The VZ-6617 is a Variable Frame Medium Format Film Camera That Can Switch Between 6×6 and 6×17 Mid-Roll

The advent of truly adaptable analog photography tools continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and professionals alike, and a new Kickstarter campaign for the VZ-6617 variable frame medium-format film camera is poised to shake up the landscape. This innovative camera aims to harness the inherent versatility of medium format by allowing photographers to seamlessly switch between different frame sizes and aspect ratios, even within a single roll of 120 film. This capability promises to liberate photographers from the constraints of fixed formats, offering unprecedented creative freedom and efficiency.

A Revolution in Medium Format Flexibility

The VZ-6617 distinguishes itself with its groundbreaking "Variable Zone Film Gate" mechanism. This stepless system empowers users to select any frame size from a classic 6×6 square all the way to an expansive 6×17 panoramic format on the same roll of 120 film. This eliminates the long-standing need for photographers to carry multiple medium-format camera bodies, each dedicated to a specific aspect ratio. As Francis Garing, the creator behind Exposing Engineering, explains, "One of the best things about medium-format photography is the variety of frame sizes available. The VZ-6617 takes full advantage of this."

Traditionally, medium format photographers have been bound by the format dictated by their camera. A 6×6 camera, for instance, mandates square frames for an entire roll, while a panoramic camera locks the photographer into a single wide aspect ratio. To capture both, or to explore intermediate formats, photographers have historically had to commit to carrying and switching between different camera systems. The VZ-6617 directly addresses this limitation, enabling photographers to tailor each individual shot to its optimal format, thereby maximizing the creative potential of every frame.

Engineering a Seamless Variable Format Experience

The core of the VZ-6617’s innovation lies in its 3D-printed, articulating Variable Zone Film Gate. This sophisticated mechanism allows for precise, symmetric masking of the exposure area with a simple turn of a knob. This ensures that regardless of the selected format, the film is exposed accurately and consistently.

Capturing frames as wide as 6×17 necessitates a lens capable of projecting a very large image circle. To meet this requirement, the VZ-6617 leverages "widely available large-format lenses." The camera features interchangeable lens cones, each equipped with an integrated dark slide. This design facilitates mid-roll lens swaps, adding another layer of flexibility to the shooting process.

Exposing Engineering has meticulously designed the VZ-6617 to work with large-format lenses that possess integrated shutter and aperture mechanisms, akin to those found on traditional large-format view cameras. Each VZ-6617 camera ships with a specific lens cone, engineered to ensure the correct focal plane distance. Lenses are mounted using their standard threading and retaining rings and attach to an integrated focusing helicoid. Focusing is achieved through classic zone focusing techniques or by estimating subject distance and setting the corresponding mark on the helicoid. The Kickstarter campaign page provides a comprehensive list of compatible lenses, featuring renowned manufacturers such as Schneider Kreuznach, Nikon, Rodenstock, and Fujifilm.

A Legacy of Iteration and Durability

The development of the VZ-6617 has been a journey marked by rigorous testing and continuous refinement. The Exposing Engineering team reports going through five generations of pre-production prototypes, with each iteration undergoing dozens of adjustments. This dedication to development has resulted in a camera that has been tested in a diverse array of challenging environments. Field tests have included urban exploration in European cities, coastal shooting on Bay Area beaches, navigating the arid terrains of the American Southwest deserts, and enduring the snowy conditions of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

Beyond its robust performance, the VZ-6617 has been intentionally designed with user repairability and serviceability in mind. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the camera can maintain its optimal performance over time, a crucial consideration for any mechanical device, especially one built for longevity.

"After the Kickstarter campaign, select components and instructional videos will be made available for repair and servicing on your own," the Exposing Engineering team stated. "Everything was designed with this in mind, so much so that only a single type and size of screwdriver is necessary to take the entire camera body apart. While we haven’t experienced a component or mechanism failure with our pre-production prototypes yet, we want to make sure the camera is well designed for repairability to keep performing as it should." This commitment to user empowerment and long-term usability is a significant draw for a product rooted in analog technology, where the ability to maintain and repair equipment is often paramount.

