The Goodman Zone is an open-source 3D printed camera (also available for sale) created by Dora Goodman. It utilizes probably my most favorite of lens formats, the Mamiya Press family of lenses. Check out her Instagram, and website for more information.
The open source aspect of this camera lends to a multitude of mods, encouraged by Dora. This has bred a few communities of like-minded tinkerers and makers. You can find them at Dora Goodman Cameras Group on Facebook, or join a Discord server where I occasionally share some of my files.
Dora has several camera styles, of which I chose the Goodman Zone as it made use of lenses (Mamiya Press) and film backs (Mamiya RB67) that I already had. After shooting a few rolls with it, the Zone quickly became my go-to camera system. Changing lenses and backs in the field was relatively effortless, and very productive. One problem remained–it supplanted my 35mm and therefore increased the footprint of my kit. For someone that also likes carrying around an instant camera, this presented me with a challenge. How can I utilize my instant camera mods while preserving 120 film capability?
Enter the Goodman Zone Plus.
In its current form, the Zone Plus system utilizes a chopped up Goodman Zone, with integrated mechanical light seal, and magnets to hold the different backs in place. The magnets are very strong, and I have only ever knocked a back off once while running into something. At the moment it can take 3 different backs:
- Mamiya RB67 Pro, Pro S, and Pro SD backs, utilizing the 120 film format.
- Polaroid CB-70, utilizing the Polaroid 600, SX-70, and I-Type formats.
- Hacked Lomography Diana Instant Square, utilizing the Instax Square format.
By the time I figured this mod out, I had several other 3D printed cameras under my belt. So issues with light leaks were very minimal. As a matter of fact, the RB67 backs with deteriorating light seals were the problem. Otherwise there was no real reason for light leaks within the body itself as the light seal lip did a great job of blocking everything out. Below are some examples of images captured with this system.
As with most things I touch, nothing is ever free from improvement. I am still in the process of improving the dark slide for the Diana back, as it tends to let in light. I would also like to someday add an Instax Wide back of some kind. But for now, this is my bae.
If you have any questions about this, or your own Goodman Zone mod, please do not hesitate to contact me! Or join our Discord server and get access to several knowledgeable camera hackers.