Crowdfunding - A Rant

[Archren]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

And that's one of the risks that you can and should expect with crowdfunding; that the product really isn't very good. Another is that the person who is doing the project under estimates the costs involved and can't complete production. I see those both as reasonable.

At this point I'm exclusively funding creative projects (web series, indie movies). Generally speaking I look at the rewards offered for a specific funding level and if I think that's reasonable value for the investment, I go ahead. To date I haven't funded anything at more than a US$50.00 level. I would actually have funded the Othermill at the $999.00 level, but unfortunately the Kickstarter had already closed by the time I heard about it.

I took a risk and funded a group (Wanderlust Cameras) who wants to manufacture a lightweight 4x5 film camera called a Travelwide. 630g, fully loaded with lens, film holder, view finder and range finder.. weighs less than a Canon 5D Mk II. Was supposed to deliver last month, but I know they ran into a few issues in the manufacturing process that has made it take a little longer.

[Papa_Complex]

Originally Posted by Archren

I took a risk and funded a group (Wanderlust Cameras) who wants to manufacture a lightweight 4x5 film camera called a Travelwide. 630g, fully loaded with lens, film holder, view finder and range finder.. weighs less than a Canon 5D Mk II. Was supposed to deliver last month, but I know they ran into a few issues in the manufacturing process that has made it take a little longer.

Sounds interesting. Do you know if it would be compatible with any of the current digital backs?

[Archren]

Originally Posted by Papa_Complex

Sounds interesting. Do you know if it would be compatible with any of the current digital backs?

I imagine you could if you jury-rigged it. I've only used a digital back on a 4x5 once, and never bothered with it again, so I'm not sure if it would be possible to mount it on there without some light leaks. If you want to take a look for yourself to see if you think it could work, here's the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...wide-45-camera