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Posts Tagged ‘KickStarter’

The Pinhole Pro X — a pinhole zoom lens — launches on Kickstarter

10 Aug

On the back of the Pinhole Pro and Pinhole S ‘innovation incubator’ Thingyfy has launched what it is describing as the world’s first pinhole zoom lens. The Pinhole Pro X offers full frame users a range of focal lengths covering 40-60mm, while the APS-C and MFT version has focal lengths of 18-36mm.

Unlike the usual pin prick in a sheet of aluminium foil, the aperture for these lenses is created by micro drilling, which the manufacturer claims produces a rounder and cleaner hole and thus better image quality. This allows company to create an aperture measuring just 0.25mm in diameter and less than 0.1mm deep. The F-stop values than for the full frame model will be F160-240, and for the APS-C lens F72-144.

The below video was shot with Thingyfy’s previous pinhole lens, the Pinhole Pro S:

The metal bodied lens comes in mounts for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Sony E, Pentax K, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds. Both the full frame and APS-C models cost $ 69 via the Kickstarter campaign. For more information see the Pinhole Pro X Kickstarter page.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Negative Supply launches Kickstarter for Film Carrier MK1, a 35mm camera scanning system

02 Jul

A company called Negative Supply has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a 35mm film holder for camera scanning called MK1. The product exists in two components, the Film Carrier MK1 and the Pro Mount MK1, the latter of which is an optional weighted base with adjustable feet. According to the team behind the device, Film Carrier MK1 can be used to scan an entire roll of 35mm film in around 5 minutes.

Film Carrier MK1 boasts full 35mm frame scanning, meaning each scan includes the border of the image area. Each frame is ‘forced flat’ via the product’s ‘unique channel technology,’ according to Negative Supply, the result being ’near zero distortion.’

The film carrier has a simple mechanical design that requires the user to load the roll into the device, then manually advance it frame-by-frame by turning an advance wheel. The film emulsion doesn’t come into contact with the film carrier, which only touches the edges of the film where the sprocket holes are located. The design is rounded out with a ‘light shroud’ that protects against ambient light intrusion.

According to Negative Supply, it spent months testing the MK1 design and is ready to bring it to market. The Kickstarter campaign is offering backers a single Film Carrier MK1 35mm scanner for pledges of at least $ 249 USD and the Film Carrier MK1 with Pro Mount MK1 for $ 399 USD or more. Both options are expected to start shipping to backers in September.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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WANDRD’S new DUO Daypack raised $250K in Kickstarter funding in just 24 hours

18 Jun

Bag company WANDRD has launched its new DUO Daypack on Kickstarter, where it has already greatly exceeded its funding goal. The backpack is designed for ‘dawn-to-dusk’ use, according to the company, with features for photographers in addition to travellers, commuters, and everyone else.

DUO Daypack features the InfiniteZip system, which involves a single zipper with multiple sliders for accessing the part of the bag that contains the needed item. The bag is described as weather-resistant against rain (and power washers, as demonstrated in the campaign).

The bag’s interior features a POP cube that can be expanded to create a ‘multifunctional space’ within which items, such as a camera, are better protected. The cube includes a padded EVA foam divider for accommodating different types of gear.

Joining the protective cube are a number of pockets, including two padded expansion pockets for lenses, hard drives, or other modestly sized items. Those two slots are joined by small mesh pockets, a large mesh pocket, zipper pockets, and a hidden passport pocket.

The DUO Daypack has a 20L capacity and measures 29cm x 16.5cm x 49.5cm (11.5in x 6.5in x 19.5in) with a weight of 1.2kg (2.6lbs). WANDRD is offering the bag to Kickstarter backers with an ‘early bird’ price of $ 175 USD, a discount off the anticipated $ 219 USD retail price. Assuming the campaign is successful, WANDRD expects to start shipping to campaign backers in December 2019.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Shiftcam returns to Kickstarter with a 12mm aspherical smartphone lens

13 Jun

Most current high-end smartphones come with multi-camera modules with integrated ultra-wide-angles that typically offer an equivalent focal length of approximately 16mm, but if you need something even wider, or are using an older single-camera phone, Shiftcam’s latest offering could be worth a closer look.

The company, which has previously completed several successful smartphone lenses on Kickstarter, is back on the crowdfunding platform, this time with a 12mm ultra wide aspherical lens.

Like other lenses in the Shiftcam Pro line, the 12mm can be attached to iPhones via a specific case or to all other phones with a universal lens mount. The company also offers a counterweight for use on gimbals and a filter adapter.

