Zuoyao Chen and his partner are both large-format camera enthusiasts from China, now living in Tokyo, Japan. The pair, who particularly enjoy landscape and portrait photography, found that existing large-format camera solutions were lacking in some key areas, so like many enthusiasts, they began custom-building a camera – And now one of these will be available to everyone. smartflex camera,
launching in the beginning kickThe SmartFlex camera is designed to attract newcomers to large-format analog photography and is 3D-printed to keep size, weight, and cost down.
The development process began earlier this year, with the initial prototype SmartFlex camera built around a Pentax 6×7 SMC 165mm f/2.8 lens. However, the lens proved problematic during testing, forcing the photographers to go back to the drawing board. With a little frustration to work with, they decided to take the big step up on the SmartFlex and develop a brand new lens to go with the camera, making it an even more attractive option for beginners. After a bit of experimentation, he decided on the 178m f/2.5 lens, which is a 50mm equivalent standard lens that is ideal for a wide range of photographic scenarios.
“You can see that every aspect of our design is purposeful and interconnected, with no unnecessary elements. We made full use of all the leverage we had,” Chen writes on Kickstarter.
SmartFlex is also extremely versatile. This isn’t just a large format film camera; It also works with a newly engineered DOF attachment that allows users to connect their smartphone to the camera and capture images (and even Video). In addition, the camera can also shoot Fujifilm Instax Wide Format film directly.
“This is the machine we envisioned – an integration of lightweight design, integration with new technologies, exceptional platform design, excellent imaging performance and refined aesthetics,” explains Chen.
The SmartFlex 4×4 camera incorporates high-quality 3D printed parts, carbon-fiber panels, and a CNC-machined aluminum focal plane. The SmartFlex weighs just 2,150 grams (4.7 pounds), which is light by large format camera standards. The camera also works with flash, albeit at 1/15s shutter speed.
Pricing and Availability
Although not terribly expensive by large-format photography standards, the SmartFlex isn’t cheap – designing and engineering a camera from scratch is no easy task. For Kickstarter backers, the camera and lens are available in a bundle for $2,900, and the price will increase to $3,400 after the campaign. The pair noted that the primary purpose of the Kickstarter campaign is to gauge interest and evaluate the market, as they have already funded early production.
So far, there’s been a lot of interest, with the campaign breaking its $30,489 goal by nearly $130,000 with 26 days remaining. Full support details are Available on KickstarterSmartFlex is expected to reach backers in March 2025. There are also additional details and latest updates Available on Instagram,
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Image Credit: smartflex
