Official Chroma Camera Thread - All questions/suggestions/feedback appreciated

[stevelmx5]

Thanks to @lindsay helping me set it up, this is now the official thread for all things Chroma!

As some of the ‘original’ members might remember, I’ve always found it really useful to post ongoing build threads for all of the custom cameras I built ‘pre-Chroma’. I’d like this thread to continue in that vain, making it a place for me to share some of the pre-production cameras/accessories I’m working on, as well as it being a central thread for any questions about any of my existing cameras etc.

I hope this thread proves to be both interesting and useful, and I’m looking forward to being a more regular poster on here again.

I’ll update my signature, but my main shop website is https://chroma.camera

Cheers
Steve

 

[lindsay]

Welcome back Steve. Getting you active on TP again prompted me to take another look at your website, which I haven't done for a while, and I'm very tempted by the 6x9 camera with a spare film back and possibly extra lens cone. I need to check which LF lenses I have, it's ages since I used any LF gear.

 

[FishyFish]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have cooking. There are a bunch of things I'm tempted by - I just need the money to buy them!

I saw some very nice feedback on the Chroma Six17 Graflok Back and your customer service on a YouTube video recently, BTW (hope it's ok to post it here and it's not hijacking your thread?).

View: https://youtu.be/0FR20JsREYo?si=LSOqj4RExp7fJHjF

 

[StephenM]

I'm also interested in the 6x17 back. It seems extra interesting as it seems to work on a 5x4 camera, rather than needing a 5x7?

I suppose the main question that's really in my mind is when does VAT go up to 25%, and that's out of our control.

 

[stevelmx5]

Welcome back Steve. Getting you active on TP again prompted me to take another look at your website, which I haven't done for a while, and I'm very tempted by the 6x9 camera with a spare film back and possibly extra lens cone. I need to check which LF lenses I have, it's ages since I used any LF gear.

Thanks Lindsay. Whilst there often aren’t enough hours in the day (I am the entirety of Chroma), I’m looking forward to spending more time here again.

No problem with a Six9. I can design a cone for pretty much any lens, so long as the rear element is smaller than 72mm diameter.

Cheers
Steve

 

[stevelmx5]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have cooking. There are a bunch of things I'm tempted by - I just need the money to buy them!

I saw some very nice feedback on the Chroma Six17 Graflok Back and your customer service on a YouTube video recently, BTW (hope it's ok to post it here and it's not hijacking your thread?).

View: https://youtu.be/0FR20JsREYo?si=LSOqj4RExp7fJHjF

Thanks, I’m glad the thread will be useful.

Lee’s videos are excellent aren’t they, he’s shared some fantastic 6x17 results with both his original Six17 camera and his new Graflok setup. No need to apologise at all about hijacking the thread, I want it to be an open shop.

 

[FishyFish]

Thanks, I’m glad the thread will be useful.

Lee’s videos are excellent aren’t they, he’s shared some fantastic 6x17 results with both his original Six17 camera and his new Graflok setup. No need to apologise at all about hijacking the thread, I want it to be an open shop.

I only stumbled across them recently. He's got an enjoyable and engaging style, plus his images are very nice (and inspiring - although I'm not likely to be visiting Washington state any time soon).

 

[stevelmx5]

I'm also interested in the 6x17 back. It seems extra interesting as it seems to work on a 5x4 camera, rather than needing a 5x7?

I suppose the main question that's really in my mind is when does VAT go up to 25%, and that's out of our control.

Thanks. The Graflok mount positions the standard Six17 film back 45mm further back from the normal film plane (as with other 6x17 Graflok setups), so you can project the 17cm wide image through the 4x5 rear standard.

I’m not VAT registered, so the price on my website is the full price. Cheers

 

[stevelmx5]

I only stumbled across them recently. He's got an enjoyable and engaging style, plus his images are very nice (and inspiring - although I'm not likely to be visiting Washington state any time soon).