The lens itself features six elements in four groups. The body is made from aluminum, the front element comes with a nano-coating to reduce flare and Shiftcam says the lens is practically distortion-free.

Pledges start at $ 89 for the early-bird lens and mount and go up all the way to $ 299 for the entire Shiftcam Pro lens kit. The funding goal has already been exceeded multiple times, so the project will go ahead. Delivery is estimated for August 2019. You can find more information including a full list of compatible device’s on the project’s Kickstarter page.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kickstarter campaign seeks funding for Alter RFS, a hinged lens filter adapter

01 Jun

Alter has launched a Kickstarter funding campaign for Alter RFS, a Rapid Filter System that attaches lens filters to a camera via a hinged adapter. The Alter RFS friction hinge supports 270 degrees of rotation, enabling photographers to lower a filter over the lens when needed, then quickly lift it out of the way again.

Alter RFS, which is made out of milled anodized aerospace aluminum, features a magnet for sealing the filter over the lens and a light shield for preventing light leaks. The adapter supports existing lens filters with universal threads and can be rotated to move the hinge to the ideal position for the user’s needs (from the top to the side of the lens, for example).

The friction hinge prevents the filter from falling back down over the lens even during rough camera movements. Alter plans to offer the Rapid Filter System in filter sizes 40.5mm to 105mm, as well as an RFS+ adapter model that includes a built-in step-up.

Alter is offering Kickstarter backers various discounts for pledging funds to the campaign, with those discounts starting at $ 67 USD for a single Alter RFS up to $ 59 USD each for three units and $ 55 USD for any additional units beyond that. The company anticipates a retail price of $ 79 USD, assuming the campaign is successful and the product is brought to market. Shipments to backers are estimated to start in September.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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LIT wireless xenon flash Kickstarter campaign cancelled after project reevaluation

31 May

The Kickstarter funding campaign for the LIT wireless xenon flash has been canceled. The team behind the device detailed their decision to end the funding in a post published on the Kickstarter update page, where they state, ‘After doing some additional calculations during the campaign, we realized we won’t be able to make it a reality with just our initially set funding goal and newly uncovered product ambitions.’

As DPReview reported last month, the LIT wireless xenon 40W flash was intended for use with a smartphone, and would have—if everything had gone according to plan—included a built-in rechargeable battery capable of powering 200 full-power flashes. The device was also expected to feature HSS and support for smartphone shutter speeds as fast as 1/10,000s.

Though the Kickstarter campaign exceeded the $ 40,000 funding goal, the LIT team explains in the update post, ‘Based on the current funding rate, we might be able to push the product development and production through, but it would take considerably more funds to make it in a way that would meet our high standards.’

The LIT xenon flash Kickstarter project was canceled at just over $ 65,000 in pledged funding from 367 backers. The LIT team said in its post:

We don’t compromise and that’s why we’ve decided to cancel our campaign and maybe revisit Kickstarter at some later time with a new campaign. It feels so wrong doing the right thing.

Saying goodbye is the hardest solution to any problem. But sometimes it’s the only choice we have. It’s not forever, is not the end. It simply means we’ll miss you until we meet again.

We still believe that the future of image making is in your pocket. It is in our nature to work hard. To listen. To think. To question everything. To fail, stand up and change.

LIT will not collect the Kickstarter funds.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kickstarter campaign presents Bokeh, a platform for privately sharing images

09 May

A Kickstarter campaign seeks funding for Bokeh, a new photo sharing platform that enables users to privately share images with friends and family. Bokeh is presented as an alternative to traditional social media services, offering users a focus on privacy and a lack of ‘creepy ads,’ according to Bokeh creator Tim Smith.

Bokeh is an ad-free image sharing service where accounts are set to private by default (the option exists to make them public), accounts are only searchable by username, and followers are hidden from public view. The platform includes features to help keep content private and users safe, such as an automatic prompt to block a user after their follow requests have been declined three times.

The Boken interface resembles Twitter profiles, at least based on the Kickstarter previews. Rather than selling user data and showing advertisements to fund the platform, Bokeh will charge users a fee to use the service. Individual accounts will cost $ 3/month with the option to pay $ 30 per year. Family accounts (up to five users) will be offered for $ 5/month or $ 50 per year.

Smith explains in his campaign:

I believe that your data shouldn’t be mined to sell you targeted ads, that your timeline should be chronological and not based on some algorithm, that tech CEOs shouldn’t allow hate groups to flourish on their platforms, and that we need more social networks that are privacy-focused and ethically sustained.

