Buyer beware of 3D printed lens boards

[xkaes]

I recently picked up a new lens board. I knew it was plastic, but I didn't know it was 3D printed plastic. Still, it seemed firm and fit very well. Yesterday, with a lens attached, it slipped out of my hand. It only fell an inch -- maybe two -- but it happened to make impact on one of the four corners of the lens board. An inch of the corner snapped right off. I think formed plastic would have been more flexible. The 3D board is very brittle -- too brittle.

FYI

[maltfalc]

sounds like more of a "buying stuff from sketchy people who cut too many corners" problem than a 3d printing problem.

[paulbarden]

I have about fifteen various lens boards that were 3D printed at home, made from PLA, and none of them has ever suffered damage from being dropped, or everyday usage. In fact, I am anything but gentle with them. I suspect this is an individual supplier/maker issue.

[Tin Can]

I have a Norwegian made 45 camera entirely PRINTED

I have dropped it with no damage

It is far better than the all Aluminum camera it emulates

Sold on eBay

[monochromeFan]

I recently picked up a new lens board. I knew it was plastic, but I didn't know it was 3D printed plastic. Still, it seemed firm and fit very well. Yesterday, with a lens attached, it slipped out of my hand. It only fell an inch -- maybe two -- but it happened to make impact on one of the four corners of the lens board. An inch of the corner snapped right off. I think formed plastic would have been more flexible. The 3D board is very brittle -- too brittle.

FYI

There is a massive amount of different material beign sold for 3d printing, some is good, some is not so good. Some of it is usable to make something decent like a joy stick. Other brands and types, and even generations of material are just good enough to not collapse under their own weight.

[Drew Wiley]

Reusable rocket boosters are being 3d printed now. They cost slightly more than generic lensboards, however. I'm always skeptical of generic anything.

[Greg]

Other brands and types, and even generations of material are just good enough to not collapse under their own weight.

Once bought a 3D printed Sinar board off eBay. Before cutting a hole in it, I went to test its strength by bending it with two fingers on each side. Easily broke in half. Last 3D printed board I ever bought.

[xkaes]

It's the same thing with 3D printed film cassettes -- more so with light leaks than structural failure.

Buyer beware.

[paulbarden]

You know, it IS possible to print an extremely tough, durable lens board. I daresay most of mine could withstand having a tank drive over them without breaking. So the trick is to find someone you can trust to do it right. Sounds to me like there are some dicks on fleabay printing the cheapest possible way, skimping on materials in order to make $$. Or may be they're inept.

[xkaes]

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

[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

[Drew Wiley]

Served hot in the darkroom of a gingerbread house?

[domaz]

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

Carbon printers know you can make anything with gelatin! Make a mold for your lensboard, pour in some pigmented gelatin and it will work great until summer!

[Roger Thoms]

Carbon printers know you can make anything with gelatin! Make a mold for your lensboard, pour in some pigmented gelatin and it will work great until summer!

Would it help to sensitive the board with potassium dichromate and expose it to UV?

Roger

[domaz]

Would it help to sensitive the board with potassium dichromate and expose it to UV?

Roger

I think it would. Actually I think hardened gelatin was used as a really early form of plastic. In fact they used gelatin sequins on a lot of fancy dresses back in the early 20th century. They are quite beautiful, the disadvantage is of course if you spend too much time dancing in them well they tend to melt..

https://www.sugarartsinstitute.com/blog/post/how-to-make-gelatin-sequins

[PatrickMarq]

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

Indeed, I have also beautiful quality stuff from Nejc.

[Tin Can]

Indeed, I have also beautiful quality stuff from Nejc.

I second that opinion

He is best for Plates and Plate Holders

[Drew Wiley]

Hmm. I have just been eating some gingerbread left over from the holidays. That might make a decent lens board, especially if you get stuck in the snow like the Donner Party.

[Roger Thoms]

Hmm. I have just been eating some gingerbread left over from the holidays. That might make a decent lens board, especially if you get stuck in the snow like the Donner Party.

Well, considering that ginger bread is an approved building material used in home construction, it should make a fine lens board. ��

Roger

[Tin Can]

I trust Roger


Well, considering that ginger bread is an approved building material used in home construction, it should make a fine lens board. ��

Roger