Came across this in an email and didn't see any topics about it. There's a kickstarter right now for basically a digital back for 35mm film. There is specifically a Leica M kit, so for the price of film m body and this kit you could make your own digital M-D body although it's currently only apsc sensor size available.
Nice. The 26MP sensor is the same one Fuji used for years and Sony put in the a6700 at launch, so it's a good, tried and true APSC sensor. And they seem priced right for it.
One question: Why is the Leica M different from the roll version they've produced for the other 135 format cameras? They all use the same film roll loaded in roughly the same way.
Next question: Is there a cover for the sensor while you're charging the battery or offloading photos?
I'm not dismissing it, and I can see the appeal of using film cameras for easy digital output, but isn't the film aesthetic exactly what draws photographers to this medium in the first place, despite all the inconvenience?
I have the same question as @freaklikeme . Why does the Leica M require a completely different module? Maybe I missed the explanation, but for example, if you were using a Leica M3 with this, wouldn't something need to be removed from the camera first to accommodate it?
They say they're saving film by doing this, but isn't it actually the opposite?
If I remember correctly when this idea first popped up a few years they were using a Nikon F because it had a removable back and the digital film adapter looked like the Speed Magy Polaroid back from the 1960’s. They don’t seem to be any closer to an actual product than they were then.
If you have a film camera, use film. There are plenty of options.
If they can connect the physical shutter mechanism to the back, it would be a great way to swap out the haptics side of the experience with whatever film bodies.
But their warranty section is sketch so probably won't get this.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm not dismissing it, and I can see the appeal of using film cameras for easy digital output, but isn't the film aesthetic exactly what draws photographers to this medium in the first place, despite all the inconvenience?
I have the same question as @freaklikeme@ . Why does the Leica M require a completely different module? Maybe I missed the explanation, but for example, if you were using a Leica M3 with this, wouldn't something need to be removed from the camera first to accommodate it?
They say they're saving film by doing this, but isn't it actually the opposite?
It's a fun gadget, but, as a mostly social film shooter who is otherwise dedicated to digital, I have a hard time paying to make the X-570 a digital camera. Maybe if you were a dedicated film shooter and only needed digital occasionally?
The positive side here is that such kickstarter uses finally a bigger digital sensor with APS-C compared to the very small sensor sizes initially applied for similar solutions in the past. I would be thrilled though if they made it with a full frame sensor which would really accommodate the 35 mm frame format. I can see the appeal here that a traditional analog camera can be used to take digital photos - pretty much having the analog feel to it when taking photos but allowing to post process photos digitally. IMO not a bad idea!
If anyone wants an APS-C Leica they can just get an M8.
Also...
"To capture an image, you first need to advance the camera, moving the film lever and arming the shutter mechanism.
Then, using our remote control, you click, synchronize and trigger the photo, just like in the old days.
This way it preserves the rhythm and experience of shooting film – including missing a shot now and then – while recording everything digitally."
Erm no it does not preserver any rhythm as I now have to use a piddly remote control to "synchronise the activation of the sensor with the shutter". I might as well use the 4x5 at this stage.
Also, also: "For the first time, it will also be possible to use the system with underwater cameras such as Nikonos and other similar models.". Yes, because obvioulsly when I'm in the water I will definitely not loose that little remote and bluetooth will definitely work in the water. The funny thing is that the Nikonos is probably the only camera that could benefit with something like this, purely because there is nothing in the digital world like it.
Nice concept though, naybe if they keep working at it then they can have a FF sensor with auto shutter sync etc so then it becomes an actual viable solution. I don't see what the battery life is on it either, my guess is a few dozen shots?
one of the key things about using this product is that you need to be able to remove the back film pressure plate.. to make room for the thickness of the sensor stuff... i suppose for the Leica M it's not trivial to remove or there isn't enough room/clearance for the sensor even after removing it?
Well done I’m back for persevering with this. It is heading towards an interesting concept, but not there yet for me.
The clunky glued on bluetooth switch thing makes it a non starter for me. I understand this is used to activate the sensor. I think the logical next design step is an internal trigger switch that would be activated by the rotating take-up spool or sprockets. That way you could activate the sensor by using the advance lever. This would make the sensor active for a few seconds so you can the trip the shutter. Maybe have a red LED on the inserted back module that stays lit while the sensor is active.
I like how they made a dedicated design for the Leica M cameras. These cameras are well suited to the concept because of the removable flap covering the film gate.
The final requirement for me would be a full frame sensor (or perhaps a small fraction smaller to help it fit). It is no good using viewing optics and lenses designed for 35mm frame and only having a cropped sensor. A sensor around 12 Mp would be perfect.
andrewd01 wrote:
Well done I’m back for persevering with this. It is heading towards an interesting concept, but not there yet for me.
The clunky glued on bluetooth switch thing makes it a non starter for me.
Watching the video, it actually looks pretty easy. Removing the back cover and installing the supplied one with the sensor doesn't seem complicated, and it's reversible if you want to switch from digital back to film. But the requirement to connect via bluetooth before every shot is a real turnoff. Even if it doesn't have to stay attached to the camera, it still adds an extra step every time you want to take a photo.
There's also the question of sensor alignment tolerances, which could be a concern. I hope it works out, but they have already said a full frame sensor won't be available going forward.
I think this will be more enticing for those who don't shoot film exclusively and want the option to go digital with their film camera. For those of us who already own both film and digital bodies, it's a tougher sell.
As a user of some old film cameras where cocking the shutter is a separate step from advancing the film, I don't find the extra step of pushing the bluetooth button a big deal. But it would be great if someone who has shown serious testing skills with photographic equipment could test one to see if there are issues with sensor alignment etc.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I think this will be more enticing for those who don't shoot film exclusively and want the option to go digital with their film camera. For those of us who already own both film and digital bodies, it's a tougher sell.
That was my thinking until I saw the video you posted will all the problems they faced in installing the last generation. Now I'm thinking, as much as I'd have to change my film camera to make it work, I'd still need a second film camera if I still wanted to shoot film. It's not going to be much good with film if the pressure plate's gone.
