Our basic Shutter Actuator is for film shooters.

Our Universal Sync Box is for medium format digital back users. It uses active electronics to sync with and control your digital back, interfacing it with any type of shutter. It can automate sensor wakeup, shutter triggering, and more, taking the hassle out of digiback use on manual cameras and rendering it easy to shoot with vintage and experimental lenses (vintage, aerial, etc.). It also works to speed up and ease use of the Mercury ST (stitching) system when shooting rapid panoramas.

Read the full details and order here.

This will upgrade nearly every camera with a beefy, durable, removable grip to significantly improve your hand-holding the camera. It’s also a huge aesthetic upgrade!

All complete cameras from now on will include a grip. Prices for camera bundles have been raised slightly as a result. There are a few exceptions where a camera doesn’t include a handle, or rare configurations that are incompatible with grips; no grip will be included in these cases.

Grips are now available to purchase for most existing Mercury cameras as well, so it is available as an immediate upgrade for your Mercury!

For a complete explanation of the system, including the different models available and compatibility, go to the new Accessories page: Mercury Grip System. You can also order directly from there.

ST stands for “stitching.” This system is designed for medium format digital backs, and allows you to instantly and precisely shift your back into 3 (or in some configurations, 2 or 4) positions for easy, perfect stitching in post production. The result is to dramatically increase your practical sensor size—in most cases, to the approximate size of 6×9 film. Not only will this dramatically reduce your enlargement factor and greater than double your resolution, but will allow you to pair a digital back with larger format lenses. Instead of taking a tiny crop from the center of the image circle, you’ll be able to capture the real aesthetics and advantages of these larger lenses.

Shift movements are of course possible on some expensive technical and field cameras, but such rack-and-pinion systems are slow and cumbersome to operate. By contrast, the Mercury ST camera is far more compact, lightweight, and can be operated simply, with no need for knobs and cranking. You can take a high-end, perfect set of three shots for stitching in under 3 seconds! Capture you image before your subject moves or the light changes.

The Mercury ST system consists of three main products:

1. The ST Camera. This is our flagship, most advanced product in the ST line. It is an RS-0 camera, meaning that it is compatible with any lens that the Mercury camera system can adapt (and that’s theoretically nearly every medium to large format lens in existence). It is light and extremely compact, for easy field shooting.

2. The Graflok 45 6×9 ST Back. This Graflok back is compatible with most large format cameras that can accept removable backs in the Graflok/International style. This is an RS-20 back, meaning that it moves the film plane 20mm farther back than usual.

Both the ST Camera and Graflok 45 6×9 back accept the same “ST Inserts.” For users who wish to purchase both of these products, you only need one Insert for a given digital back. These are the Inserts available:

Mamiya/Phase One 645 backs

Hasselblad V Type 1 (compatible with particular brands of digibacks)

Hasselblad V Type 2 (compatible with different brands of digibacks)

6×9 Ground Glass. This ground glass insert can be swapped for the digiback, and can be used to compose the full-sized image that will exist after stitching. It can also be used for focus if you wish.

3. The Graflok 45 6×12 ST Back. For panorama lovers, this back is very similar to our 6×9 Graflok back, but uses special ST Inserts that are significantly longer to achieve a final stitched image approximately the size of 6×12 panoramic film negatives. The same set of Inserts are available for this back, but these and 6×9 Inserts are not interchangeable. This back takes up more space and generally requires 4 stitched images, so is slower, but it is perfect for folks who wish to shoot insanely high resolution panoramas.

For more information about the ST Camera and some sample images, most of which also applies to the Graflok ST backs, check out https://mercurycamera.com/mercury-st-stitching-camera/.

For detailed operation instructions, see section 2.3.6 in the latest Mercury User Guide, available in the Downloads section of the website.

ST components are extremely labor- and time-intensive to make, as they require many layered components within components, different types of adhesives applied over time, layers of fabric, etc. However, we do have a first batch ready to be purchased. Once those sell out, it will be some time before a second batch will be ready.