The Kickstarter funds would be earmarked to develop the service. As with any crowdfunding campaign, there are risks involved and a final product may never reach the market.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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InukTech will launch Inuk, a carbon fiber tripod alternative, on Kickstarter next month

23 Feb

On March 1st, InukTech will launch a Kickstarter campaign for Inuk, a portable folding camera tripod alternative. Unlike traditional tripods, Inuk features flat carbon fiber arms and legs joined by reinforced technopolymer hinges and soft rubber feet. The rig’s three legs and two arms can be folded flat against the device’s carbon fiber plate for compact storage.

Inuk supports payload weights up to 1.5kg / 3.3lbs and features a ¼” -20 universal screw for connecting cameras and mounts. In addition to supporting cameras and smartphones, Inuk can accommodate accessories like microphones, flashes, and lights.

Though the support can be used like a tripod, Inuk’s legs can also be folded for uneven surfaces, and accessories will be available for connecting the support to different structures. At this time, InukTech says its connection accessories include a magnet, suction cups, super suction cups, straps, and clamps.

When folded, Inuk measures 17 x 9 x 2.5cm / 6.7 x 3.5 x 0.98in and weighs 160g / 0.35lbs. The model can extend up to 12cm / 4.3in in height with a 30cm / 11.8in footprint and 42cm / 16.5in arm width.

InukTech hasn’t revealed any other information about the model, but plans to officially launch it on Kickstarter next month. Consumers will have the opportunity to ‘pre-order’ the camera support at up to 50% off the expected retail price with prices starting at $ 39.95 for the basic ‘Starter Kit’ and going up to $ 56.95 for the ‘Video Maniac’ kit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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‘World’s sharpest’ 250mm lens now on Kickstarter with swappable lens mount

20 Feb

Taiwanese lens manufacturer William Optics is proposing to make a flatfield Petzval lens aimed at star gazers and photographers that it claims is the world’s sharpest 250mm.

Originally conceived as a compact and lightweight telescope for astrophotographers, the Redcat 250mm F4.9 uses a pair of synthetic fluorite elements to correct the usual field curvature of the Pretzval design to produce a sharp image right across the frame, according to the company. It is also claimed the lens is corrected to apochromatic standards.

A manual focus lens with a single aperture setting, the Redcat 250mm F4.9 is being promoted for normal subjects as well as for astrophotography on its Kickstarter campaign page. Those using it at night might not get to appreciate its startling red finish, but daylight photographers shooting wildlife could feel a little conspicuous.

Designed with a 44mm covering circle the lens is good for full frame cameras, and comes with an interchangeable T-mount system that allows options for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony E cameras, with Micro Four Thirds and Pentax K to follow shortly. The lens weighs 1.47kg / 3.24lbs, measures 225mm x 80mm, and features a field rotation function for turning the camera on the mount, with markings for every degree. A reversible mount on the tripod foot has fittings for Arca-Swiss and Vixen style heads, and the lens comes with what is described as a ‘patented’ Bahtinov Mask for astro-focusing.

Sample shot with the Redcat 250mm f/4.9

At the time of writing the funding campaign had raised over $ 47,000 – well beyond the goal of $ 30,000. With most of the discounted deals gone, the lens can be had for $ 648, which the company says represents 93% of the full retail price. Visit the Redcat 250mm f/4.9 campaign page for more information, or the William Optics website.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The VEER 18 is a packable bag with inflatable camera protection that’s currently on Kickstarter

07 Feb

Bag makers Wandrd have returned to Kickstarter and this time they’ve launched a campaign for the VEER 18L packable bag with inflatable back panel and camera cube. The idea is simple. Typically packable bags lack protection and structure, making them uncomfortable to carry and not ideal for packing sensitive technology, such as cameras or laptops.

The VEER 18L solves these issues by using an inflatable back panel and camera cube which can, when deflated, be packed down to very small dimensions but turn the bag into a proper camera bag when filled with air.

As the name suggests, the VEER 18L has a volume of 18 litres. The largest camera the camera cube can hold is a Canon 5D type body with a 24-70mm lens attached. You can fit a bigger camera or a camera with battery pack but then the lens has to be stored in a different place. The bag is also large enough for a Mavic Pro sized drone. A water bottle sleeve is on board as well.

The bag is made from weather resistant materials but is not fully waterproof, so it will withstand light rain but not a fall into a river. you are good but don’t dunk it in a river.

The VEER 18L weighs only 383g (12.8oz) and packs down into a very small package, making it ideal for carrying in a bigger bag and use as a day bag.

You can reserve a VEER 18 with inflatable back panel by pledging $ 79 on Kickstarter. The version with camera cube will set you back $ 118. Delivery is scheduled for August 2019.


Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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