An Imperfect Camera
A while back I came across a group of young, enthusiastic analog photographers, in Budapest, who were getting lots of attention for their 3D printing of film cameras. I was intrigued.
So, I applied my limited (very) product design skills to creating a CAD model of my vision of the perfect, imperfect 3D printed camera.
My design has no moving parts–at least not intentionally moving. It relies upon a 60s era lens from the Mamiya Press camera system to do all things mechanical to let the light onto the film for just as long as one wants it to. A later, 70s era Mamiya medium-format 6x7 film back holds and advances 120 size film that is readily available once again today.
It is a zone focus camera meaning that you have to judge the distance and rotate the lens to that designated distance on the scale. To do that with a bit more certainty, I built a mount for a Dewalt Laser distance thingy. And, of course getting the shutter speed and the aperture correct for the available light is paramount. So, I built in a HEDECO light meter into the rangefinder accessory holder on top the camera.
How does it work, you ask. Just as planned. It slows you way down so you can truly enjoy all the aspects of making a picture.
As I mentioned at the outset, it was Dora Goodman Cameras that inspired me to go down this rabbit hole; and, Dora Goodman specifically who challenged me to keep digging until I found some imperfection to add to my photographic journey.
