infidex 176 IV
This project is designed for standard 135 type film panoramas in 3:1 ratio or 72 mm by 24 mm. You can either take part and make something of your own based on this project, or help me make the next iteration of the camera better.
infidex is just possibility. Possibility to make double exposures or double mistakes. Don't forget to count to two!
INFInity + Double EXposures
Mamiya at the service of the panorama
The 4th iteration of infidex 176 operates with Mamiya TLR Sekor 80mm lens. With a format that's wider than the 6x6 format by 16mm, the image is closer to the equivalent of a 35mm lens on a 35mm system. This frame width is ideal for both urban scenes where there is not much space and for landscapes. The 3rd iteration had a T-22 lens on board and was able to produce same 72mm wide without any problems such as vignetting or chromatic aberrations. It's still available to print lens cone with T-22 lens board, all necessary files are in the Zip archive. Even though the T-22 has a bit wider field of view than the Mamiya, I can't recommend it for one reason - possible image distortion at one of its edges caused by the front element of the lens.
The 4th iteration of infidex 176 operates with Mamiya TLR Sekor 80mm lens. With a format that's wider than the 6x6 format by 16mm, the image is closer to the equivalent of a 35mm lens on a 35mm system. This frame width is ideal for both urban scenes where there is not much space and for landscapes. The 3rd iteration had a T-22 lens on board and was able to produce same 72mm wide without any problems such as vignetting or chromatic aberrations. It's still available to print lens cone with T-22 lens board, all necessary files are in the Zip archive. Even though the T-22 has a bit wider field of view than the Mamiya, I can't recommend it for one reason - possible image distortion at one of its edges caused by the front element of the lens.
Simpler is better
The camera is designed to perform one essential task - taking panoramic photos. Because of that it has only winding and rewinding knobs with frame advance checker. All other functions are on the side of the lens. Very first iteration, which was a pinhole camera, had a lever-based frame winder mechanism. And because it included gears for simultaneous rotation of all shafts inside it didn't work very well. That is why it was decided to abandon unnecessary elements already on the second model. The same rule applied to both the design of the exterior itself and the design of the internal parts, such as the junction of the door and the body, the door latches and its hinge made out of simple wire.
The camera is designed to perform one essential task - taking panoramic photos. Because of that it has only winding and rewinding knobs with frame advance checker. All other functions are on the side of the lens. Very first iteration, which was a pinhole camera, had a lever-based frame winder mechanism. And because it included gears for simultaneous rotation of all shafts inside it didn't work very well. That is why it was decided to abandon unnecessary elements already on the second model. The same rule applied to both the design of the exterior itself and the design of the internal parts, such as the junction of the door and the body, the door latches and its hinge made out of simple wire.
Stay far shoot wide
As mentioned above, the camera is easy to operate as well thanks to simple technical solutions. One of the biggest and most fundamental is focus free system which was achieved by the simple decision not to install any focusing mechanics at all. Instead all you need is just find landscape you want to shoot and... shoot. Simple. Right? Maybe you want to shoot close up portraits with bokeh. Well in this case you don't. "Stay far shoot wide" - repeat again and close your aperture up to f/16.
As mentioned above, the camera is easy to operate as well thanks to simple technical solutions. One of the biggest and most fundamental is focus free system which was achieved by the simple decision not to install any focusing mechanics at all. Instead all you need is just find landscape you want to shoot and... shoot. Simple. Right? Maybe you want to shoot close up portraits with bokeh. Well in this case you don't. "Stay far shoot wide" - repeat again and close your aperture up to f/16.
Specs
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135 type filmThe most common and diverse format for today -
Light weight and compact460 grams with attached Mamiya 80mm lens -
19 exposures per rollStandard 36 frame roll provides you 19 frames -
Focus freeDesigned to shoot landscapes with focus set on infinity -
Built-in dove tail slots for tripod mountBut if you have quick release plate there is 1/4" hole for brass thread insert -
3:1 aspect ratioWidest cinema format ever available, Super Panavision 70 has an 2.76:1 aspect ratio
Download files
Since July 23, 2024, the infidex 176 project has become an open source project. In case you are planning to design and further sell and distribute your version based on infidex 176 panoramic camera, please score my name Denis Aminev, my website - www.timetowaste.ru as well as my YouTube channel- www.youtube.com/@time_to_waste as author of the original version
Please read the "Printing and Assembly Guide" first.
Files updated 22.01.2025
Gallery
Generations
Q/A
Yes, in case if it have built-in shutter and can cover 72 mm diameter image circle (medium format lenses). Off course you need to know it flange distance to possibly adjust it. Current version supports only 2 lenses - Mamiya Sekor TLR 80 mm and Lomo T-22.
For example you can use any Mamiya C220/330 system lenses because they are all have flange distance of 73,5 mm.
Mamiya Press lenses have humongous helicoid, so better to use TLR lenses.
For example you can use any Mamiya C220/330 system lenses because they are all have flange distance of 73,5 mm.
Mamiya Press lenses have humongous helicoid, so better to use TLR lenses.
No. I don't make them to order. But you can always contact me for help in assembling your project.
Short answer is - whatever you like to work with. But it should be only black otherwise (if it's white for example) test shows that even if you paint it outside and inside with black paint it's still letting light to go through.
ABS - is my chose. The one infidex i know of is printed from PLA and works perfectly fine. However, it is necessary to keep in mind the temperature limitations of PLA. PETG can be hard to adjust without powered tools. Polyamides are dark zone to me, can't say for sure.
ABS - is my chose. The one infidex i know of is printed from PLA and works perfectly fine. However, it is necessary to keep in mind the temperature limitations of PLA. PETG can be hard to adjust without powered tools. Polyamides are dark zone to me, can't say for sure.
Copyright: Time to Waste 2025