The Ultimate Medium Format Platform
the vz-6617
The VZ-6617 was created to allow total freedom of framing and composition for medium format film photography. Historically, medium format camera platforms were designed around specific frame sizes - 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 6x17. This physical limitation leaves no room to adapt or experiment as your subject, location, or composition changes.
The Variable Zone Film Gate mechanism of the VZ-6617 not only allows you to change frame sizes within a single camera body, but it gives you the freedom to do so within the same roll of film. Frame masks are a known solution to achieving multiple frame sizes in other cameras, but this is often restricted to fixed number of sizes and adjustment only before or after a roll of film is exposed. The ability to adjust your frame size in-camera and mid-roll not only allows you to capture an images with the framing your creativity demands, but it makes the most efficient use of your film by allowing these multiple frame sizes on a single roll. Go from 6x6 to 6x17 and anywhere in between.
LEVERAGING THE LARGE FORMAT LENS STANDARD
The VZ-6617 is designed to use tried and tested large format view camera lenses. These lenses offer a wide range of focal lengths and price points to help you create the right camera for your creative vision. Lens cones designed to adapt specific lenses to the camera body and are interchangeable in the field with a magnetically sealed dark slide mechanism. Not only can you adjust frame size mid-roll, but the lens as well.
MODERN PRODUCTION METHODS
To keep the VZ-6617 affordable, adaptable, and continuously evolving, we take advantage of all that 3D printing production technology has to offer. This process has produced development prototypes that have not only been robust, but lightweight as well. It also allows us to create our cameras on demand and with little material waste, as well as offer the flexibility to produce a wide range of lens cone options to work with your lens of choice.
While a majority of the camera’s components are 3D printed plastic, select materials and components are used in key areas for strength, reliability, and performance. Steel reinforcement pins are used throughout the film advance and release mechanisms for reliable and smooth performance. Sealed ball bearings are used in rotating mechanisms for precision and the right tactile feel. This approach has been refined and validated through many preliminary prototypes leading to our production design.
DESIGNED TO KEEP PERFORMING
We’ve designed the VZ-6617 to be modular not only for efficient production and assembly, but also to allow you to easily repair and adapt the camera as needed. Repair and re-assembly of the camera’s core components can be done without specialized tools - a single screwdriver is all that is needed for every fastener in the design. We want your ability to capture moments to be free from costly or lengthy repairs. While launch will focus on selling full cameras, we will offer individual repair components and detailed guides in the near future to keep you going.
SPECIFICATIONS
Format
120 medium format roll film
Frame Size
6x6 to 6x17 in stepless increments (Variable Zone Film Gate™)
Dimensions
290mm W x 120mm H x 70mm D (body only)
Weight
925g (body only)
1850g (with Fujinon-SW 90mm f/8 lens)
Lens Compatibility
Most standard large format view camera lenses with integrated shutters (4x5 compatible or larger)
Field-tested lenses:
Fuji Fujinon-SW 90mm f/8
Schneider Kreuznach Super Angulon 90mm f/8
Schneider Kreuznach Super Angulon 75mm f/5.6
Schneider Kreuznach Symmar 135mm f/5.6
Schneider Kreuznach Symmar 150mm f/5.6
Nikon Nikkor-SW 65mm f/4
More compatible options available
Focus & Exposure
Lens cone-mounted focusing helicoid (0.7m to infinity)
Lens-integrated shutter exposure controls
Additional Features
Interchangeable lenses/cones with dark slide
Quick-release film spool holders
Multiple-series film backing frame counter windows
Protective lens cage/accessory mount with bubble level
Support for optical viewfinder or third-party viewfinder app
Magnetically detachable cable release
100mm x 150mm rectangular filter holder
Film advance lever
Horizontal bubble level
3X cold shoe mounts
1/4-20 tripod thread
2X strap lugs