If you would like to place an order or inquire further, please email us at mercurycameraworks@gmail.com

We have also recently updated and expanded our line of digiback accessories. See this page for an overview of digital back compatibility and options within the Mercury system.

Full Kits Including Digital Backs

We’re also excited to announce that we have tested and certified four Leaf Valeo digital backs to be bundled while supplies last with the ST system. If you don’t own a medium format digital back, this is a very affordable way to experience the glory of CCD imaging, with one of the most famous and successful sensors ever produced. It generates stunningly sharp photos with incredible color and beautiful tonality even today, with all of the advantages of a large sensor. Each kit comes with the back, bluetooth ready, the full ST kit, and an exclusive Mercury CF Unit, specially manufactured to enable easy, fully portable use of Valeo backs, writing to an included CF card. These units come pre-programmed and ready to shoot at 50 ISO. In order to preview your images and change settings on the fly, you can add a used iPaq from ebay, which connects via bluetooth. We can set you up with the software.

And, based on a new procedure we’ve developed, we can provide your digital back in either standard color range, or full spectrum. Full spectrum backs will let in all wavelengths of light, allowing you to shoot standard color, infrared, or UV with only a change of a lens filter. I have posted a number of examples of infrared photos shot with the Valeo on a Mercury to the Mercury Works Facebook group.

Here’s what’s available now, with initial release pricing (availability and prices not guaranteed to last):

Mercury ST camera, including one ST Insert of your choice: $435

Mercury ST camera with one ST Insert and digital back kit (including CF unit): $1075

(for full spectrum version add $100)

Mercury ST Graflok 45 back for 6×9 images, including one Insert: $350

Mercury ST Graflok 45 back for 6×9 images with one ST Insert and full digital back kit: $990

(for full spectrum version add $100)

Mercury ST Graflok 45 back for 6×12 images, including one ST Insert of your choice: $480

Additional 6×9 ST Inserts: $145

Additional 6×12 ST Inserts: $155

Just email us at mercurycameraworks@gmail.com if you’d like us to put together an order for you.

We developed the ST system with the generous help of Digital Transitions in NYC. They are the experts in digital back technology–don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you’d like to learn more about the capabilities of current digital backs.

And for any of you concerned that all of our work on digital backs heralds a turn away from film, don’t worry—Mercury Works remains as committed to the medium of film as ever! We are actively working on new, exciting projects for both film and digital.

The Base Plate mounts to one of three options: The Vertical Base Plate to enable vertical movements (rise and fall), the Horizontal Base Plate to enable horizontal movements (left or right shift), or the Shifting Camera Front (rise only).

When the Mounting Plate is integrated with either Base Plate, the combined module takes the place of a 10mm Front Spacer, and can thus be used in any Mercury camera configuration that has at least FS-10. The only limitations are that it cannot be mounted directly to a standard Mercury Front Panel (you need at least one Front Spacer beneath it, or it needs to be an XL Front Panel or Mini Front Panel) and you can’t mount an XL Focus Unit directly to it (that too would require at least FS-10 in between the two parts).

For camera configurations that don’t use spacers or are otherwise not compatible with the unit for reasons described above, the Shifting Camera Front can be used instead. This camera front panel can be used in lieu of the standard Mercury front panel. The Shift Base Plate mounts directly to it; when these are integrated, they act like any other Mercury camera, but now with front rise built in!

In almost all configurations, the Mercury Shift System enables from 15-17mm of movement. Some lenses with especially large rear elements may further restrict the maximum movement distance.

One integrated module can handle either vertical or horizontal movement; to change, you would swap out just the Base Plate part. If you need both horizontal and vertical movement simultaneously, you would need to use two Mercury Shift units–each consisting of a Mounting Plate and Base Plate or Shifting Camera Front.

Instructions can be downloaded here. They will be integrated into the next release of the Mercury User Guide.