Sample Photography: Demonstrating Versatility

The VZ-6617 is not just a theoretical marvel; it’s a tool capable of producing stunning photographic results across various formats and subjects. The sample images provided alongside the Kickstarter campaign showcase the camera’s versatility:

• Urban Artistry: A striking 6×17 frame captured with a Fujinon 90mm f/8 lens on Kodak Portra 800 film beautifully renders a large mural of a crocodile adorning a red brick building, demonstrating the camera’s ability to capture expansive scenes with fine detail.
• Tranquil Forests: A black and white image shot in a 6×12 format using a Schneider Kreuznach Super Angulon 75mm f/8 lens on Kodak TMax 400 film depicts a serene forest of tall pine trees covered in snow, highlighting the camera’s capacity for atmospheric landscape photography.
• Atmospheric Interiors: Another 6×12 shot, this time on Kodak Portra 800, captures the dimly lit, character-filled interior of a bar, complete with exposed brick, a glowing neon sign, and a substantial menu board. This image demonstrates the camera’s prowess in capturing mood and ambiance.
• Expansive Vistas: A perfectly square 6×6 frame, utilizing the Schneider Kreuznach Super Angulon 75mm f/8 on Kodak TMax 400, showcases a snowcat pulling a small wooden cabin, offering a unique perspective on a winter scene.
• Golden Hour Panoramas: Multiple 6×17 examples, shot with a Fujinon 90mm f/8 on Kodak Portra 400, capture breathtaking sunsets over desert landscapes and sandy beaches, with the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the distance. These images exemplify the camera’s suitability for dramatic, wide-angle vistas.
• Architectural Studies: Black and white images by Carlos Lopez Medrano (@analogfilmphoto) illustrate the camera’s capability in capturing architectural subjects. One shot features a modern building on a hillside, while another showcases a large cement pump truck, demonstrating the VZ-6617’s versatility across different genres and its ability to render tonality with striking clarity. Another architectural study captures outdoor stairs with handrails, highlighting the camera’s ability to work with strong lines and forms.

These sample photographs collectively underscore the VZ-6617’s ability to adapt to diverse photographic scenarios, from intimate portraits of urban art to sweeping panoramic landscapes, all while maintaining the distinctive aesthetic qualities associated with medium-format film.

Pricing and Availability: A Strategic Rollout

The VZ-6617 is being offered through a tiered Kickstarter campaign, providing various entry points for interested photographers.

• Starter Bundle: Priced at $549, this bundle includes the VZ-6617 camera body and a 90mm focal length lens cone with an M65 focusing helicoid. It is important to note that a lens itself is not included in this package.
• Early Release Bundle: For $649, backers receive the camera, the 90mm lens cone with helicoid, a magnetically attached cable release, and an optical viewfinder. This bundle offers a more complete out-of-the-box experience.
• System Bundle: The most comprehensive offering, priced at $799, includes all the components of the Early Release Bundle, plus an additional lens cone of the buyer’s choice and a ground glass back. This option provides maximum flexibility for users looking to experiment with different focal lengths and precise focusing techniques.

In all tiers, the user is responsible for supplying their own lens. The campaign indicates that early release bundles are scheduled to ship in June, approximately one month after the conclusion of the Kickstarter campaign. The project has already surpassed its modest funding goal of $7,500, attracting 26 backers with nearly a month remaining in its fundraising period, signaling strong market interest.

The Broader Impact on Analog Photography

The VZ-6617’s emergence represents more than just a new camera; it signifies a continued resurgence and innovation within the analog photography community. In an era dominated by digital convenience, the dedication to developing sophisticated, film-based tools speaks to a deep appreciation for the tactile, deliberate, and aesthetically rich process of film photography.

The VZ-6617’s core innovation—the variable frame gate—addresses a practical limitation that has long defined medium format. By offering this flexibility, Exposing Engineering is not only catering to existing medium format enthusiasts but also potentially lowering the barrier to entry for those intrigued by the format but daunted by the prospect of owning multiple specialized cameras.

Furthermore, the emphasis on user repairability aligns with a growing movement towards sustainability and longevity in consumer products. In a world increasingly conscious of e-waste, a camera designed to be maintained and serviced by its owner fosters a deeper connection with the tool and extends its usable lifespan, embodying a more responsible approach to manufacturing and consumption.

The success of this Kickstarter campaign, given its early traction, suggests a robust and engaged market for innovative analog photographic equipment. It indicates that photographers are not only seeking to preserve the tradition of film but are also eager for advancements that enhance its creative and practical applications. The VZ-6617 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of film photography and the ingenuity of those dedicated to its evolution.