The following is a longstanding personal project. I am an avid photographer and, as a designer, have always been interested in camera designs and their usability. This prompted me to explore various approaches.
Project Bento is a modular camera concept, inspired by medium format cameras like the Bronco SQ, Kiev 88, Mamiya RB67 and Hasselblad V-series. The major influence though were Yoshihisa Maitani's prototypes, which never saw the light of day.
There were several major considerations for this design. Modularity and how to connect the modules. Digital imitation of a waist level viewfinder. Dials which wouldn't interfere with hand holding or adding modules. Dimensions to accommodate a wide range of sensors. Possibility to switch sensors and mounts easily.
Mounts for different lenses are available as adapters which install into the main mount. The sensor can be removed through the back of the camera and smaller sensors can be moved front to back.
The camera accepts modules/packs on four sides - left, right, bottom and back. This allows an impressive amount of freedom. Modules are secured with a simple camera screw with a regular tripod screw thread, which also allows the camera to be installed on a tripod in a number of ways.
Below are just a few possible combinations.
