Author Topic: The ChronoLux F/57 (Read 2247 times)

Francois · « **on:** November 04, 2018, 09:09:24 PM »

Yes, I've been actively creating what is sure to become the next Apple Watch and Samsung Gear killer!
I just made this watch that has multi megapixel resolution, is cheap and easy to use.
I present to you: The ChronoLux F/57

Well... I might have oversold it a bit and there are a few nagging issues with it, but the concept is very sound.
It's a wrist worn pinhole camera that makes a single round 1¾" negative. Magnetic shutter, secure closure, very comfortable to wear.
All made from state of the art cellulose fibers (namely wood and cardboard) and metal (the magnetic and non-magnetic types).

Enjoy the craziness

John Robison · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2018, 12:34:12 PM »

I like it. Are you using photo paper or film?

Francois · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2018, 02:13:34 PM »

Im using paper simply because it's easy.
But I can use film too.
These were developed in paper developer, but the next ones will be in hc110 Dil.f
This will give me a good tonal range, something I don't have right now.

John Robison · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2018, 07:18:03 PM »

I like paper to. It's cheap and can be handled under safelight. I've been using standard Ilford paper developer. Great idea using HC-110 to reduce contrast. Since I have it on hand I'll try it out in the next few days.

cs1 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2018, 07:52:14 PM »

It's an incredible camera, François. Great job.

Francois · « **Reply #5 on:** November 05, 2018, 08:48:01 PM »

Thanks!
And the best thing about having a round image is that you never get a crooked horizon

astrobeck · « **Reply #6 on:** November 05, 2018, 09:22:33 PM »

that's dorky cool!

Will there be a kickstarter soon..............?

Francois · « **Reply #7 on:** November 05, 2018, 10:58:48 PM »

Nah... I don't think I'd be able to do a business bending some coat hangers and gluing cardboard...
Then again...

Francois · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2018, 07:39:17 PM »

OK!
I just improved the internal baffling and developed in HC-110 Dil.F for 90 seconds.
I'm pretty happy with the results now.

Bryan · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2018, 07:44:15 PM »

How do you hold it steady on your wrist?

Francois · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2018, 09:07:35 PM »

I just put it on a shelf... I don't see how I could have held it steady for a 30 minute exposure!
But I was thinking of making a special holder for it using a mannequin hand that I would mount on my tripod. But mom says it's creepy

Bryan · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2018, 10:24:22 PM »

Quote from: Francois on November 06, 2018, 09:07:35 PM

I just put it on a shelf... I don't see how I could have held it steady for a 30 minute exposure!
But I was thinking of making a special holder for it using a mannequin hand that I would mount on my tripod. But mom says it's creepy

Listen to your mother.

Francois · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2018, 11:28:05 PM »

Definitely will... we all know what happens when you don't listen to mom $:-\$

zapsnaps · « **Reply #13 on:** November 07, 2018, 10:49:54 AM »

NO! Ignore mom! I think a mannequin hand is the best idea I've heard for a long time.
Short post - I'm off to a flea market in search of hands. Lady's hand for 35mm, gent's for MF and a builder/farmer for the LF rig.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #14 on:** November 07, 2018, 09:16:27 PM »

seems like a camera for Dianes flat people army!

they could photography her while she's photographing them

Francois · « **Reply #15 on:** November 07, 2018, 09:29:22 PM »

It's definitely as flat as they are!
What amazes me about it is the amount of vignetting I get and how wide the image is. Pinhole Designer says it's got a 123° angle of view....... that is wide.

astrobeck · « **Reply #16 on:** November 20, 2018, 06:17:38 AM »

Quote from: Francois on November 06, 2018, 07:39:17 PM

OK!
I just improved the internal baffling and developed in HC-110 Dil.F for 90 seconds.
I'm pretty happy with the results now.

that's a right proper exposure and photo there!
I'm curious about a side view of it...
It's quite conversation starter and a stealthy (somewhat) camera too.

Also, is the photo paper flat inside the camera or did you curve it...
so cool!

Francois · « **Reply #17 on:** November 20, 2018, 01:31:56 PM »

The paper is completely flat inside. I have a piece of tin can lid cut to size behind it to make a weight so that I can remove the paper. I have to shake the heck out of the camera to remove the negative....
Here is the inside of the camera

mikec · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2018, 03:02:16 PM »

Quote from: Bryan on November 06, 2018, 10:24:22 PM

Quote from: Francois on November 06, 2018, 09:07:35 PM
I just put it on a shelf... I don't see how I could have held it steady for a 30 minute exposure!
But I was thinking of making a special holder for it using a mannequin hand that I would mount on my tripod. But mom says it's creepy

Seems like replacing that faux clock face with a sundial would be a useful upgrade.

Francois · « **Reply #19 on:** November 20, 2018, 08:40:39 PM »

I thought of putting a real watch but the ones I have are all too heavy for the weak fridge magnet sheet I have... And they didn't have any that fit the bill at a local thrift store...