Drew Nikonowicz: The Standard Camera

Drew Nikonowicz: The Standard Camera by Aline SmithsonJuly 16, 2018

©Drew Nikonowicz, photograph taken with a Standard Camera

Drew Nikonowicz was the 2015 Lenscratch Student Prize winner and that same year he won the Aperture Prize in Photography. A year later he received his BFA from University of Missouri – Columbia. I knew at once that this wunderkind was and is a remarkable thinker and artist and his work breaks new ground in photography. Once again Drew is breaking new ground with his launch of The Standard Camera, 3d printed 4×5 view camera. Today, Drew launches a Kickstarter campaign where he will be selling the cameras.

The Standard Camera

Here is Drew’s story:

I have been a photographer for around 10 years now. I was first introduced to large format photography in 2012 in college, and since then I have continued to shoot large format consistently. I truly believe that shooting with a large format camera changes the way we see as image-makers. Over the past few years, with the help of friends and colleagues, I believe we have created a simple and lightweight 4×5 that focuses on the features photographers need most. The weight gives you more freedom to go wherever your photos take you. The price and durability give you the confidence to focus on being a photographer and not worry about protecting expensive gear.

By backing this project you not only help bring the Standard 4×5 to the market, but you also help Standard Cameras launch. Through Standard Cameras I will develop a modular camera system built around the 4×5 (easy to replace parts, bellows extension kits, monorail to field camera conversion kits, etc), workshops, learning materials related to 3d printing and photography, and so much more. In short, Standard Cameras will be much more than just a place to buy the Standard 4×5. Be sure to follow along on Instagram, join our mailing list, and keep scrolling for more information!

In 2014 I bought my first 3d printer. Almost immediately I began using it to create a 3d printed 4×5 view camera. The constraints I gave myself were simple – it had to be mostly 3d printed components, no support material required for the prints, and almost everything else had to be available at my local hardware store or easy to acquire. Since then the camera has gone from being a side project, to something I want to share with everyone. I have chosen to keep the price low to make the camera more accessible. This is also why the design will be open source after we start shipping cameras (more info in the FAQ). I hope to help bring more people to the medium – regardless of whether they buy a camera or download the plans and make one themselves!

The Standard Camera

SPECIFICATIONS

Accepts Linhof style lens boards
Approximately 100mm to 300mm lenses accepted*
Modular design allows for easy modifications and quick part replacements (which will be available later through our website)
Front Standard Rise/Fall (35mm/45mm), Shift (32mm each way), Swing and Tilt
Rear Standard Shift (55mm each way) and Swing
All Swing and Tilt movements are only limited by the bellows
Only 2 pounds (0.91kg)
Bellows constructed in-house – available in Black and Gray
3d Printed using a fully recyclable PETG plastic filament which is very durable and dimensionally stable
Anodized aluminum components and stainless steel hardware
Ground glass can be quickly removed to use various graflok backs
Lens and lensboard are not included. Check out our FAQ to see what else you’ll need to get started.

* – If the tripod mount is moved in front of or behind the standard mounts, focal lengths down to about 60mm can be used, especially with a recessed lensboard. Some images of this can be found HERE.