Sorry, I’ve just realised that the video you’ve linked is from Stephen Whitaker, not Lee Pengelly (the UK photographer I thought it was).

Stephen has only recently started posting long form videos, I think that was his first one. Fantastic locations though!

 

[FishyFish]

Sorry, I’ve just realised that the video you’ve linked is from Stephen Whitaker, not Lee Pengelly (the UK photographer I thought it was).

Stephen has only recently started posting long form videos, I think that was his first one. Fantastic locations though!

Crossed wires.

I thought I subscribed to Lee's channel too (I've definitely watched some of his videos), but upon checking I'm not - I must've just been fed them via the algorithm. I've subbed now.

 

[stevelmx5]

As a big fan of Fuji QuickLoad (I’ve got a box of Velvia 50 in my fridge), something I’ve been working on for a while is my “EasyLoad” system.

‘Quickload’ was a two-part system, one holder which is a similar size to a standard 4x5 DDS holder and one pre-loaded card envelope that contained one sheet of 4x5 film. The idea was that it takes considerably less room in your kit to only carry one physical holder, then carry as many envelopes as you need. Whilst I love the system, it did have some negative issues (apart from the fact it was discontinued in the early 2000s);

1) Film choice limited to factory-loaded, all Fuji, stocks.

2) Each envelope only holds one sheet of film.

3) Once you’ve exposed the sheet, the envelope has to be destroyed to open and access the film for development.

As a result, I’ve designed my own alternative which is reloadable, carries two sheets in each envelope and is fully reusable.



The centre plate has side rails and an end stop on each side to secure the film in place, along with a second end stop that stops the envelope at the right position to expose the entire sheet. The outer envelope is slotted over the centre plate and locks closed with friction into the base. The whole envelope is then just under 5mm thick.



As with the original QuickLoad, I then have a hinged single holder, which is also thinner than a standard DDS holder, that the envelope is fitted into, and both are then slotted into any 4x5 camera;





When you’re ready to expose your image you simply slide the envelope out, like a standard darkslide, which stops at the correct position and slide it back in again when complete.

I’ve been working on various revisions of this system for the last 12 months, as well as a few partner items including a dedicated large format camera that loads the envelopes direct (and which is about 25% smaller than my SnapShot system) and a compact two-sheet developing tank.

 

[StephenM]

Getting part way towards a Grafmatic. I have 2 or 3, and like the 6 sheets in the volume of 2 film holders, which is a small saving. I expect the answer is "no demand for it", but 5x7 would be a useful Quickload for me.

There were a couple of Quickload alternatives that I've never used.

 

[stevelmx5]

Getting part way towards a Grafmatic. I have 2 or 3, and like the 6 sheets in the volume of 2 film holders, which is a small saving. I expect the answer is "no demand for it", but 5x7 would be a useful Quickload for me.

There were a couple of Quickload alternatives that I've never used.

I did do some rough designs for a Grafmatic equivalent a while back, but didn’t take it further than on screen. Once I’ve got the 4x5 EasyLoads fully complete it’s not a lot of work to increase it to 5x7. Coincidentally, I built up a 5x7 SnapShot last week.

 

[stevelmx5]

Sometimes, even an image that's not properly focused can still be a success.

I exposed these two sheets of HP5 this evening in my workshop, loaded in one of my updated EasyLoad envelopes, in my SnapShot with Schneider 65/8 lens, and developed them in the 2-sheet dev tank I also designed, using 510-Pyro. As someone who's been designing and building cameras for the last 6 years I'm still seriously excited about the prospect of being able to offer a complete ecosystem from film loading, exposing and developing.








Each envelope is 5mm thick at the deepest point (base where it locks into the DDS-style caddy) and 4mm thick at the opposite end, making them a very compact solution for carrying multiple sheets of film.

 

[stevelmx5]

It's an exciting evening as I've just sent out a link to the (very) limited edition Click 35mm camera to my mailing list!



