Just a place to post some things I've been tinkering with...
FunSaver Panoramic 35 Lens Adaptation
Kodak's 25mm f/12 lens from the FunSaver Panoramic (sort of, these cameras just crop the top and bottom of the standard 35mm frame for the aspect ratio). In any case, I removed the 2-element lens and iris, then replaced them into an M-mount 3-printed housing. I've shot it both in natural light as well as using an SB-20 flash unit for that 'party pic' look. Similar products already exist but sometimes it's just much more fun to do it yourself.
Kodak Instamatic 500 Lens Adaptation
The Kodak Instamatic 500 is a 126 format film camera. I don't recall how I acquired this one but I was very curious about the Schneider Kreuznach Xenar 38mm f/2.8 lens. I managed to disassemble the camera and through some iterative design, get an adapter together based on an M-mount. This lens has the shutter mechanism built-in and rather than go deeper into the lens for the time being, I just set the speed to bulb, then jammed it open with a screw (not shown). I also added a little catch so I can control the aperture. I don't have set aperture markings and I probably never will as I only shoot this adapted to digital.
I've had a blast playing with this little optic. While I can't say the lens renders scenes in any particular way that would have me encourage others to get their hands on one, if you happen to have an Instamatic 500, you might enjoy trying this (non-reversible) mod!
Schneider-Kreuznach 75mm f/8 on Fuji GX617 Mod
For the Fuji GX617 camera system, there are only 4 lenses and 90mm is as wide as it gets. Unlike the Horseman, Lindhof, and several other 6x17 format systems, Fuji never went wider and I assume it's largely a limitation of the design of the camera.
I began pondering getting a wider lens on the camera and quickly ran into the realization that unlike the aforementioned systems, the Fuji has a rather large flange distance (though I'm not entirely sure why at this time) with a physical bump out from the body.
I'm not always a think-it-through type of person and on impulse, I picked up a Schneider Kreuznach 75mm f/5.6 Super Angulon and simultaneously began designing a mount. I wasn't exactly sure where to measure the lens' focal distance from as this lens does not appear to have the nodal point marked. So I wasn't certain where exactly everything would fall, once the assembly was complete. Hello iterative design.
Long story short, the rear cell of the 75/5.6 is too large to fit through the narrow opening of the GX617 which is 48mm (the rear cell of the lens is 57mm wide). I even tried removing the rear cell, mounting the lens, then threading the rear cell back onto the lens from inside the camera. Problematically, infinity focus falls in a place where the rear cell collides with the camera mount.
Disappointed, I kind of thought maybe I was just barking up the wrong tree with getting wider on the GX617 system. However, as I kept thinking it over, and considering other 75mm options, it became obvious (almost painfully) that a slower lens with smaller glass could be the answer. Enter the Schneider Kreuznach 75mm f/8 Super Angulon. With a rear cell size of 42mm, it easily clears the baffle. I added a 12-17mm helical in the mix so I could have room to find infinity focus and also get some closer focus should I desire.
It works! The images seen here (of the aircraft scrap yard) were all shot at or around f/22 on Kodak Ektar, with the top image converted to B&W digitally post-scan. Coverage appears to be no issue but there is noticeable vignetting. Schneider recommends the center filter II for the 75mm f/8. In searching, I've also found some of the filters just labeled as direct matches to the '75/8'. Mine did not come with one unfortunately and they can be quite pricey but I did manage to find one for what I think will be a reasonable price (shipping as of writing this).
I do plan to develop this project a little more as I feel a roll cage is needed to complete the look (I'm only half-joking).
