Buyer beware of 3D printed lens boards

[phdgent]

Many years ago, before 3D printing existed, I made lens boards (or is it lens 'plate'?) for my Linhof Technika out of black Plexiglass.
This can easily be worked on and shaped the way you want it without machines nor sophisticated tools: a cutting lath, a Staley knife, a strip self-adhesive foam, a bell drill, sanding paper, and some muscle power is what you need.
The thickness of the Plexiglass is of lesser importance as you can easily chamfer the edges to have it fit behind the notches.

Oh, and an original Technika lens plate to copy...

[maltfalc]

I'm sure you are correct, but there is no way for a buyer to separate the wheat from the chaff.

ebay, etsy, etc. all have ratings and reviews from buyers for that specific reason.

[Corran]

This company/person made me a custom 3D-printed lens board that is high-quality, durable, and light-tight:

https://zebradryplates.com/

He makes a variety of things and so if you are looking for these types of accessories, here you go - wheat, separated.

[xkaes]

Thanks, but I'll be sticking to aluminum from now on. Fool me once......

[domaz]

This can easily be worked on and shaped the way you want it without machines nor sophisticated tools: a cutting lath, a Staley knife, a strip self-adhesive foam, a bell drill, sanding paper, and some muscle power is what you need.
The thickness of the Plexiglass is of lesser importance as you can easily chamfer the edges to have it fit behind the notches.

Oh, and an original Technika lens plate to copy...

Honestly, you can make almost any lensboard with hand tools. Even aluminum ones.. but unless you are very skilled it's not pretty. Even on wooden lensboard you don't have much margin for error, make the board a 1/16" too small and you are likely to get light leaks!

[paulbarden]

This company/person made me a custom 3D-printed lens board that is high-quality, durable, and light-tight:

https://zebradryplates.com/

He makes a variety of things and so if you are looking for these types of accessories, here you go - wheat, separated.

I concur: Nejc at Zebra Dry Plates makes quality materials.

[Drew Wiley]

"reviews and ratings" are easily skewed. And all it takes is one incompetent crank to badmouth an otherwise excellent product. I'd buy knockoff Technika boards from Bromwell; but some the recent import varieties have turned out terrible for me - didn't fit at all. Same goes for knockoff generic Sinar boards.

Plexi for lensboards? - you gotta be kidding. Plexi/acrylic warps, or bows toward the heated side; it's dimensionally affected by humidity too. I've either made or modified a number of aluminum boards. I've got a serious drill press, fly cutter, sanding drums, and some darn heavy duty clamps. If wood is used, you have to understand what kind to use, and how to serious seal it.

[BrianShaw]

"reviews and ratings" are easily skewed. And all it takes is one incompetent crank to badmouth an otherwise excellent product. ...

And the opposite, too. After having bad business dealings with a few "5-star rated" companies that weren't as good as the reviews purport, I'm skeptical of many reviews and review sites. Even BBB is a biased enterprise when it comes to dispute rsolution and reviews.

[lassethomas]

It all comes down material and print quality.

I've printed a bit myself and have come to the following conclusion regarding different plastics:

PLA - Is cheap, brittle, and degrades by sun, water and weather. I also found it hard to get it lightproof, even in black color. Should be avoided in my opinion.
PETG - Yes, the same as in bottles. Tougher, durable and not degraded by sun and the like. Is a bit too flexible though. Could be a problem for big heavy lenses if your board is thin, like Linhof boards. I've printed a lot of these and they work well. no problems with lightproofing.
ABS - The best of both worlds. Stiff and durable. Requires a really good heated printing bed, a closed printer and ventilation from toxic fumes. But best if you can get it.

And then there is Nylon, Carbon fiber and more... but they are more expensive specialist materials, also requiring more expensive printers.

[lassethomas]

And then we must not forget chocolate. No, not as durable as plastic, not recommended for summer outdoors, but very tasty if you get a sugar cravings on the way home.

https://cocoapress.com