I've been working on the Click as a passion project for the last few years, as I've always wanted to design and build my own camera entirely from the ground up. It uses my 24mm F11 "Double Glass" optics (2x symmetrical coated glass elements that were designed and manufactured by a good friend to my specification) and very simple single speed 1/100th magnetic shutter that exposes a frame when simply flicked in either direction like a traditional box camera.

Seeing the finished camera ready to launch is massively exciting, and I'm looking forward to seeing what results people share from their own cameras.

There are lots of (downsampled) examples on the listing on my website below;

Link to website

 

[lindsay]

It's very tempting Steve - I got the email and am pondering on it...

 

[stevelmx5]

Thanks Lindsay. I’m obviously biased but really like how simple the Click is, but with a quality lens.

 

[ChrisR]

Thanks Lindsay. I’m obviously biased but really like how simple the Click is, but with a quality lens.

That does look interesting, Steve. Looks about as minimalist as it could get. I couldn't work out how you do the wind-on, unless it's that thumb wheel top left in your picture. Are they full frame ro 24mm square again?

 

[stevelmx5]

That does look interesting, Steve. Looks about as minimalist as it could get. I couldn't work out how you do the wind-on, unless it's that thumb wheel top left in your picture. Are they full frame ro 24mm square again?

Hi Chris. Minimalism was my aim really, basically get the camera out of the way of the lens.

The winder is the wheel on the right shoulder, and there is a simple frame spacing wheel in the centre that rotates with the sprockets of the film so a full rotation equals one full 24x36 frame. There is also a half frame insert so you can wind half a rotation too.



There’s a traditional style rewind button (in red) on the bottom, along with a magnetically-secured rewind wheel and a manual frame number reminder wheel on the base.

 

[zx9]

Thanks Lindsay. I’m obviously biased but really like how simple the Click is, but with a quality lens.

Both camera and results from your lens look great Steve you should be well chuffed with it, I can see the batch of fifty cameras selling like hot cakes.

 

[stevelmx5]

I recorded an episode of the Lensless and Lo-Fi podcast a few hours ago with Andrew Bartram and John Farnham, talking about my new Click (along with my other cameras). It's now available on all of the main podcast hosts if you want to listen to me talk about my designs/plans;

View: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RhNUO3mHOBSQOGxCYaiNt

https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/cb44d034-ebb9-41a4-8433-4568cea67ca9/the-lensless-and-lo-fi-podcast?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podca...t-christmas-gift/id1774522958?i=1000739915465

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Cheers
Steve

 

[stevelmx5]

I made the decision this week to stop offering my 35mm CubePan panoramic camera system (24x72) going forwards. I built the first version just under 4 years ago and it's improved considerably since then;









I've built just over 125 CubePans since 2022 and have enjoyed using my own but it's time to move on to something new I've been working on for a while. The new system is a more 'brick' style which offers the same panoramic 35mm format, along with three medium format frame sizes too (6x6, 6x7 and 6x3). It's currently on my development bench while I work through some ideas but I'm hoping to put a roll of film through it soon.

 

[stevelmx5]

A few more cameras/accessories that have gone out from Chroma Towers so far in 2026;

Pair of Six17 (6x17) lens cones. One standard Nikkor 150/5.6 and a Nikkor 90/4.5 Technical version, which offers 15mm of rise/fall/shift




A LomoGraflok adaptor spring back which used with any 4x5 camera to add a traditional spring back and Graflok plates that match the film plane of the LomoGraflok Instax Wide back (19mm back from standard). This allows photographers to focus/compose on the ground glass then switch to the Instax unit to either take their final image or use it as a Polaroid peel-apart style test frame, before switching back to the adaptor without needing to refocus and use any sheet/plate/rollfilm for the final image;



Two Six17 setups, one with a Nikkor 90/4.5 lens cone and one with a Schneider150/5.6 cone;



Finally, a matte black Six12 (6x12) with a Schneider 90/6.8 cone;



I’m finishing up a pair of Click’s today so they will be heading out later this evening.



