Can't afford your dream camera, why not build it? Youtuber builds whopping DIY 6x17 film camera from scratch!
(Image credit: Zalán Tóth)
The analogue revival is truly upon us with many Gen-Z's taking up film photography to enjoy all its qualities – from not seeing the image as soon as it's taken or going back in the darkroom and seeing your images magically appear before your eyes.
Whatever your excuse or desire is to shoot film again, you will know that shooting with the best film is very expensive, and the price only goes up when you switch from 35mm to medium format, all the way up to large format photography.
It's not just the film that is going up in price. All of our favorite cameras that we could once pick up for a few hundred dollars/pounds are now several hundred, or even a few thousand – especially if you're looking at panoramic cameras such as the Hasselblad XPan or 6x12 cameras.
YouTuber Zalán Tóth has explored the mesmerizing 6x12 or 6x17 film cameras and soon found out that they were out of his price range. Being the handyman that Zalan is, he decided to 3D print and build his own 6x17 panoramic film camera and the results are amazing. If you don't believe us see for yourself:
Not only has Zalan 3D printed this fixed lens 6x17 film camera, but he has also made it accessible. You can buy the fully built and 3D-printed camera for just $189.08 / £156.94 / AU$ 274.10 via his Etsy page threedeecamerashop. It's important to state that this is just for the camera body itself, and you will have to source your own Large-format lens to mount onto the cone of the camera – but still, what a deal!
If you are also a fellow creative and either you or a friend has access to the best 3D printer you can print out your own for just $60.78 / £50.45 / AU$88.10 as he also provides just the digital files.
(Image credit: Zalán Tóth)
(Image credit: Zalán Tóth)
In a world of expensive (and temperamental) film cameras, this is a fascinating idea.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
With this 3D camera, if the worst were to happen and you drop it, and it breaks or cracks, you already have the digital file or access to them to just print another 6x17 film camera.
Sample Images:
(Image credit: Zalán Tóth)
(Image credit: Zalán Tóth)
(Image credit: Zalán Tóth)
I am sure we can all agree that making something like this is amazing, and quite frankly I am rather jealous of the camera and that Zalan has the skill to design and build it from scratch. Zalan does point out that the camera has no viewfinder, so you will have to guess your composition.
Also, if you order your full cameras you will need to buy a lens that has the correct cone for your lens. Zalan currently offers full camera builds with an array of large format lenses which include the Schneider 150mm screw mount, Fujinon 75mm f/5.6, Nikon 90mm f/8, or the Rodenstock 150mm.
While you're here, why not check out our best film camera guide?
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