Like all Mercury camera items, these can be purchased by emailing us at mercurycameraworks@gmail.com

Visit our Instax Wide page for details and to purchase.

Mercury can now accept the following medium format system lenses:

• Mamiya 645
• Pentax 645
• Hasselblad V
• Pentacon 6
• Pentax 67

Each of these kits includes a dedicated Mercury lens mount adapter that threads into the front of a large format shutter.  It also includes a special lens board that accepts that shutter and correctly spaces that lens format, rendering its built-in focus scale accurate.  Each kit also includes a shutter spacer that offsets the shutter slightly from the lens board, and a set of screws to mount the kit to any Mercury front panel.

While prototypes over the past two years were only available for the Ilex 4 shutter, some lens systems can now utilize Copal 3 and Copal 3S shutters, greatly expanding the available options.  The following table sums up the possible combinations:

Reflexalogy stanmore is a complementary therapy which works with the application of pressure to the points of reflex on the levitra pills online feet. Shilajit is cheapest viagra australia collected from the foot hills of Himalayas. In fact, it is the first drug that is meant to consume viagra on line orally. There’s proof of UTC abnormalities at the conclusion of the DXR cialis no prescription infusion.
 

Configs that require a front spacer have additional flexibility, as that spacer can be removed for rear shifted backs and back adapters (up to RS-10; further than this requires the Mercury S Front Panel, which achieves another 10).

And now, we can finally announce a solution for 135 (35mm) SLR lenses as well.  While these lenses have flange distances too short to utilize the standard Mercury front mount, special camera bodies have been developed to allow them to work with the Mercury ecosystem.  The vast majority of 135 system lenses will only work with an Ilex 4 shutter.  Unlike the universal medium format system lens kits, 135 Mercury configs require two components that are sold separately.  135 Integrated Panels accept a large format shutter via direct threads (the shutter screws into the front of the panel).  Their rear side consists of a built-in (non-removable) back adapter.  Graflok 23 and Mamiya 645 AFD versions exist.  The second component of a 135 system lens config is the lens adapter.  This accepts a particular lens system, and itself threads into the large format shutter mounted on the Mercury body.  The following adapters are available:

Canon EF (our default adapter, as it can mount many other lens systems; see below)

Canon FD

Minolta MD

Konica (Hexanon) [still in development]

Leica R

All but the Leica R use the “Type 1” body, which accepts and Ilex 4 shutter and comes in either Graflok 23 or Mamiya AFD back versions.  The Leica R requires a Type 2 body, which accepts a Copal 3 shutter and comes only in a Graflok 23 back.

Many other lens systems can be easily adapted to Canon EF via readily available third party adapters.  These include, but are not limited to:

• Nikon F
• Olympus OM/MD
• Contax C/Y
• M42
• Pentax K
• Exakta

Prices

(note: Kits do not include required large format shutter)

Mamiya 645 kit (to Ilex 4):  90

Pentax 645 kit (to Ilex 4, Copal 3, or Copal 3S):  90

Hasselblad V kit (for Ilex 4, Copal 3, or Copal 3S):  110

Pentacon 6 kit (for Ilex 4 or Copal 3):  100

Pentax 67 kit (for Ilex 4, Copal 3, or Copal 3S):  100

135 Integrated Panel, Ilex 4 Shutter to Graflok 23 Back:  50

135 Integrated Panel, Ilex 4 Shutter to Mamiya 645 Back: 70

135 Integrated Panel, Copal 3 Shutter to Graflok 23 Back:  TBD

Canon EF Lens Mount for Ilex 4: 50

Minolta MD Lens Mount for Ilex 4: 50

Canon FD Lens Mount for Ilex 4: 60

Konica Lens Mount for Ilex 4: TBD

Leica R Lens Mount for Copal 3: TBD

System Lens Notes:

