Large format cameras seem to be popping up all over the place at the moment, particularly on crowdfunding sites. The ONDU Eikan (buy here) seems to be a little bit different, though. As well as being available in the standard 4×5 large format sheet film, it also comes in a 4×10 panoramic variety. It’s currently running on Kickstarter, where it’s already more than doubled its goal.
The Eikan’s creator, Elvis Halilović – shown above with the 4×10 panoramic version of the camera – says that it’s been in the making for ten years. But he says he wasn’t ready to bring this particular one to market until he felt he had something new to offer. Now, he feels that he does with the ONDU Eikan’s modular design.
ONDU Eikan – Modular Design
Elvis sees the ONDU Eikan as “the perfect gateway to large format”. Its modular design allows the camera to grow and adapt with you as a photographer. You’re able to make enhancements and adapt it as your needs and experience develop. But, it’s also a good camera for large format aficionados who are looking for a more lightweight setup.
The Eikan is available in three different packages, although each is able to be converted into the others. All you need to do is swap out a few pieces, reposition some screws, and you’re good to go. Although, regular transformation isn’t easy, as you really want to do it in controlled conditions. It’s not exactly something you can do easily in the field.
Three different configurations
The first option is the ONDU Eikan 4×5″ Standard. This is the lightest version of the camera, weighing only 1,500g. Elvis says it’s a breeze to set up and should be good for most large format needs. It features a rigid rear and movable front standard. It has a foldable bellows design for compact transport and should easily fit in a backpack. The bellows have a range of 32cm, with rear and front zeroing mechanisms to ensure quick and effortless setup on location.
The ONDU Eikan 4×5″ Range is essentially the same as the Standard above, except with longer bellows. This one goes up an extra 10cm, topping out at 42cm, allowing for closer focusing. This makes it ideal for products or other subjects where closer focusing may be required. It only weighs slightly more than the standard, bringing up the weight from 1,500g to 1,600g.
Finally – and this is where it starts to get exciting – there’s the ONDU Eikan 4×10″ Panoramikku. As the name might suggest, this is the panoramic camera, which shoots very large 4×10″ panoramic images. It has a unique bellows design that’s purpose-built for the extra wide 2.5:1 panoramic format. The weight’s starting to creep up a little on this one, weighing 1,970g.
Common features
As it’s a modular camera, with all three configurations based on the same basic set of hardware, there are common features between them. The Eikan ecosystem uses standard Linhof boards for lenses, and all three configurations can be folded up for easy storage and transport. They’re compatible with standard sheet film holders and feature permanent magnets to ensure secure attachment of the bellows and back. They’re also compatible with Lomograflok and other Graflok backs.
The cameras are made from anodised aluminium and walnut wood components for durability and a clean design. There are front zeroing locks to ensure that the front standard doesn’t move, with zero indication at the bottom of the front standard to reset it back when you’ve moved it. Precise focusing is possible thanks to micro linear rails. When it comes to movements, you’ve got a good range. Here’s the complete list
- Max Front Rise/Fall: 42mm/40mm
- Max Front Shift: 20mm
- Max Front Swing: +/- 45º
- Rear Tilt: +/- 20º
- Max Front Tilt: +/- 45º
This amount of movement should offer a lot of adjustment for perspective correction and focus plane adjustment. This is one of the biggest advantages of large-format cameras – other than the detail and shallow depth of field – so it’s nice to see this level of movement in the ONDU Eikan.
Price and Availability
All three ONDU Eikan configurations are available on the Kickstarter campaign. The Standard is $780, the Range is $950 and the 4×10 Panoramikku is $1,400. You’re able to add modules for other configurations after pledging to let you swap out from one configuration to another.
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