How to Build Your ObscuraFlex™ Kit

Confused about where to start? The explanation below should help familiarize you with the various modules required to start shooting stunning vintage style photographs. 

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    What is ObscuraFlex?

    Many older cameras simply do not have film available, ObscurFlex™ was created to step into that void. Large format cameras use sheet film, ObscuraFlex™ makes the process of shooting it easier. Either way, ObscuraFlex™ will change the way you think about vintage cameras.

    From the historical term "CAMERA OBSCURA" the names incorporates the FLEXIBILITY, POWER, and CONVENIENCE of the modern smartphone into large format vintage photography. 

    ObscuraFlex™ is an adapter system that lets you shoot digital stills or video with your smartphone using your vintage, large-format, or Polaroid camera. Or if you're shooting 4x5 film, it can replace the traditional composition and focusing method using a cloak, ground glass, and magnifying loupe. 

    Using custom designed hardware I manufacture to order, and my proprietary hand assembled focusing screen, your phone captures the image projected from the lens exactly the way a sheet of film would see it, with all its optical characteristics retained. 

    The ObscuraFlex™ system consists of three basic elements: 

    Camera Adapter Body 

    Designed specifically for each vintage camera style, the is the core of the ObscuraFlex™ kit. 

    The ObscurFlex™ adapter body is the "camera obscura" or in English, the "dark chamber" where the magic happens.

    Made to order from solid Nylon with a textured finish, parts are made using high-end rapid prototyping technology, not consumer level 3D printing like many DIY camera adapters.

    Twist-Lock Phone Cradle

    If you have a smartphone on our ever expanding list of supported phones you will need a Twist-Lock Phone Cradle to match.

    This will twist-lock into place in the adapter and if held securely in place with a locking screw.

    If your phone is not currently supported, read this FAQ to test for general compatibility before attempting any DIY solution.

    ObscuraFlex™ Focusing Screen

    The "secret sauce" at the heart of ObscuraFlex™.

    A proprietary hand crafted focusing screen that harnesses the image projected by your vintage camera's lens and allows it be photographed by your phone. Depending on which camera system you are building a kit for, you may have a choice of opacity strengths to choose from.

    * Traditional 4x5 film photographers may choose to simply use their existing ground glass or fresnel screen. This method is less suited to digital image capture (because of the grainy structure and extreme vignette) but may provide more exact focus preview.

    Other Accessories

    I have created a few accessories to complete your perfect kit.

    Shutter Locks - your lens must remain open while using any ObscuraFlex™ adapter. 

    • Polaroid Land Cameras have no built-in system for holding the shutter open. We have created a cap that fits snugly over the shutter button to solve this. In my testing, most shutter buttons work, although results may vary with older or poorly maintained cameras. 
    • Polaroid 600SE has a built-in shutter trigger that pulls a shutter release cable. My simple solution... a Velcro® style fabric strip that holds the trigger down. 

    Light Meter Cover - for Automatic Polaroid Land Cameras only.

    • Polaroid Land Camera's auto exposure system is controlled by the amount of light it's "electronic eye" sees. We created a simple light-proof cover to maximize time the shutter stays open.