All system lens kits require a large format shutter.  The Ilex 4 is the most versatile: it works for every medium format and 135 lens except for Leica R (and even that can be achieved with a Canon EF mount + Lecia R to Canon EF adapter).  However, Ilex 4 shutters, while typically less expensive than Copal 3, are nonetheless far less common.  Some lenses can utilize a Copal 3S shutter.  This shutter is very similar to a Copal 3, but has slightly different measurements.  We designed the Copal 3S configs to allow Mercury users to make use of a cheaper shutter: the 3S is  about 2/3 the price of a Copal 3.  However, it can be difficult to identity a 3S.  Sometimes they are labeled as such, but most of the time they are simply labeled “Copal.”  If it looks like a Copal 3 and has similar dimensions, but only says “Copal,” it is a 3S.  They are almost never labeled as such by sellers on ebay.  Common lenses that come in the Copal 3S include the Fujinon 250mm SF (Soft Focus), the Congo 180mm f/4.5, and various Kowas and Computars.

Medium format system lenses should not be expected to produce images larger than their nominal format (i.e., 645 for Mamiya or Pentax 645 lenses, 6×6 for Hasselblad V, etc.).  Though many lenses have larger image circles, the aperture of Ilex 4 and Copal 3 shutters restricts the light path to some extent.  The nominal format rule of thumb isn’t exact, but it is a good guide.  135 lenses, however, being smaller, will typically produce larger image circles than their nominal format, even in these same shutters.  A number of 135 lenses we’ve tested can produce a 4x4cm image, and some even approach (but none reach) 645.

Some of these system lenses have built-in shutters.  Mercury Works makes an Ilex 4 Spacer that can act as a replacement for the Ilex 4 shutter.  Because it has a larger aperture than an actual Ilex 4, it will recover more of the lens’ full image circle.  Further, we also have an RS-20 version of this spacer, which allows these lenses to be used in RS-20 configs (and in the case of the P67, the standard FS10 can be removed to achieve RS-30!).  Lenses that can be used with this spacer system include 55mm, 70mm, 80mm, and 150mm L/S versions of Mamiya 645 lenses and the Pentax 67 90mm f/2.8 LS lens.

All of these system lens adapters require metal parts.  We have to cannibalize parts from existing lens adapters.  This adds a significant amount to our cost.  In addition, some adapters require us to do drilling and tapping, or even extensive machining, as in the case of the Hasselblad V adapter.  Our prices reflect this.

Mamiya RB67 lenses and Mamiya Press lenses in their helical mounts are special types of lenses that act as hybrids between view lenses and system lenses.  Both are fully compatible with Mercury, but have separate solutions and thus aren’t listed here.

The Mercury viewfinder contains no optics—it is a simple framing device. However, it is typically faster and easier to use than a sportfinder, as two different squares do not need to be aligned: you simply need to keep the images centered in your vision. The viewfinder is enclosed, so it blocks out all light and frames your subject more clearly.

Unlike the Mercury sportfinder, the Mercury viewfinder includes a front “cap” that allows you to insert masks. Masks made from black cardstock can be easily cut to any aspect ratio and format you wish; this makes the viewfinder extremely versatile. Viewfinder caps are black by default, but can be made in any standard Mercury highlight color, to match your other camera highlights.

Each viewfinder includes a removable rubber eye cup for comfort. Because the eye cup properly spaces your eye, it is required. However, you can replace the included one with certain other eye cups that conform to the “Nikon 22mm square” format. This includes the Hoodman H-RAV right angle viewfinder attachment, which comes with a range of adapters for different cameras. One is Nikon 22mm Square. Though the Hoodman adapter’s metal prongs need to be bent out slightly, it can then take the place of your eye cup and allow you to view your subject from nearly any angle!
One last thing you should note is that the root troubles are being effectively treated by means levitra low price of these capsules and thus the troubles do not come back again and again then this is a time when he should act better than investing time in mere thinking about what’s going wrong? There are no specific causes that can be classified into tight compartments but excessive stress derived from pacy lifestyle, food habits, bad. Even if the benefits of extracorporeal shock wave therapy are confirmed by future order viagra research, the therapy may never be mainstream treatment for Erectile Dysfunction as this treatment puts a scare in the minds of consumers. If viagra sale you are seeking to make additional money online, then take action and jump in for the long haul. Now, this can be availed in the different signs and viagra store symptoms that you will experience when you go through male menopause.

