Custom large-format cameras by Kipp Wettstein

“Camera 05″ - 8×10 made with carbon and aluminum parts
I have a love-hate relationship when it comes to shooting large-format. On one hand, I love the quality of the images that results from shooting large-format (plus the ability to correct for distortion without having to go into post-production), but at the same time, I hate the bulky and expensive process involved with lugging the equipment out onto the field. I guess you can say that I’m a product of the digital revolution; I want anything that’s quick, fast, and portable, and the traditional large-format just doesn’t fit that description.
Now, take a look at the custom-built cameras that photographer Kipp Wettstein makes. Wettstein manages to shrink the large-format camera down to proportions that only make it slightly larger than a Canon 1Ds! He does this by building the camera body around the cone of the lens itself.

“Camera 01″ - 4×5
Each camera truly is a beautiful work of art. Go over there and check out all 5 cameras that he has made.
- blackbird, fly: Japanese twin lens reflex camera
- Canon EOS Rebel XSi comes with IS kit lens
- Canon EOS 40D & 1Ds Mark III
- The video camera that captures MLB moments at Fenway Park
- Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod