Discover the Open Reflex, a revolutionary open-source analog camera brought to life through desktop 3D printing. This innovative project champions open design and the spirit of hacking, inviting you to copy, understand, improve, and share its design freely.
Support the Evolution: OpenReflex V2 is on its way!
Help shape the future of open-source photography! Contribute to the development of an enhanced Version 2 by supporting the project on KissKissBankBank: OpenReflexV2 !
The OpenReflex camera redefines accessibility in photography. It features a classic mirror viewfinder and an ingenious finger-activated mechanical shutter, operating at approximately 1/60th of a second. Its adaptability is key, accepting a wide array of photographic lenses thanks to custom mount rings. Designed for ease of production, every component is 3D printable on a modern RepRap-style ABS 3D printer without the need for support material. The entire camera can be printed in under 15 hours, and assembly is achievable in about an hour. For straightforward building and customization, the design is modular, separating the film receiver, shutter, and viewfinder. Released under a Creative Commons By-SA license, the source files empower you to modify and innovate. We encourage you to develop new features and share your advancements with the online community.
Explore community remixes and contribute your own variations on Thingiverse: The Thingiverse copy.
Delve into the project’s ongoing development and background on the creator’s blog: http://leomarius.com/blog [fr].
This project expands upon the foundation of the 3D-Printed Pinhole Box created two years prior, showcasing the evolution of 3D-printed camera technology.
Interested in Owning an OpenReflex 3d Printed Camera? While currently not available for purchase, expressions of interest could pave the way for a limited production run via crowdfunding, potentially priced around €50 per camera. If you are interested in acquiring an OpenReflex, please send a private message to register your interest and receive updates on future developments, including the improved version.
A Project Born from Passion and Innovation
The OpenReflex camera originated as a graduation project, realized using a school’s 3D printer. The desire to further refine this design and embark on new creative ventures fuels the pursuit of acquiring a personal 3D printer.
Unlock Your Creative Potential with 3D Printing and Open Source
This project exemplifies the transformative potential of accessible 3D printing. The creator’s experience in optimizing 3D printing quality inspires exploration of other digital fabrication tools, such as laser cutters, to push creative boundaries further and foster collaborative innovation within the maker community, exemplified by the student hacker association Le_Garage.
Join the Open Reflex Community
For those who are keen to contribute, a collaborative wiki has been established to refine and enhance the project documentation: [HERE]. Your corrections and improvements are welcomed to help make this project even more accessible and understandable for everyone.
Looking Ahead: Future Enhancements
The OpenReflex project is continuously evolving. An illustrated step-by-step build guide is in development and will be released soon. Exciting upcoming additions include an Arduino-based shutter speed test bench, the “PhotoBomb Special Back” for creative film effects, and the “AP-Lens Special Mount” to further expand lens compatibility for this fully DIY camera.
Stay Tuned for Updates
DXF and OpenSCAD files will be uploaded shortly, along with enhanced project imagery to provide a comprehensive view of the OpenReflex 3D printed camera.
© Images 1 and 2 by S.Binoux for the ESADSE.