Cheers
Steve

 

[ChrisR]

I made the decision this week to stop offering my 35mm CubePan panoramic camera system (24x72) going forwards. I built the first version just under 4 years ago and it's improved considerably since then;

View attachment 471920View attachment 471925
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View attachment 471922
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View attachment 471926

I've built just over 125 CubePans since 2022 and have enjoyed using my own but it's time to move on to something new I've been working on for a while. The new system is a more 'brick' style which offers the same panoramic 35mm format, along with three medium format frame sizes too (6x6, 6x7 and 6x3). It's currently on my development bench while I work through some ideas but I'm hoping to put a roll of film through it soon.

I've been dithering on the edge of buying a CubePan for ages, as you may remember Steve. I like the idea of trying a panoramic format, and I'm definitely not up for XPAN/ TX-1 level costs. The CubePan seemed to hit the spot in so many ways. So much about it that is rather different, though, like the wind wheel and the not-quite-view-finder. I think, if I'd gone to a show and seen it and been able to chat to you, I'd probably have taken the plunge, but I bought an expensive lens last year, and never quite felt up to making that commitment for something that would only ever be an intermittent interest. I'm sorry about that.

I'm glad you're not giving up on the idea of a panoramic format camera. I thought about 6x17, but having seen @sirch struggle with @Harlequin565 's camera, I don't think MF pano is for me. I'll be very interested to see what you come up with next!

 

[stevelmx5]

I've been dithering on the edge of buying a CubePan for ages, as you may remember Steve. I like the idea of trying a panoramic format, and I'm definitely not up for XPAN/ TX-1 level costs. The CubePan seemed to hit the spot in so many ways. So much about it that is rather different, though, like the wind wheel and the not-quite-view-finder. I think, if I'd gone to a show and seen it and been able to chat to you, I'd probably have taken the plunge, but I bought an expensive lens last year, and never quite felt up to making that commitment for something that would only ever be an intermittent interest. I'm sorry about that.

I'm glad you're not giving up on the idea of a panoramic format camera. I thought about 6x17, but having seen @sirch struggle with @Harlequin565 's camera, I don't think MF pano is for me. I'll be very interested to see what you come up with next!

Thanks for your thoughts Chris. The CubePan, whilst offering a slightly wider frame than an Xpan, obviously can’t match the rangefinder/dedicated lenses/all metal build etc, but I was happy to design a camera that delivers 80% of the experience with less than 10% of the outlay.

I’m sitting here working on the replacement system at the moment, which is an homage to the 500C (I’m a big fan of the ‘brick’ style body) whilst being considerably more flexible with regards to lenses/formats. I’m genuinely excited about the new system and will be putting some film through it soon.

 

[stevelmx5]

How about a sneak preview...

This camera isn't fully assembled or have any light seals fitted, and the Mamiya Press cone I printed isn't 100%, but this is the system I'm working on,






The round unit fitted to the coldshoe is a MagSafe mount I'm working, so a mobile phone can be attached and used as a viewfinder/light meter if preferred. The coldshoe is a standard size so optical viewfinders can also be used.



I'm using the "GoodFinder" app here, which allows you to add your own focal length/film formats and store them for future use. I've got the panoramic (28x72) 35mm format displayed here.

The film back is removable, allowing for a ground glass to be fitted mid-roll too.



The film back uses a slot in 'caddy' (like a Hasselblad 500C), the caddy uses a combination of rotating frame spacing wheel/traditional red window and magnetic frame guides, to offer 4 different formats/frame sizes;

6x7 Medium Format
6x6 Medium Format
6x3 'half frame' Medium Format
28x72 35mm



I'm still tweaking some tolerances, and playing around with a few different ideas for neck strap mounts (these will be attached to the interchangeable lens cones for added security for the lens) but I should have a fully working build by early next week.

