# 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.
- Title: Hacker builds modular 3D-printed camera with film vibes
- Summary: Camera enthusiast Malcom Jay created a fully customizable digital camera with swappable sensors, waist-level finder, and film stock presets, now launching on…
- Keywords: malcom jay, wlv-01, modular camera, 3d-printed, raspberry pi, kickstarter, diy camera, waist-level finder, film simulation, micro four thirds, e-mount, c-mount
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/a-hacker-built-a-modular-digital-film-camera-with-a-waist-level-finder-and-interchangeable-creation-and-now-hes-bringing-this-highly-unusual-camera-to-the-masses
- Published: 2026-09-22T15:20:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: malcom jay, wlv-01, modular camera, 3d-printed, raspberry pi, kickstarter, diy camera, waist-level finder, film simulation, micro four thirds, e-mount, c-mount
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.