Photographer Built a Medium-Format Rangefinder, and So Can You

Summary

Photographer Albert Cornelissen wanted a medium-format rangefinder camera that could utilize great glass and wouldn’t break the bank. The second restriction meant the legendary Mamiya 7 and Fujifilm GF670 cameras were out of the question, so Cornelissen took matters into his own hands and built his dream camera: The MRF2. “The MRF2 is the second version of the (M)edium-format (R)ange(F)inder — a truly unique camera that combines old and new technology for a one-of-a-kind analog photography experience,” Cornelissen explains. “Built for the Mamiya Press lens system, it uses microelectronics and software to bring a modern lens-coupled, LiDAR-powered medium-format rangefinder to life.” The MRF2 While the photographer sells a fully assembled version of his camera on his website for $1,156, although it is currently sold out, his project is entirely open source. Anyone can access his 3D-printable files, read the instructions, and learn everything they need to make their very own medium-format rangefinder camera on Github. “The camera-making community is amazing. They are welcoming, open to share knowledge, and super encouraging. I’ve built and shot cameras designed by Oscar Oweson (Panomicron), Mario (SPRKPLG), and many others. People like Ethan of Cameradactyl are also extremely inspirational. How could I not give back?” the photographer tells PetaPixel of his decision to keep his project accessible to all. “I am also a firm believer in the ethos of open source, and hope that others can build on and improve my work!” As for the MRF2, Cornelissen also drew inspiration from his peers for this new camera. “I had made and shot some of the excellent cameras by Mario from SPRKPLG that use the Mamiya Press lenses, and realized I could use those lenses as a starting point to design my own modern rangefinder,” the photographer tells PetaPixel. “Oscar Oweson from Panomicron had released the Thulium not long before, and that was the perfect foundation to start with. At that point in...