 

[stevelmx5]

I originally built this system as a 6x6/6x3 format last January and have been using it since then, but I've wanted to develop a 6x7 system for a while so I retained the same general camera design but upscaled it slightly. These are some of the 6x6 and 6x3 images I've taken with my original build;

 

[lindsay]

Brilliant innovation on show here Steve, and I'm loving the new "brick" format, especially liking the MagSafe adapter as that has uses beyond your own cameras - I have several old cameras that could make use of it. Wonderful stuff.

 

[stevelmx5]

Thanks Lindsay. It’s a bit of a departure from my existing cameras, which are shaped more like a traditional rangefinder, but it has the same lens compatibility so could mount almost any large format lens and all Mamiya Press, although I think I’d suggest using maybe a 150mm max due to the body style so it doesn’t become a very long tube!

 

[lindsay]

I'm thinking the lens I have on my Snapshot might see duty on one of those - a 90mm Scheider-Kreuznach; although I need to fix the shutter release on it.

 

[stevelmx5]

I'm thinking the lens I have on my Snapshot might see duty on one of those - a 90mm Scheider-Kreuznach; although I need to fix the shutter release on it.

I’ll be drawing up the cone for the Schneider 90 next. It’s a seriously underrated lens in terms of size/weight/performance.

 

[Nod]

Just a thought on that 1/2 frame back. It looks like there's the possibility to get a lot more frames by rotating the transport through 90°.

 

[stevelmx5]

Just a thought on that 1/2 frame back. It looks like there's the possibility to get a lot more frames by rotating the transport through 90°.

The 6x3 format gives 24 frames to a roll of 120, it could be masked to 645 but would only get 16 frames then.

 

[Nod]

D'oh!!!

I got the 1/2 frame back confused with the 35mm back! 100% my error.

 

[stevelmx5]

I’ve been working on the Six7 again today and am almost fully happy with the design. I’m still tweaking the interface between the main body and film back (currently velvet faced but may switch to a thinner material) but the overall layout is pretty much complete.



Rather than having the front body being fully switched for each lens I’ve designed a new compact lens board that uses a sliding latch like my other cameras to secure it. This means that I can built the main body in one piece, removing the joint which always risks light leaks.





I’ve also added a pair of carbon fibre neck strap lugs to the main body and designed these as separate parts that are secured into the body using 2x20mm M2 screws through each, ensuring a solid mount and cleaner printed as they are printed in a different orientation to the main body.






Next job is to put a roll through it and test for any light leaks and the general handling. I’m currently drawing up matching vertical 6x7 framefinders for the most popular focal lengths but I’ll also be testing out the MagSafe mount with a viewfinder/light meter app on my phone (“GoodFinder”)






Total weight of the widest setup, using my Schneider 47/5.6 lens and with a film loaded, is only 862g which isn’t bad compared to the 1400g Hasselblad SWC (which has a single fixed lens and frame size).

 

[stevelmx5]

Oh yeah, I’ve got 6x7 images :0)




Managed to squeeze 11.5 images from the roll too so I’m really happy with the frame spacing



Excuse the low quality phone photos/inversions, I was keen to check the edges and sharpness. I’ll scan them tomorrow but they look pretty sharp so far. Fomopan 100 with my Mamiya Press 65mm lens.

 

[stevelmx5]

Have to excuse the dust but I scanned the 6x7 roll today and am really happy with the results.

Fomopan 100, developed in 510Pyro. All handheld, generally 1/30th at F11.

 

[thedistrictline]

Hello,

Are you following the Intrepid shutter project and do you think you'll be able to integrate it into your model range? Thank you

 

[stevelmx5]

Hello,

Are you following the Intrepid shutter project and do you think you'll be able to integrate it into your model range? Thank you

Hi. I haven’t seen any updates from Intrepid about their shutter for a while but it’s designed around a standard Copal mount (1 I think) so there’s no reason why it couldn’t be used on my cameras.

 

[thedistrictline]

Hi. I haven’t seen any updates from Intrepid about their shutter for a while but it’s designed around a standard Copal mount (1 I think) so there’s no reason why it couldn’t be used on my cameras.

Excellent! They posted yesterday on their kickstarter page and its looking great