Topic: Ondu is back for another round

[Francois]

Yes, you read it right. Elvis and Benni forgot all about last kickstarter and want to go for another round
(Elvis & Benni, I'm just pulling your leg )

They just announced another project is on the way. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ondu-/ondu-pinhole-cameras-mk-ii/posts/2323724

[John Robison]

Very nice. This outfit seems to be a serious Kickstarter creator. While I don't need the product and have to careful with my spending (who doesn't) I'd still trust this Kickstarter. But generally, Kickstarter is too much of a gamble. You may never get the promised reward for backing the project, or it simply does not live up to the hype. I've backed 4 Kickstarter projects and every one has been problematic in some form. The last one, the Jollylook instant camera has run into serious problems with the few cameras delivered to backers all junk. I could have been smarter and spent that $48 on film.

[Francois]

The guys from Ondu are definitely one of the safest kickstarters out there.
This is their 3rd go at it. Both of the previous times, they did deliver even if last time was a bit of a nightmare for them. They had broken equipment, unreliable subcontractors, wood shortages, work accidents... you name it, I think they've gone through it. But in the end they delivered a very nice camera... it was a bit later than anyone would have liked but it definitely was as good as can be.
I bought one last time and it still is one of the best looking cameras I've ever bought. Very unlike anything else. And that wood smell is so sweet

[AJShepherd]

Yeah, I've got one of their 6x12 medium format pinhole cameras, and while I haven't used it nearly as often as I should have i have to say it's a lovely piece of work, very well made, and yes, it does smell great.

[Francois]

Mine's the 6x6 Pocket. And I just can't put enough emphasis on how much I love their magnetic shutter. The action is smooth as can be and the clack it makes when you close it is really satisfying.

I really should give it more of a workout. But the problem is that I always have to crop-out the ugliness when I take photos... but I guess it's related to where I live more than anything...

[John Robison]

These cameras are just beautiful. A work of (practical) art, it’s nice when you can combine functionality with beauty. But, my preference in pinhole is a longer focal distance for a somewhat more narrow angle of view. For 6X9 I’d prefer 90mm instead of 40mm. Seems like the majority want very wide though. Fortunately I’m a inveterate DIY’er and I think I could construct a camera for 120 roll film. It sure would not look as good as Ondu’s though.

[zapsnaps]

I've got an ONDU 4x5 and am tempted to get their 'pocket' 120. Clearly, Elvis' pockets are larger than mine. Probably deeper too. I really like the red filter holder idea.

I agree that some of the Kickstarter ideas have been very problematic (to be expected when arty creators go into business IMHO), but I'm prepared to take gamble if I like the stuff on offer, as many projects are essentially by subscription-only and will never be available retail.

[Francois]

As a rule of thumb, Ondu are available as retail, but only on their website and at a higher price than the early bird special.

[Jeff Warden]

I haven't heard of these before but they look really nice!

[Francois]

You really shoulda...
All their closures are magnetic. You just begin sliding the back on and it snaps into place.
Same thing for the shutter.
The two button advance allows you to perfectly line-up the film.
They have a bubble level.

And they are the cleanest looking models anywhere!

[Jeff Warden]

You really shoulda...
All their closures are magnetic. You just begin sliding the back on and it snaps into place.
Same thing for the shutter.
The two button advance allows you to perfectly line-up the film.
They have a bubble level.

And they are the cleanest looking models anywhere!

It does look like they've done their homework. I'm tempted.