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NONS SL660 – Medium format Instax camera with a built-in frame-filling adapter for 35mm SLR lenses

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We’ve seen a couple of great projects from the folks at NONS over the last couple of years, like the original NONS SL42 in February 2020 followed by the NONS SL42 Mark II in 2021. These cameras shoot the 4:3 aspect 645 medium format Fuji Instax film. Now, NONS has launched their newest camera, the SL660 which takes the slightly larger 6×6 Fuji Instax square film.

Like the previous models, the NONS SL660 features a passive Canon EF mount with no electronic signal for autofocus or aperture control. The mount might seem like an odd choice, but it allows you to easily adapt to M42, Nikon F, Pentax K, CY as well as medium format system lenses through the use of adapters. and as with the previous models, this one’s launching on Kickstarter.

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The NONS SL42 Mark II adds EF mount and actually fills the medium format Instax frame

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The initial launch of the first NONS SL42 was about this time last year. It was an M42 SLR that uses Fuji Instax Mini instant film to let you make instant prints with your interchangeable M42 lenses, and you were actually able to see what the lens sees through the viewfinder so that you know exactly what you were going to get in your shot

Well, there’s a new NONS SL42 Mark II version that’s popped up on Kickstarter. The M42 mount has been replaced by a passive EF mount, letting you mount pretty much whatever you want to it (M42, Nikon F, etc) through the use of adapters. But what’s really interesting is that this one comes with a “NONS Format Extender” (NFE), making your 135 format full-frame lens fill that 62x46mm medium format frame.

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16 years since after its release, Nikon is recalling some F6 35mm SLR bodies

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It’s easy to forget that Nikon still actually has a 35mm film SLR in its current lineup. That camera is the Nikon F6. Released in 2004, it was Nikon’s final flagship in their 35mm SLR lineup, so it’s no surprise that they haven’t quite been able to let it go just yet, despite the fact that their DSLRs are starting to be made obsolete by their new mirrorless releases.

Well, now, Nikon Japan has announced that they’re recalling some of their F6 bodies over excessive levels of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) contained within certain parts of the camera. These levels put it outside of the values set by the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. Don’t worry, though, it only affects 152 F6 units.

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The NONS SL42 is the world’s first M42 mount instant film SLR camera

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I’ve always loved the concept of instant film like Polaroids or Fuji Instax, but never it’s really interested me enough to buy into it. But then I discovered the NONS SL42, which might finally win me over. It’s an M42 mount SLR that uses Fuji Instax Mini instant film to let you create instant prints with real lenses. It’s currently funding through Kickstarter, and it’s an intriguing looking bit of kit.

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The Reflex is the first new 35mm manual SLR in 25 years, and it’s modular

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The renewed interest in film lately is fantastic for those who have an affinity for film. It means that the films and products we love will continue to live a while longer. Well, as long as they’re not made by Fuji. It’s resurrected old film, brought a few new ones, as well as the occasional product mixing the old tech with the new.

Now, though, the first newly designed 35mm fully manual SLR in 25 years is coming. It’s called Reflex, it’s completely modular, and supports 5 different lens mounts. It’s being funded through Kickstarter, and it’s almost hit its goal already after only one day.

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This neat animation shows how a Single Lens Reflex camera works

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Ilford Photo have been popping out some new videos lately. Amongst them is this cool little animation that shows, in simple terms, how a 35mm film SLR works. The 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera was a revolutionary development for photography. It was the ultimate compromise of quality and portability. But most importantly, it allowed the photographer to see through the lens of the camera and know exactly how the image would be captured on film.

Up until this point, most small portable cameras had separate viewfinders. They gave you a rough idea, and sometimes they were close, but never perfect. These days, much of the world has shifted entirely to digital. Although many still shoot film alongside digital. While the recording medium may have changed, the principle still remains the same.

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What an SLR being cut in half by a 60,000psi water jet looks like

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Destruction is always entertaining, but sometimes it’s useful, too. It can show us how things work on the inside. Cutting cameras and lenses in half is commonplace for manufacturers. You see them at all the shows in glass display cases. Cameras cut in half so the curious public can see exactly what is contained within these magic boxes.

The Waterjet Channel make a habit of cutting things in half. Using a 60,000psi water jet, they’ve sliced everything from padlocks to pumpkins. This time, they’ve taken a Canon Elan 7e 35mm SLR along with 28-90mm f/4-5.6 USM lens and subjected it to their powerful water jet. I really don’t know what’s cooler or geekier; The insides of the camera, or the amazing power of simple water.

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The Evolution of Cameras and Portraits in 11 Images

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We’ve all seen photos from the early days of photography, and we all know how far imaging technology has come over the years, but how did we go from long-exposure self-portraits to instant selfies?

In this video we are taken on a historical journey with COOPH photographer Leo Rosas through the evolution of cameras and portraits.

Using one model and a whole lot of Photoshop, Leo recreated eleven essential milestones in photographic history.

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A Journey Through The History of Photography in Kodak’s Technology Vault

From a complicated, time-consuming and expensive process to the simple press of a button, photography has come a very long way since the first cameras came along in the early 1800’s.

The vast majority of this fascinating evolution can be seen in this video where Chris Marquardt went on a private tour of Kodak’s technology vault.

Think you’ve got an impressive camera collection? Wait until you see this 8,500-strong collection of almost every significant camera invented in the last 200 years.

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