious question is, which camera do I buy to strap a gadget onto which isn't even made yet? And what happens if I like the new camera & lens rig so much I don't want to wreck it by putting a down-firing periscope on it? Sill, it's an excuse for another camera...

Get an OM-1 or 1n or perhaps a OM-2 or 2n if you prefer aperture preferred auto. The backs on these cameras come off with ease, no tools required. After you finish shooting some instant pictures just unclip the instant back, clip on the regular film back and proceed to load and shoot film normally.

[zapsnaps]

Hi John
I've been looking at an OM-1 this afternoon...
Thanks for the advice on the ease of removing the back.