New large format camera - ONDU EIKAN 4x5" 

Once I don't see a reason why a 6x17 module would be out of the question. As always I keep list of suggestions from people like you and if they seem viable to produce I slowly expand my product range. So thank you for the suggestion

the most difficult part will be design and manufacture the filmholder. Shen Hao is producing them for their own 6x17 but they are about 900€ each…

Than you, well I come from being a pinhole maker to now making large format cameras so I'm used to niches:) My only wish is to make something that will be a pleasure to use and yield excellent results for the user. Thank you for the positive feedback!

@@ONDUCameras Well I hope one day you think about building a 6x17. 4x10 is very cool too. I do love a panoramic camera.

Hi Davd, tank you for being my supporter over the years, I'm always so happy when people like you come back and order more of my work. And after that take the time to comment that you appreciate the effort that goes into creating these cameras. It means so much to me, as you probably know ONDU is mostly run by one guy, with the exception when I have the camera production months of the year.

I had some inquieries for a dedicated 5x7 camera so far as well as a module to fit the 4x5 but that would need some more front components which I don't think would work so well. I have a 8x10 in the works with the same concept so a camera in between the two shouldn't be a problem.

@@ONDUCameras In my opinion a 5x7 or 10x8 needs to have rear swing otherwise it is limited in the same way as the Intrepid.

@@paulgough4302 this is very easily achievable with the modular aspect of the camera, and I plan on introducing cameras with separate rear movements as well down the line.

Thank you for the kind words, I'll do my best to get it all out in a timely manner. As for holders and so on, there will definetly be plate holders available, as for film I haven't yet tried to make that in te 8x10 format but I suppose with 3d printing it would be doable by all means. Thanks again!

Might happen in the future, as it seems it's something that's quite in interest. Thank you for the suggestion.

Thank you Tereza!

Thank you for the kind words, but I do have to point out that there are some 3d printed components. Although I am looking into minimizing those as well down the line when we start producing the cameras. But the gist of it is still handmade.

Thank you for the kind comment about my work. As for the paragliding spot, it just looks like the lines are close, they are in fact going slightly in the opposite direction then the trajectory of the launch. It's one of the most commonly visited launch sites in that area and so far nobody got in the lines. We even sometimes top land when conditions permit it :) ( although I agree it would be better to have a site without any, but so far no alternative exist, the higher spots also have a ski slope with cable cars crossing the take off )

Indeed the bellows are easily interchangeable :)

Thank you for the kind words and comment. Unfortunately it wouldn't be financially feasible to sell it at that price point, similar quality cameras liked this go for 1500 USD and these are Chinese made. I make everything in our workshop in Slovenia and manufacture components in the same valley, anaodizing is done in the same place etc. Just to explain a bit the reasoning behind the pricing.

​@@ONDUCamerasSuggesting Chinese-made for inferior quality is uncalled for. Just like there's no proof for Slovenian products to be more worthy.

@@mikechen121 sorry didn't mean to be disrespectful and say they are inferior quality they are actually made very good. I was just highlighting the fact that they are made there where wages are much lower on average than in the EU and labor parts and everything else is cheaper obviously, but still the price is much higher. I am a proponent of locally made products with smaller companies which I run as well. If I outsourced the Eikan Camera to China I'm sure we could get the same quality for less money but that's not where my morals stand. As for ONDU quality the past 10 years of our work speaks itself and numerous reviews and accounts of my work attest to that.

While $700 dollars isn’t cheap, in the world of hand-built view cameras it’s an absolute steal. Even the cheapest analagous camera would be the Shen Hao at 1600dollars. I’m pretty certain you’ll never again find a NEW hand-made, custom designed camera again at $700. While I’m sure it’s not your intention, suggesting that it should be half that price is a little demeaning.

​@@mikechen121he didn't say that at all though.

I shoot with a Chamonix 45F2, lens selection will depend on what you plan to shoot, the most common or most practical lens for a 4x5 beginner will be a 150mm lens, it is the equivalent of a 50mm in the 35mm format, the lens gets mounted to a board and the board to your camera body via just 4 hinges, super simple and easy.

Eseentially what @marklinman1 said in the coment bellow. I use a 180mm lens most often on my shoots. But also reach for a 90 here and ther as well as a 240 for instance. Best choice would be to start with a not so wide or telephoto one and start to get a feel for what you like.

They are being produced as we speak, expected availability for non Kickstarter backers in Late March. We first need to fulfill duties for our Kickstarter backers :) After that they should be generosly stocked going forward. Also there's a short update on RU-vid if you go to the Chanel and look for the latest video. Thank you for taking the time to comment and your interest in my work.

Hi the 4x10 back was suggested when I was doing surveys mostly by wet plate photographers. I know 4*10 film is rare and usually Ilford makes it available once per year when they make custom orders, some photographers make their own by cutting a 8*10 sheet I half etc. But hearing from you and likely minded people I should think about the 6*17 version as well. It's completely doable thanks to the modular back of the camera. Another options are 4x5 backs with the 6x17 roll film holders. To be honest I haven't tried that yet, since I Also make 6x17 pinhole cameras shoot that when I get the itch. :)

@@ONDUCameras I do have a 4x5 with the 6x17 roll film back but it pushes the plane back and because of this you have limited lenses you're able to use as vignetting starts to become an issue. I imagine this wouldn't be a problem with your kit if it had a dedicated 6x17 back. I would be very interested if this was an option. Thanks again.

@@randomgrenad346 that's a good observation and I will definitely look into it. Thank you

@@ONDUCameras i've had a shen hao 4x5 plus roll film back for years, i get by but would prefer their dedicated 6x17 for reasons mentioned, i'm in no rush and will see where you go

There will be a preorder page set up by the end of the month for the late comers on my website. Thank you.

@@ONDUCameraswhen will the cameras be available. It is very beautifully handcrafted.

@@samameen6941 shipping latest pre orders in about 2-4 weeks depending on parts finalization. Please check my Instagram ondu cameras for more frequent updated

The Eikan is a slightly more comprehensive and custom build so I think we can co-exist in a way. Teir cameras are entry level cameras, non modular etc. But I appreciate the comment:)

With the exception of magnets, linear rails and screws everything is fabricated in Slovenia. And everything else is ordered from European suppliers. If you know ONDU Cameras this was our thing since the very beginning when we started makin the first ondu pinhole cameras. And judging by your 6 day old account id say your either a fake account by a competitor or similar. The fact that I've been making ONDU cameras for 10 years should speak for itself.

.@Jack_Warner....tbh...what does it matter where the parts come from...?

@@ONDUCameras Yes, good point. I'm so used to having things made in China that I see it everywhere. I've recently closed my Ebay account after over 20 years, because I was fed up with buying stuff that was cheaply made and either didn't work or had a short lifespan.

@@dmystify1381 It matters a lot.

@@Jack_Warner Not even a thank you, what manners these days...