DIY Film Camera

This repository documents the build of a homemade motion picture film camera. Mostly 3D printed and using off the shelf parts.

Features

• Pulls 35mm film from the end, ignoring perfs
• Records multiple tracks in a single film strip (2 to 4)
• Interchangeable gate (~Super16 to Super8 resolution)
• Choose any aspect ratio without wasting film
• Independent variable shutter
• Sony E mount for interchangeable lenses (18mm flange)
• Manual variable framerate (real time by logging time)
• Stills photo mode; long exposure mode

Parts

• NEMA 8 stepper motor + driver
• 0530 6V Solenoid
• Seeed XIAO
• 2x RCR123A batteries with USB-C + BMS
• Body 3D print (lens mount & tripod thread)
• Core 3D print (houses the film & film motor)
• Shutter 3D print (lever/disc)
• Gate (ideally a thin material)
• OLED text display
• 3 buttons & 1 knob

Status

• Camera body designed in 3D
• Printed
• Tested electornics
• Fix BMS, stepper needs higher voltage
• Assembled
• Battery BMS
• Test roll

Versions

v15

• Nema 8 for film
• Nema 14 for shutter
• Core completely encased to prevent light leaks
• 2x RCR123A
• fixed flange and upside down mount

v14

• Nema 8 for film
• 0530 6V Solenoid for shutter
• Core completely encased to prevent light leaks
• 2x RCR123A

v12 - printed

• Nema 14 for film
• Nema 8 for shutter
• 71x72x67mm
• 2x RCR123A rechargeable batteries and holder https://www.takachi-enclosure.com/assets/attachments/images/CR123A-PC.pdf

v11

• Nema 17 for film and shutter
• Uses separate motors for each function instead of complex gears. One motor spins the shutter disc, another advances the film.

Files

• /media - Photos and videos of the camera
• /files - 3D models, schematics, code

Notes

This is an ongoing project. The design prioritizes simplicity and compactness.

Inspiration

• Joshua Bird: https://joshuabird.com/blog/post/3d-printed-film-video-camera
• Blaž Semprimožnik: https://www.youtube.com/@BlazSemprimoznik
• Michael Reeves

etc

38exp = 1444mm 100ft = 30480mm 24.9 width 16:9 ratio 0.05 gaps between @ 24 fps

@ 2 columns (12.42x6.989) (86.8mm²) (7.039mm pitch)

38 exp: 17 sec 100 ft: 6 min 400 ft: 24 min 1000 ft: 60.1 min

@ 3 columns (8.26x4.65) (38.4mm²) (4.700mm pitch)

• 38 exp: 38.4 sec
• 100 ft: 13.5 min
• 400 ft: 54 min
• 1000 ft: 135.1 min

@ 4 columns (6.187x3.48) (21.5mm²) (3.530mm pitch)

• 38 exp: 68.1 sec

• 100 ft: 23.98 min

• 400 ft: 95.92 min

• 1000 ft: 239.8 min

• Super 16 @ 16:9 crop = 88.22 mm²

• 16mm @ 16:9 crop = 59.24 mm²

• Super 8 @ 16:9 crop = 18.87 mm²

• 8mm @ 16:9 crop = 11.39 mm²