My Favorite 3D printed film photography accessories

    The year is 2021, and I'm at home trying to stay safe. I had already made a wooden box pinhole camera, modified a camera into a full spectrum, and cleaned and restored every shitty camera I got from Shopgoodwill.com. I was starting to get bored, so I did what every neurodivergent person would do at this point: find a new hobby.

    The idea of getting into 3D printing has always been there. It's a hobby you can go deep into, and at the same time, you get useful stuff out of it that can be used in pretty much any setting or other hobby. It seems like the perfect time to invest countless hours into learning how to use a 3D printer, troubleshoot it, and find useful prints to get that dopamine rush at the end. 3D printer prices were the lowest so far, so I got myself the almighty Creality Ender 3 V2. 

    During the past three years, I've printed many photography accessories, some good, some just okay, and others absolutely garbage. Here, I'm sharing my favorite photography-related designs. 

Darkroom Accessories

Redscale Film Device [STL file]

    This little device is helpful for people who don't develop their film at home. While you can get the same result by using a darkroom changing bag, this method is much better because you can do it everywhere. It's simple to use, and the design makes it light-tight. I still added a bit of black felt at the bottom of the knob, just to be sure, and I haven't had light leaks on any of my rolls so far. 

        

4x5 Film Drying Rack [STL file] 

    I like this design because it requires little room, and I can move it without worrying my film might fall. I use it a lot when I'm developing and printing simultaneously. I just put it on a tray and move it to a place I'm not actively using while printing in the darkroom. 

Darkroom Tweezers [STL file]

    This design is heavily inspired by the Paterson Print Tongs. I definitely recommend buying the original if you can find them because they have a good grip and have never stained my paper. The 3D-printed version works just as good, yet I haven't used them enough to rule out any changes in the material due to the chemical exposure.

Camera Accessories

Hasselblad Viewfinder Mask [STL file]

    It's no secret to most people who know me that my Hasselblad 500CM is my favorite camera. Even though square format is my preferred, sometimes some frames look better in 645 format. The flexibility of changing film backs on the go made it easier for me to use both formats simultaneously. Still, my biggest issue is that my viewfinder glass has no grid to help me identify how to frame 645. This clever mask is the perfect companion because I can frame both formats without taking it out when I change film backs. 

 

Pentax 6x7 Panoramic Viewfinder Mask [STL file]

    I haven't used it myself. I printed it as a gift for a friend who owns the camera. What I liked the most about this mask is that you can see the sprockets and use them to help you frame in case you are making sprockets part of your photograph. Also, the mask has a bit of transparency. You can keep it in the camera even if you are using 120 film.

35mm to 120 Converter
35mm to 120 Spool Converter [STL file]
120 Take-up Spool for 35mm [STL file]
    Since I looked at the panoramic Hasselblad XPAN photographs online, I got hooked. The problem is that this specific camera is incredibly expensive and hard to find, so the easiest way to get something similar is to use a medium-format camera loaded with 35mm film. Obviously, it's not the same, but it's definitely a great place to start and see if there is something you would like to invest in the future. 

 

Yashica 44 35mm conversion [STL file]

    127 format is pretty much dead unless you are willing to play more than you'll pay for a 120 roll. This film conversion allows me to use 35mm film inside a 127 camera. This might not be a conversion that anyone will be interested, but if you have a darkroom changing bag, and a lot of patience to remember how many times you need to turn the knob to move to the next frame, I absolutely recommend it. I have an article about converting my Yashica 44

 

Peak Design Plate [STL file]

    I'm the kind of person that goes out with multiple cameras and multiple formats because I'm just that chaotic. I own a Peak Design travel tripod, and buying a plate for each camera can get expensive really fast. Since over half of my cameras are pinhole cameras made of cardboard, wood, or plastic, this 3D-printed plate works fine. Even though the model has a printable tripod screw, I recommend getting one at the hardware store. I mostly use PLA, which is not strong enough to survive my hiking with cameras attached to the tripod or my straps. 

Disclaimer: I would never recommend this printed plate for any camera other than a plastic toy or pinhole camera. 

Instant Photography

Polaroid Cold clip [STL file]

    I love this design. Polaroid film is more sensitive to light while developing than Instax film. I was already used to putting the film in my pocket, but I soon realized this was a bad idea since the film scratches easily. This cold clip is the perfect solution. It can hold 2 simultaneously, is easy to open and close, and also fits Instax Wide film. 

Cameras

TerraPin Kaiju [STL file]

    I've printed several cameras, and although most work fine, the TerraPin Kaiju is the best design I've printed. The camera's body prints in one piece, making it easier to keep it light-tight compared to other designs that need multiple pieces; this also means you'll be printing for a long time. You still need some hardware, but it is minimal compared to similar designs. The negatives of this camera are huge! You only get four frames per 120 roll, but hands down, these are some of the most ethereal pinhole negatives I have gotten. If you are interested, I shared the details of this make in my journal a while ago.

I hope this is helpful to someone.

K.