yuri_sopko Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 <p>I have a camera project in mind and I have been looking for a cheap, fixed focal length, digital. However, the only ones that fit this category are too cheap, like those $20-$40 things I see at WalMart, etc. I know that the cameras with the telescoping zooms usually have sensors installed which will detect/make sure that the lens is OK. ALso, my past experience with those is that the armature for that zoom lens is integreal to the overall structure of the camera. Not modular at all.</p><p>Today, I did notice the zoom types where the zoom is internal. As in it slides up/down and it's basically a periscope type deal. This might work as there might not have been any expectation of obstruction to the zoom assembly and if I remove it, it might work.</p><p>Anyone have any other suggestions? Looking for under $200.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_ballard Posted January 3, 2014 Share Posted January 3, 2014 It's unclear if you want a fixed lens, or no lens, but you might consider a used early model 4/3 or micro4/3 camera. You should be able to find one under $200. Many adapters are available for various types of vintage lenses. If you're looking to take something apart to build your own lens, you could take apart a $20 adapter and still leave the camera intact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bebu_lamar Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 <p>I think you want a camera without a lens to attach your own optics. But if you look for an old DSLR which isn't expensive and would do what you want I think.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_allebaugh Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 <p>NEX bodies (I'm familiar with 5N and 6) have a setting to expose without a lens attached, making MF lenses useable as well as dumb adapters. Older models will certainly hit sub-200 prices. Go to Sony's support site and download user manuals to verify whether the setting is available for that model. </p> <p>The setup menu setting category is "Release w/o lens", and Enable or Disable are your setting choices, with Enable signaling MF/dumb/no electrical contacts.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcuknz Posted January 4, 2014 Share Posted January 4, 2014 <p>BeBu ... I read him as wanting a lens to fix to his own body... I bawked at Ben's suggestion of an adaptor and then realised one might be able to use one ... never tried myself.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuri_sopko Posted January 6, 2014 Author Share Posted January 6, 2014 I have a NEX, which is by far the best camera to adapt lenses too. But, the lens I'm trying to use is 42/.75 and it has a real short back focal length. Also, the rest of the lens is just huge in comparison to the rear element and I can't get it into the camera body any more.<br><br> I might buy another NEX body and remove the filter block and then find a way to being the shutter closer to the sensor. Another option is to use a logitech C910 webcam as they have a native 5MP sensor that will work in Linux. Then maybe find a tablet but that's just so huge. I was hoping for a simple camera with a fixed lens and rolling shutter to capture the image so I can have the lens as close to the sensor as possible.<br><br> BTW (shameless plug): www.georgesopko.com has all my lens projects, etc. This will give you an idea of what I like to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_allebaugh Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 <p>What is the register distance spec for your 42mm vs the 18mm E-mount of NEX? Would you be able to use an extension tube or cut open a NEX body cap to make an attachment for your lens? I'll check out your link.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuri_sopko Posted January 6, 2014 Author Share Posted January 6, 2014 <p>The BFL on this lens is about 6mm. Most of these older, X-Ray or image intensifier tube lenses are designed to be as close to the imaging tube as possible. That's the only way they are really that fast and as you get farther away it costs more and more and more.</p> <p>Any ways, I found a decent deal on eBay for a NEX-3 w/lens. I have an idea how I'll mod it: 1) remove the AA and IR filter, 2) relocate the sensor and shutter to be outside the body, 3) machine a housing for it all. Probably have it mount into the existing E-mount bayonet and have the ribbon cables extended outside the current image sensor opening.</p> <p>I'm familiar with the NEX-3 as I own one and I have already tinkered with it, it is error'd out, and I'll do the mock-ups with that one first.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastianmoran Posted January 6, 2014 Share Posted January 6, 2014 <p>Yuri, I have experimented with these lenses (espec the Rodenstock Heligons) also stimulated by Rorslett's "Need for Speed" article.</p> <p>I thought I could mount one as a portrait lens on my Nex 5N, but this didn't work with most of the lenses. The 100mm is the only one with enough back focal length to work. All the others are closeup or macro lenses on this body. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuri_sopko Posted January 7, 2014 Author Share Posted January 7, 2014 Sebastian, we have the same "mentor"! Any ways, I have a Kowa 33.5/.95 that I can use a close in portrait lens. Took some machining of the lens but it works. The 42/.75 is The same as well. I have a few feet of working space. I really want to be able to use these lenses for their maximum. So, I'm on a quest, and it'll be another attempt at a NEX body modification. <br><br> My very first attempt with a NEX ended with me loosening a spring on the shutter mechanism and that assembly exploded. I bought a spare shutter but it was junk. Just bought another NEX 3 body so I can use the one I already worked on and was mocking some stuff up last night. If I remove the dust- cleaning frame and the AA/IR filter block, machine down a stamped flange on the shutter assembly, I can have the sensor right on top of the shutter. I should be within the BFL. BTW: www.georgesopko.com is my blog and I have most of my lens adventures detailed in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now