From Digital Camera World · · 1m 50s
Hacker builds modular 3D-printed camera with film vibes
Camera enthusiast Malcom Jay created a fully customizable digital camera with swappable sensors, waist-level finder, and film stock presets, now launching on Kickstarter.
In brief
Camera enthusiast Malcom Jay created a fully customizable digital camera with swappable sensors, waist-level finder, and film stock presets, now launching on Kickstarter. The WLV-01 proves you can build a capable, creative camera from 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components, with options ranging from DIY kits to…
Hacker builds modular film-inspired camera
Camera enthusiast Malcom Jay created the WLV-01, a fully customizable digital camera made from 3D-printed parts and Raspberry Pi that lets you swap sensors, lenses, and viewfinders.
Swap sensors and lenses to your taste
The WLV-01 accepts full-spectrum color or monochrome sensors from 1/1.2-inch to Micro Four Thirds, paired with E-Mount or C-Mount lenses. Adapters let you use vintage film lenses too.
Top screen enables waist-level finder
The four-inch screen sits on top rather than the back, letting you add an electronic viewfinder with a mirror or a 3D-printed waist-level finder. Old Mamiya TLR finders work too.
Film simulations and custom color filters
The WLV-01 includes presets based on classic film stocks and supports custom LUTs for building your own color filters. There's no in-camera image review, mimicking the film experience.
Advanced features powered by Raspberry Pi
The custom camera interface includes double exposure, focus peaking, and Brenizer mode for stacked panoramas. A 2.5mm mono jack handles flash since there's no hot shoe.
Kickstarter adds larger sensors and Wi-Fi
The crowdfunding campaign funds FCC certification for Micro Four Thirds sensors and a wireless module. Wi-Fi lets you download files, upload LUTs, preview shots, and tether wirelessly.
Buy as kit, parts, or fully assembled
Options range from purchasing just the design files to individual components to a fully built camera assembled by Jay in Canada. You choose your level of involvement.
The short version
The WLV-01 proves you can build a capable, creative camera from 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components, with options ranging from DIY kits to fully assembled units.