Because Mercury viewfinders are non-optical, they aren’t practical for wide angle lenses. They are only sized up to a normal field of view. Their field of view numbers correspond to Mercury sportfinders; for example, a #3 Viewfinder will have roughly the same field of view as a #3 sportfinder. Viewfinders are available in sizes 1, 2, and 3 only.  Use the following chart to cross-reference sportfinder and viewfinder numbers with particular focal lengths and formats.

We’ve been working on this for a long time, and are very excited to now announce the availability of interchangeable medium format digital backs for the Graflok 23 system! It is now possible to shoot medium format film and digital fully interchangeably on your Mercury. This has been the holy grail for Mercury. We have had digital back adapters available for awhile, and those made for great digital Mercury configurations. However, there was no way to interchange digital backs and Graflok 23 backs on a shot-by-shot basis. Now you can use any Graflok 23 roll film back, for formats up to 6×9, along with a medium format digital back. Commercial cameras have never been able to do this: certain models (none current) could interchange film and digital backs, but they were limited to the small 645 format (Contax, Mamiya, Hasselblad H) or 6×6 (Hasselblad V). A very expensive adapter allowed you to shoot digital backs on an RZ67 (and an even more expensive one did the same for the RB67). The Mercury Digital Graflok Back brings medium format digital to 6×9 photography, as well as interchangeability between Instax and digital for the first time ever.

The Mercury Digital Graflok Back accepts Mamiya AFD compatible digital backs. Eventually we will make a kit available for those who already own a compatible digital back. Available immediately, however, is a special limited edition kit that includes a complete digital back adapted to Graflok 23! We have five of these in stock, and they will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Our favorite under $1000 digital back for Mercury is the Leaf Valeo 17wi. This back was originally $18,000 (yes, as much as a car!) and was designed for high-end professional studio use. This is a CCD-based back, with significant quality advantages over most CMOS chips; thus it produces outstanding images despite being older. It can be tethered via a single firewire cable to nearly any Mac computer (including current models) for full tethered control using a laptop screen as your monitor. However, unique among studio digital backs from the 2000s, Leaf also sold a portability kit for this back that allowed it to be used anywhere. These rare items cost several hundred dollars now, and are a questionable value given that they contain actual hard drives, and are also bulky and heavy. However, Mercury Works has developed a series of new, small, lightweight, CF-card units that turn the powerhouse Valeo into a fully portable option for your Mercury. These small units can be carried in your pocket, clipped on your belt or pocket (with its included belt clip) or mounted on the camera itself.

Our kit comes with a fully tested, high-end digital back fully adapted to the Graflok 23 standard, a CF drive unit, a pre-programmed CF card, and a shutter attachment cable for use with any lens capable of syncing with a flash. The only thing you will need to begin shooting immediately is a battery pack. We recommend any rechargeable 6800mAh Lithium Ion battery pack sold on Ebay. These sell for less than $20 and include a small charger. This battery plugs directly into the CF drive unit and attaches to its side using an included velcro strip.

If you haven’t shot medium format digital before, you are in for a treat. This sensor is much larger than even a full frame 35mm sensor, producing the magic of medium format and making the most use of your Mercury setup. Here are a couple of photos I’ve taken with this back. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time to get out and do real photography with this on the Mercury, so these are photos taken with a Mamiya AFD II (that doesn’t matter, though, as it is the digital back itself that we’re looking at):

Green tea is a natural food supplement helping in reducing hypertension there by lowering blood sugar level. discount viagra cialis Reading our blog you will find interesting information about weight loss problems and solutions that will help you reduce your body fat. is a reliable drugstore that offers brand and generic medications on ground of its rate which is improper. buying levitra online does economically cost ten times cheaper than the original drug but gives absolutely the same effect as its brand name drug. You could levitra no prescription http://appalachianmagazine.com/2015/12/15/the-underground-coal-fire-thats-been-burning-for-53-years/ be affected by male pattern hair loss, if you’re enduring shedding of hair during washing or cleaning, with small development. This is an embarrassing condition which cannot be shared to cialis without prescription overnight anyone, our doctors and advisers will keep your case and information within our safe database.

