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07-19-2010, 11:27 AM   #31
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I have to agree, the idea of adding digital capture to my MX, Super Program, an LX or even a Spottie is very appealing. The E-film from 2001 looked appealing, except for the crop factor. Maybe an APS-C or FF E-film? Anyone?

And why does the digital portion need to know exactly when the shutter is opening or closing? Film doesn't.

Probably a battery life or sensor life issue, in which case, maybe have it react to the mirror slap? Or give it a crank with the rewind handle to wake it up?

07-19-2010, 12:20 PM   #32
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QuoteOriginally posted by unixrevolution Quote
...And why does the digital portion need to know exactly when the shutter is opening or closing? Film doesn't.
Ummm...film sort of does. On most 35mm cameras, the shutter will not fire until the film has been advanced.

There is a complex series of events that happen with a digital camera's electronics when an exposure occurs. Assuming that the sensor is "hot on", the shutter open part is not an issue unless you are using live-view. The problem comes after the shutter closes. The sensor "state" must be captured to a temporary memory buffer for image processing and the sensor re-initialized for the next exposure. On legacy film cameras, there is no wire or connection to provide the information on when this should be done. Medium format digital backs have proprietary contacts to communicate with the camera or do so using a cable to the PC flash sync (perhaps a good solution here) or tapping via cable into existing data connections on the camera body.

Oh...and one other issue regarding a digital back adapter for 35mm film cameras. There is little standardization, even within a brand or camera series, on the size and shape of these backs. Remember, they must fit perfectly to be light-tight. Any digital solution would have to be a kit that cannibalizes an existing back.


Steve
07-19-2010, 12:46 PM   #33
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QuoteOriginally posted by RioRico Quote
Fascinating project. Wish them well. But I recall proposals and predictions of the last couple decades re: opensource / modular automotive units. In theory, a customer could design their own vehicle via menu: select a chassis, drivetrain, body, features etc, and the car is robot-built to your specifications, complete with performance parms etc. The manufactury would be completely generic, just plugging together the components you want from various sources. Somehow, carmakers didn't care much for this idea. And don't even mention modular homes...

Similarly, camera foundries won't rush to build generic modular photo parts. Yeah, a generic chassis that can take any desired sensor, screen, control module, etc would be great. But whose bottom line would be affected? Whose oxen would be gored? Whose technologies would have to be licensed to make this commercially viable? There's a major problem just with licensing and making a good set of lens mounts. A good modular system would accommodate all new and legacy lenses, just as PCs must handle bookoo legacy warez. This is a non-trivial exercise.
Take a look at the RED One system. They've done exactly what you are describing. It's very expensive compared to current dSLRs.
07-19-2010, 12:55 PM   #34
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QuoteOriginally posted by alohadave Quote
Take a look at the RED One system. They've done exactly what you are describing. It's very expensive compared to current dSLRs.
I thought RED made high-end digital video cameras? They do have single capture mode, but the cameras are both heavy and bulky.


Steve

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