Are you bummed that the Nikon F6, the last 35mm film SLR camera still on the market, costs $2,499? Don’t want to risk it buying a used SLR? Well, you can either wait until next year for a Kickstarter campaign to swing into action…or you can print it yourself, right now! The OpenReflex is the first 35mm SLR camera that you can print on a 3D printer, and the cost of the materials is said to be around $30.
An open-source camera (that means you can copy everything related to this camera and add your own improvements or modifications), the OpenReflex is a DSLR with a mirror viewfinder and modest shutter release at a set time of 1/60 second. The 3D printed parts are a film chamber/winder, shutter mechanism, and a viewfinder and lens mounting structure (it takes Nikon F lenses). According to creator Leo Marius, it should take about 15 hours to print these all out if you have your own 3D printer.
You’ll need some tools, including a screwdriver, glass cutter, vinyl or laser cutting tool, and various screws, bolts, bearings and other small inexpensive items. And of course, you’ll need a 3D printer. Since that’s not a trivial matter (The Printbot Plus 3D printer, for example, is available from Adorama for $1,999), you may want to consider using an online 3D printing service such as Shapeways or Sculpteo. Another option? Ask around; perhaps someone nearby has one and will let you use it.
All the parts are printed separately. Step-by-step instructions and all printable 3D files are available on Instructibles.com, one of our new favorite places on the Web. The cost of the materials is approximately $30.
So, are you gonna do it? Probably not…the camera is too limited and much assembly is required. But this is a great example of how 3D is growing as a source of innovation for consumer products.
Do you own a 3D printer? What have you made?
