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| I've always loved old cameras. The feel of holding something that captured a previous generation is something I look for in a camera. So I decided to do something that I'm sure has been done before and mod an old camera to outfit it with new technology. I am removing all of the components from this old Kodak Pony 135 (circa early 1950-54) and replace them with new components from a Samsung 4.0 Megapixel P+S. The trick of this however, is not just to simply cram it into the body and take a few snaps, but to make all the components of the Samsung usable on the Kodak body. This should be fun. |
| I have removed the majority of the components from the camera body and will probably have to cut sections of the camera body out in order to be able to mount the various electronics. I also removed the lens and shutter from the camera due to the focal length of the Samsung. Once again, I want to make this camera look as original as possible while still being able to produce a worthy picture. |
| I removed the front faceplate from the Samsung and the factory SD card. The trick will be to keep these in good order so the install will go as easy as possible. |
| The Samsung has four basic parts, all of which are held together with small screws and interlocking M/F card slots. The camera board, the LCD monitor, the focal/macro adjustment board and the battery/capacitor holder. Shown here on the left is the small LCD screen and the part on the right is the main camera board. |
| The fact that the LCD is a separate unit and is not directly connected to the main camera board means I'll be able to mount the LCD directly on the back of the old camera body. The buttons might be a pain in the butt. I'll probably have to fabricate something to hold the buttons on the Kodak back. |
| Here we have the macro lens adjustment as well as the protective shutter to keep the CCD from getting damaged when not in use. I'm not sure how I'll incorporate this into the body but I'm sure something will present itself. |
| And last but not least, the most important part I need to warn EVERYBODY about. The battery and capacitor for the flash. Just because the batteries have been removed does not mean the unit has no power left in it. The capacitor acts as a spring, allowing for a large and quick release of energy, like what is required for the flash. Do not touch any of these parts as you will receive a nasty shock. I learnt this the hard way this evening. It doesn't feel very good. =( |
| The Encounter |
| November 25th 2006 I've taken the main body and shaved the inside out to allow for the new components from the Samsung. I also had to cut out a portion of the side of the body to allow for the SD slot and IC board. The old camera body clip will cover this up when its finished. |
| The only real feasible way to provide power for this unit will be to use NiMH batteries and delete the flash capability. This will save space and reduce the power consumption by the large capacitor used for the flash. Two 1.3VDC will provide enough power (if only just) to run the entire system. |
| I've placed a chassis mount charge port on the bottom of the camera body. I'm not really happy with the look of this style of chassis mount so I'm going to change it to something that will match the body better. |
