Last Updated on 12/12/2025 by Chris Gampat
When it comes to dedicated monochrom cameras, there are only a handful that have been doing so. For instance, Leica is one company, and then you have Ricoh, both of whom offer dedicated sensors. However, Leica is far too expensive, and Ricoh’s GR Monochrom is still in development. However, there is one creator, who has designed a new monochrom camera, that will not cost you thousands of dollars. How does it work and where you can buy it? Have a look.
All images in the atricle are by Malcolm Jay.
What is the Modular Camera Like?
Malcolm Jay, the creator of CameraHacksByJ, has built a new camera, which is powered by Raspberry Pi 5. The device features a waist-level viewfinder, which is build using Sony IMX585 monochrome sensor. The Sony sensor is not full-frame or even APS-C, rather 11.14 mm x 6.26 mm in size or 1/1.2 inch. The camera has a modular system, this means the sensor mount can be change, and Malcolm has also created an or non-monochrome sensors or the Raspberry Pi HQ camera.
To counter the 1/1.2-inch sensor, Malcolm built his own speed-booster setup using a 0.5x focal reducer. In other words, one can utilize vintage Takumar lenses without the telephoto focal range. In fact, one can als uses lenses such as Fujinon 25mm f1.4, M42 and even full-frame lenses.
Retro Shooting Experience
Atop the Mamiya style camera is also a 4-inch screen, and one can use a 3D-printed hood snap once they step outside. Some other user interfacte that Malcolm coded includes:
- Shutter control via physical button
- Focus peaking for manual lenses
- Tap-to-zoom for precise focusing
- Histogram display
- Auto or manual ISO
- Battery management with voltage readout
- Optional Wi-Fi file transfer
There is also built-in film emulation, which means the camera can mimic your images to look like those of Ilford Delta 400. There are also aspect ratios such as 1:1, 4:3, 3:1 panoramas, and vertical formats like 9:16. In addition, the camera can run for two to two and a half hours, thanks to the 3000mAh battery. One can also transfer images via USB and Wi-Fi. Malcolm also offers the following:
- Build guides on his Substack
- 3D-printable files and kits on his website
- Fully assembled cameras for those not comfortable building their own (which costs just $800).
Pixii has a monochrom sensor camera, but that costs 2,750 euros for the base storage version. Pentax has theK3 III monochrome, but you have to buy a second hand model, since it is an old DSLR. In a way, Malcolm’s DIY camera may seem more expensive than Pentax model, but it also offer a variety of options for lenses. This means your images will be different. However, if you feel $800 is a lot, it is better to look at Pentax.
Pixii and Pentax have monochrom cameras but they are over $2,000. The DIY camera, on the hand,