The amazing quality that this setup is capable of is the result of extremely high end CCD technology, non-anti-aliased imagery, and medium format sensor size. What is most exciting about this setup, however, is the ability to mix and match digital and film on the Mercury.

We have five of these kits ready to sell on a first-come, first-served basis, for only $875 each. Also, anyone who purchases one of these will have your Mercury kit automatically added to the Batch 1 group, scheduled to ship at the end of next month (May).

Limitations and Considerations

The Mercury Digital Graflok 23 Back is an RS-20 back, meaning that it shifts the film plane 20mm farther back than the Graflok 23 standard. This means that you need to remove one FS-20 (the standard Mercury Front Spacer) from your lens stack to maintain correct focus. This is the same as our Instax Mini back, for instance, and thus these two backs can be freely swapped. To swap a standard (RS 0) back without having to add or remove a front spacer, you’ll want to mount your standard back in an RS-20 Back Adapter (some of you already have these on order). This adapts any standard back to an RS-20 back. We have also developed, in conjunction with the Digital Graflok back, a special adapter that allows you to modify any RB67 Pro-S back (some of the most popular Graflok 23 backs for use with the Mercury) to RS-20. This is a drop-in replacement for the bottom plate on your RB67 back. You can perform this modification yourself quite easily. It is reversible. This piece is available for only $30. The Rear Spacer 20 unit is available for $45. It is a bit more bulky, but universal (i.e., it will work on any Graflok 23 back).

The Valeo 17wi back has no LCD screen, so you cannot review photos directly on the device itself. Similarly, you cannot change ISO (we set it at ISO 50, which we believe is the best setting for this back). I have personally not found this to be a limitation when traveling and shooting with this back; it’s just like shooting film. However, these functions can be added easily by purchasing a used HP iPaq PDA online. Every model we’ve tried works, as long as it includes Bluetooth. Once you install the free DP-67 app and sync with your digital back, you can review images on the PDA (in low resolution), view a histogram (the most useful thing), and change settings at will. But again, this is purely optional, and not needed to shoot with the back.

In order for this back to work correctly with view lenses, your shutter must be capable of flash sync. By default, we will send you a cable with a PC connector, as this is the most common shutter connector. If you have a lens/shutter with a bipost connector (some Kodak, Graflex, and Ilex shutters), let us know and we will send you a custom bipost cable instead. Lenses without flash sync can still use this digital back, but a special and more awkward trigger cable must be built. Ask us if you’d like to know more.

This digital back produces only professional RAW files. You will need RAW processing software in order to develop your photos. You can use commercial apps like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, or free open source apps like Raw Therapee (which we recommend).

By default this digital Mercury kit comes with our standard CF Drive unit. For $50 extra, we can upgrade that to the Deluxe CF Drive unit. This is more complex for us to build, but has a few advantages: it is somewhat smaller/thinner, uses updated electronics that are theoretically (with the right CF cards) slightly faster at writing and reading data, and instead of containing a built-in, permanent firewire cable, has a firewire port, so you can use any type and length of cable. The belt clip on the Deluxe unit is also removable (with the included allen wrench), exposing a standard ¼-20 (tripod) mount, for easy mounting to your camera or other devices. The standard unit contains a non-removable belt clip.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Most of all I’m just excited to be able to add the holy grail of analog-digital integration to the Mercury ecosystem!

To purchase one of these before they are gone, just email us at mercurycameraworks at gmail.