How to Build Your ObscuraFlex™ Kit

Confused about where to start? Not sure what the benefits of a smartphone viewfinder are? The explanation below should help familiarize you with the various modules required to start shooting the ObscuraFlex way. 

    Back to FAQS

    What is ObscuraFlex?

    ObscuraFlex™ is a viewfinder adapter system that lets you harness the power of your smartphone when shooting with large-format cameras.

    For Film Photographers

    ObscuraFlex replaces the traditional composition and focusing method of using a dark cloth and magnifying loupe. Think of it as a more flexible and powerful replacement for the Polaroid test shot.

    For Digital Photographers

    Use the system to shoot digital stills or video with an expanding range of vintage large-format cameras that might otherwise be gathering dust. Capturing (not imitating) the look and feel of vintage photography.

    For Everyone

    Whether you want to shoot film or digital, ObscuraFlex can make large-format photography easier and cheaper. As a smart viewfinder when shooting film or digital the system can provide a right-side-up image to aid in composition, a higher level of focusing accuracy, and digital record keeping to help reduce wasted exposures. It can also be used to shoot endless digital images... when you've run out of film, or when you just want to shoot for fun. Either way, it will change the way you think about working (or playing) with your vintage camera.

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

    With custom designed hardware manufactured to order, and cutting edge focusing screen technology, your phone captures the image projected from the lens exactly the way a sheet of film will see it, with all its optical characteristics retained. 

    For Polaroid Land Camera Lovers

    For these cameras which simply do not have film available today, ObscuraFlex has stepped in to allow Polaroid lovers to continue shooting with their prized vintage Land Cameras.

    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 is 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™.

    Our proprietary hand crafted focusing screens harness the image projected by your vintage camera's lens and allow it be photographed by your phone. This screen technology is constantly being refined, researched and improved.

    * Film photographers shooting 4x5 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 traditional focusing preview at a reduced startup cost.

    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. I have created a simple light-proof cover to maximize time the shutter stays open.