Hi,
A while ago I've decided to design and print large format camera.
The goal is to make 5x7 camera, but I've decided to make 4x5 first as it will allow to print some elements in single piece on my cheap 3D printer.
Yesterday I was able to assemble and see if it will work at all.
I still have to make proper bellow as this one is just folded black paper so I have to be careful with moisture but it works.
I already have nice, thin fabric for the bellow and it's just matter of some spare time to make it.
Everything seems to work: rack & pinion focuser works, but may need some refinements, springs in spring back are bit too stiff so I have to make them bit more narrow, but film holder locks nice in the place. Spring back can be rotated by 90 deg for landscape without problem.
3D printed lens board also seems to fit nice.
Whole camera, without lens and holder weights 940 grams, so it's quite light I guess.
About 90% of the camera is 3D printed, the only non printed parts are: bolts and nuts for printed knobs, aluminium rail, springs for spring back, bellow and ground glass.
Material is PLA so it's quite strong but I have to be careful about temperature and remember to not leave the camera in the car when it's really hot outside as it will get soft and could melt
To be honest it would be easier to make it from the wood but it was fun do design it and modifications will be really easy now.
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