O.Zone 69, an open-source camera project is introduced, born from efforts to seamlessly integrate art and technology, with a specific emphasis on photography. In this project, the aim is to simplify the design of the Mamiya Press, reduce unnecessary features, and create a lightweight, precise, and user-friendly camera using modern materials. The resulting creation, appropriately named "O.Zone," is a combination of the creator's surname, "Oh," and "Zone," symbolizing its nature as a zone-focusing camera.
Guided by inspiration from military aerial cameras, which operate with a larger film format and focus on an infinite scale, eliminating the need for a complicated focusing system, the main objective is to develop an open-source camera with both tactical functionality and aesthetically pleasing design. Every element of the O.Zone has been meticulously crafted with user convenience in mind, from the cold shoe to the ergonomic design, all while maintaining the most compact size possible for the body.
This open-source project invites collaboration, enabling enthusiasts and creators to contribute to its development. By sharing the design, it aims to foster a community-driven initiative that pushes the boundaries of camera technology.
Technical Specs
Body Weight: ~150g
Camera Weight with 65mm Lens and 6x9 back: ~1050g
Dimensions: 1350mm x 650mm x 1070mm
Material: ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) or PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
Compatible lens : Mamiya Press Sekor Lens
Compatible Film Back: Horseman Roll film back, (Graflox23 type) / Mamiya RB7 Back (Graflox23 type)
Key Features
Lightweight and Compact: Crafted with a keen focus on being lightweight and compact, O.Zone stands in contrast to the original Mamiya Press, which weighed 1.95 kg. Weighing in at only 1 kg (with lens and film back attached) and almost half the size of the original body, O.Zone is highly portable and convenient for photographers on the move. This design aspect aligns with the camera's goal to provide exceptional mobility without compromising performance. It caters to the needs of photographers who prioritize both portability and functionality.
Multiple Coldshoe Slots: O.Zone is equipped with multiple cold shoe slots on the top of the body, offering versatile attachment points for accessories such as a light meter, external viewfinder, bubble level, or Hotshoe sync adapter. This design enhances the camera's utility and adaptability across various shooting scenarios, allowing photographers to customize their setup based on specific needs.Interchangeable Film Backs: The camera supports interchangeable film backs, enabling photographers to effortlessly switch between different film types or formats. This feature provides flexibility and convenience, allowing adaptation to diverse photographic requirements without the necessity of investing in an entirely new camera system.
Fast zone focusing system: The camera features a Zone focusing system inspired by aerial photography and the compact design of the Rollei 35 but on a larger scale with a 6x9 format. This zone system allows photographers to focus on their subjects quickly and intuitively. Designed for those who prioritize fast focusing, this feature is designed to increase the speed and efficiency of capturing spontaneous moments. Using the focus scale on the lens helicoid contributes to a seamless shooting experience. This allows photographers to quickly read and set the focus, respond quickly to ever-changing scenes, and ensure that critical moments are captured with the desired sharpness and clarity.
Light-Tight Film Back Locking System: O.Zone incorporates a secure and light-tight proof film back locking system, adapted from the Graflox 23 system film backs on the market. This ensures the film's integrity by preventing unwanted light leaks, and enhancing the camera's reliability, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Two-Part Body System for Easier Printing: The camera features a two-part body system that facilitates easier printing. This design consideration streamlines the manufacturing process, improving efficiency and enabling the creation of a lightweight and compact camera without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, as an advantage of the Open-source system, users may develop their own mounting system for their lenses, supporting multiple flange distances depending on the lens used.
Print-Supportless File Designing: O.Zone adopts a print-supportless file designing approach, optimizing the digital file for seamless 3D printing. This innovation enhances the camera's manufacturing efficiency and reduces the need for additional support structures during the printing process, resulting in a more streamlined and resource-efficient production.
The design process involved a delicate balance, aiming to simplify the existing Mamiya Press system known for its capability to utilize numerous accessories and functionality, albeit renowned for its bulkiness. The strategy included removing the rangefinder and incorporating modern 3D printing materials like ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) or PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol) filament, both recognized for their UV resilience and ability to maintain physical properties, resulting in lightweight construction.
Seamlessly integrating multiple cold shoe slots on the top of the body, the design embraces a utilitarian approach, facilitating the attachment of various accessories such as a light meter, external viewfinder, bubble level, or Hotshoe sync adapter. The camera's design embodies a harmonious blend of tactical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Every detail, from the lens to the ergonomic grip with the shutter release cable holder, has been meticulously crafted with the user's experience in mind.
O.Zone extends a compelling invitation to fellow photographers, inviting them to experience the agility of a 6x9 camera. It serves as a bridge between technology and creativity—an embodiment of countless hours dedicated to sketching, refining, and iterating. The camera encourages photographers to explore new horizons, push their creative limits, and capture meaningful moments with unparalleled mobility.
The 3D file for the O.Zone69 camera is accessible Here* under the open-source CC BY-NC license.
Example Images
2023 - Ryan Oh