Chroma has launched their new 679 modular medium format camera

You might remember Chroma from a couple of years ago when they launched the Chroma 4×5 large format camera through Kickstarter. It’s since grown into a family that includes a 4×5 handheld camera and now the new 679 modular medium format camera. It’s designed to allow photographers to shoot medium format film using a camera tailored to their own needs.

Although it’s a completely new design, the Chroma 679 inherits a number of features from its large-format siblings, including a removable lens board and a pinhole lens board. The main body of the camera is 3D printed, available in any depth you wish to account for flange distance and it’s available with four different film back mounting options.

Each of the components Chroma 679 have a set price, regardless of the mount or depth to account for different flange distances. There are four main components in all for the main system. There are five items listed here, but you only need one of either the Helicoid or Plain lens board. You don’t need both. Although there’s nothing stopping you from getting both if you wish.

• Helicoid front body/plate – £45
• Plain lens board – £25 / Pinhole £30
• Mid-body – £40
• Film back – £40
• Ground glass back – £30

A number of optional accessories are also available…

• Full Grip (Wood) – £45
• Full Grip (Black) £35
• Cold shoe plate – £15
• Basic tripod mount – £15

For attaching your film, there are four different film back mounting options available, including the Kiev88, Mamiya Press, Mamiya RB Pro S and Hasselblad V series (the early version that allows you to wind film without being attached to a Hasselblad body). There’s also a plain ground glass for critical focusing that you can then swap out for the film back once you’ve got your focus perfect (a lot like shooting large format). Without that, you’re pretty much going to be zone-focusing, as there’s no TTL viewfinder.

It’s an interesting looking system for medium format film shooters, and it’s not that expensive. Modular systems are great. If you need to swap things out, you don’t have to buy a whole new camera, just the bits you need. You will, however, also need to supply a lens, film back, tripod and cable release yourself, as those are not included with the camera.

You can find out more on the Chroma Camera website.

[via Kosmo Foto]