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Check out this article on using cheap, old manual focus lenses on current digital SLR bodies at the New York Times.

Via Jenene Chesbrough

"How to make an (electrical) cable release for the Canon Digital Rebel and how to trip the camera’s shutter with your computer’s serial port. Applicable also to some other Canons (e.g., Digital Rebel XT)."

Read instructions at Covington Innovations

Via MAKE Blog

Horseman have just introduced their LD bellows system for Canon and Nikon digital SLRs.

"Whether you are using a Canon® or Nikon® digital single lens reflex, Horseman now gives you an opportunity to add full bellows functions—like in a medium or large format view camera. The Horseman LD comes in two models that accept Nikon or Canon DSLR bodies, maintaining all their normal functions. Up front, you can attach any standard medium or large format camera lens…"

This isn’t my ultimate fantasy ideal, which is movements controlled by a thumb pad on the back of the camera with one-touch zeroing of any plane, but still: HELL YEAH!

Coming soon are a conversion kit that will allow you to shoot 4×5 film and a slide adapter for pro digital backs.

It’s available now for about US $2,500.

Check it out at the Horseman product page or read the press release.

Via PhotographyBLOG

Hasselblad will launch a new 12 megapixel 503CWD DSLR, which is essentially a 503CW with a the CFV digital back, which replaces the V96C. Wanky limited edition of 500 pieces.

Consider the following facts:

• The list price of for the back alone is US $9,995.
• You can buy a CanoScan LiDE 60 for about $80.
• Add in $60 in other materials.

This means that you can make 71.3929 scanner cams for the price of the back. I’ll admit that I own and operate two Hasselblad film cameras, but does a Hassy back produce results 71.3929 better than a hacked-up scanner back? Completely different tools for completely different jobs, of course—and I wouldn’t kick one out of bed if it landed in my lap (or would I, and buy an SWC with the proceeds? yeah, probably…)—but still fun to think about.