The joy of camera hacking lies for many at the low end of the market. Not working with many-thousand-dollar Leicas, but in cheap snapshot cameras that can be had for next to nothing at a thrift store. [Marek Sokal] has a perfect example, in a 3D printed 35mm camera body using the lens and shutter assembly from a vintage Soviet Lomo Smena 8M.
The build is a work in progress, a printed assembly that holds the 35mm film cartridge, provides the focal plane for the film, and houses the take-up reel. It fits together with M2 screws, as per the Lomo lens.
We like this build, because we can see beyond the Lomo. In a box above the desk where this is being written there is a pile of old plastic snapshot cameras from the 1960s through 1980s, none of which is worth anything much, but all of which have a similar shutter and lens assembly. In many cases it’s not a huge task to do with them what [Marek] has with the Lomo and mount them to a back like this. The LEGO film camera may not have gained approval, but this prove that making cameras of your own is still pretty easy.
Took lens and shutter off functional old camera.
Attached it to junky 3d printed camera body?
At least Lefty flip the film/takeup, Exacta style, to justify the hack.
Do SOMETHING to make it not obviously worse in all ways.
I say that knowing nothing about the Rusky camera.
If it’s like their guns, reliable as hell, but sloppy.
Worked like a charm every time. IF you did not forget to advance the film AND arm the shutter after each photo. Also is a man’s camera: after 4 rolls of film (36 positions, black and white) at my uncle’s wedding (best pictures from all amateur photographs with then high tech cameras and color films) I had no skin left on my thumbs and index fingers. The advance film roller is a fingerprint vanisher. Basically is a rasp.
While personally I cringe at projects that destroy a working something, to create something else that works poorly and brings nothing new, those Smena cameras were and still are cheap and everywhere. I hope that it’s disassembly (can’t say sacrifice) will enlight Marek’s path to great hacks and knowledge.
Hi there, Marek here. I made this design, cool to see my project mentioned on this site!
I actually used this project as a means to learn CAD design. In most pursuits of knowledge, I find practical experience that pertains to my life is far easier to digest. I’m happy to report that version 2 and 3 of the prototype look much nicer and have even more features!
The “special” thing about this design is that it was an experiment on how much image circle I could get on the film. This was information I needed for revision 2 and 3. The frames of this camera went into the sprocket hole and covered some of the rebate text, version 2 and 3 stretch it a smidge further leaving about .25mm on either side of the film – pressure plate keeps it flat.
One look at the files – if you shoot film – you should be able to see that the frame size is much larger than that of the standard 35mm frame. I appreciate the feedback, but that’s the “special” thing you missed.
If I remember right, Lomo (was based in Leningrad) sourced their equipment from Germany after WWII.
Smena 8M is my first camera. It took very good photos and was very solid.
There was a DIY LOMO camera. It was fun to assembly and take photos. I remember the smell of the oil on moving parts.
I still recall the smell of the real leather case when you open it. Mmmmmmm
I have a LOMO DIY Camera Lomographic KOSTRUKTOR https://shop.lomography.com/us/konstruktor-flash-slr-diy-camera. I am glad LOMO is still alive, but moved to Austria.
I don’t think that is the same company.
@Sammie Gee: Industries all over the world source their equipment from Germany.