Format is the perfect film camera for photographers who are willing to embrace different proportions of their images. With the ability to shot three types of photos, Format gives infinite possibilities to the films, from panoramic landscape to condensed street views.

Using the Schneider Super Angulon 90mm f5,6 large format lens, Format ensures the best quality in color accuracy and sharpness. Other large format lens can also be installed with the proper mounting base to adapt different flange distances.

Format is manufactured with anodized 6063 aluminum, giving a robust and steady feeling in outdoor environments. The black reduces reflection and helps blending into the scene without drawing too much attention.

Format can be divided into three portions: the Lens Mounting Board, the Film Magazine, and the Ground Glass Magazine. Two magazines can be swapped quickly with releases on top and bottom.

The Lens Mounting Board carries the lens and the shutter. With the telescopic focusing ring and the focal length adaptor, the image field can be easily adjusted to fit the 120 film.

The Film Magazine holds the film from left to right with two rollers. All the gaps have light-seal design to guarantee the image outcome. With the viewer window at the back, photographers can wind the film with accurate positions.

The Ground Glass Magazine is a viewfinder that helps choosing the desired angles and portions of the view. With the bright acrylic screen, a dark cloth is no longer necessary for focusing.

Lens Mounting Board

The Schneider Super Angulon 90mm f5,6 large format lens is mounted at the very front, connecting with a telescopic focusing assembly. The levers on the shutter have been redesigned for clear indications.

F-stop values are laser-etched on top for easy adjustments. The current focal length adapter is designed for 90mm, and other lens can be fitted with customized adaptors.

Four M4 threaded holes at the front provides accessory opportunities. Currently the magnetic shutter cable holder was installed on the right side.

Film Magazine

This is where the image been carved onto the 120 film.

Simply load an unexposed roll of film on the left and drag it across the imaging frame until the backing paper is trapped by the empty spool on the right. Turn the nob until the number "1" appears through the window at the back. When shooting different format of images, numbers will appear differently, as laser-etched on the back as well.

Format achieves different proportions of images through swapping the imaging frames: 6x17, 6X12, and 6X6.

Push the four locks to release the magazine from the Lens Mounting Board. Two locks on the side are designed for the back panel to reload the film.

Ground Glass Magazine

Finding the perfect view became quick and simple on Format. Optical viewfinder ensures the same light quality on the film. Load this magazine the same way as the Film Magazine by pushing four locks on top and bottom.

Using the sand blasted acrylic can help significantly on the weight reduction. The concentric patterns on top helps brightening the entire view, so a traditional dark cloth is no need.

Proportion marks are laser etched at the back, providing guidance to photographers when switching between different formats of film shooting.

Process

After rounds of ideation through sketching and modeling, the design was fixed and launched into fabrication.

All the components of Format were CNCed 6063 aluminum except for the viewfinder frames that were made of CNCed ABS plastic.

Dry Fit is extremely important before the anodizing process. Many crucial details need to be adjusted including the light seal on the parting lines, spring and nob feelings, telescopic focusing adjustments...

After each change, a roll of film needs to be shot and developed in order to see whether the camera is fully light sealed.