New Cirkut-type pano-graflex build

[malexand]

Hi all,
About a month ago I started musing on the feasibility of building a Cirkut-type rotating panoramic camera using 3D printed parts. After a few weeks of research, designing and printing the many parts for the package, I'm presenting Version 1.0 of my endeavor - a 6-inch Franken-Cirkut-Graflex.

I've been 3d printing for about a year now, and while not perfect, they offer a remarkable process for prototyping and testing design ideas. I've only used the most basic CAD program, and a entry level printer. Additional parts are off-the-shelf, available from Amazon or hardware store.

It started with the large tripod gear. I maxed out my software / print size at about 8 in in diameter, which happened to fit perfectly on a machined Lazy-susan bearing. Next I ordered some nice small 12v motors with built-in gearboxes to give slow RPM - currently have installed a 50 rpm, but also have 30 and 15 available. I settled on a 6 in. image size based on available lens and a rescued for-parts Speed Graphic body (shutter was previously harvested for a diff project). Film spools are 1" PVC pipe with printed end-caps. Initially using cut-down 14x36" x-ray film.

After having the body, motor and tripod gear set, the rest came together fairly quickly.

My first test shot shows noticeable banding, but good proof-of-concept. While I plan to try some mods to smooth it out, my gut says its due to less-than-perfect 3D gears and large-size teeth. After doing more tests to perfect timing / speed etc, I intend on buying better quality machined brass gears which hopefully will smooth it all out.

More to come...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VKCKfUJ3CUU https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pzaxMLiDUw4

[Kino]

Very cool! Great progress! Keep us updated!

[malexand]

A few more details...

[Mark Sampson]

What an interesting project to tackle. It's looking good!
Do you have a source of film that you've designed your camera around? It seems that even aerial film is hard to find these days.

[malexand]

What an interesting project to tackle. It's looking good!
Do you have a source of film that you've designed your camera around? It seems that even aerial film is hard to find these days.

Thanks! It was really a “I wonder if I could…” kind of project.
I’m currently using 14x36in x-ray film. It makes one shot spools. I also have a 6 in roll of Ilford multigrade on the way for paper negs.
Got some nicer gears on order too

[Tin Can]

fantastic

X Ray is

Affordable

[Michael Roberts]

Awesome design and execution of prototype! Please update when you get the new gear!

[malexand]

More test shots this afternoon. Improved focus. Banding is still present. Better gears on the way.
Got some light leak to track and fix. But most importantly, I must have the gear ratios close enough cause the negs are SHARP!
However, after several rounds of see-saw developing of fragile x-ray film, I believe my next project will be a spiral developing reel for this beast…

[Jim C.]

Nice job !
I think based on the pictures posted the teeth form on the gears aren't correct, that could be where your banding is coming from.

[Tin Can]

Made a contact printer for 14X36" with heavy safety glass

Testing lamps ongoing

My camera is a box, lens 620 mm, 800 mm or 900 mm

Maybe July

Circuit prints were contact printed

I have seen the 12ft

Here is 8" X 6'

Copied with cell phone in Cairo IL a few years ago

Perhaps Civil war

Looking for my copy

asap

Cairo by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

zoom in for detail