Virtually anything can be 3D printed these days, so this question seems easy to answer. So, to satisfy our curiosity, maybe it’s better to ask, “How would a 3D printed camera work?” Fortunately, we have an interesting answer from today’s featured video!
The David Imel of The Studio recently received and tested out the ND 6×17 camera. This new 3D printed camera from Noble Designs is essentially a camera obscura that uses medium format film. It also pairs with a smartphone and a Viewfinder app (iOS and Android), so you see what you’re shooting.
After getting back the films from his test shoots, David noticed that while he got a lot of good photos, there were also a handful of frames that had some weird artifacts on them. So, after getting in touch with Angus of Noble Designs, he found out that the filament density of the unit he received was a little bit lower. As a result, some light bled through the camera body and produced some leaks on the film. Angus sent a second unit over and this time, there were no issues!
So, what do you think of this 3D printed camera? Is it something you’d like to add to your photography tool kit? Share your insights with us in the comments below!
Enjoyed and found interesting.
If and when appropriate remain in contact with this fellow, presuming he pursues the subject of 3D printing a camera, and the matter of 3D printing a camera.
Subjects like this one and that of AI will influence photography.
So – thank you.
I 3D printed a camera for a colleague. There are free files out there to allow anyone with a large enough printer to do so. There were some hoops to jump through in terms of figuring out which of the parts were needed, and in what quantity, and quality. Then there was the issue of getting a compatible lens cone for what he had purchased.
Ultimately he’s happy with it, and it’s turned out some good images.