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November 05, 2005
35mm Lego Camera
Last night I tackled the project of a 35mm version of my medium format pinhole Lego camera. It turned out to be easier than I expected. I should probably have spent the time making better instructions for the medium format version, but rest assured, those are in the works. Anyway, here are a couple highlights of this camera's design that are different from the medium format version...
1. Obviously it is smaller than the medium format Lego camera. Here is a picture that shows the size comparison:
2. The film advance is the same in that the advance knob can only turn one direction. Since we don't have the spools of 120 film to worry about, the film just winds around the thin Lego axle. I used a Dremmel tool to cut a thin slice out of the axle. The film goes through this slit when you first load the film. Here is a photo of how the film loads. You can see that I haven't painted the inside black, yet. The silver is the aluminum tape I use for lightproofing it:
3. Again, there are two parts to the camera. The second part just encloses the inside box to keep light out. Here is a view where you can see both parts:
The medium format version had a red window to help tell what frame you are on. Obviously 35mm film doesn't have numbers on it or backing paper, so a red window doesn't belong on this camera. So how do you tell what frame you are on? This is probably the biggest drawback of this camera. You will have to count the clicks of the advance knob and guess when you are on the next frame. At the beginning of the roll it takes around 38 clicks and when you get to the end of the roll it only takes about 22 clicks. I might have to rethink a better film counter method, but this works for now.
4. The shutter is a little different on this camera. I made a door that swings open when you turn the knob. I don't love this design either, but it works pretty well.
5. Now in color! Partly because I am running out of black Legos, I had a little fun and made this one red and blue.
6. A couple other things to consider. There isn't a rewind mechanism, so when you get to your last frame, you will have to take it into a dark room and rewind it by hand. Maybe I can figure out a way to make a rewind knob, but I can't think of anything right now.
As you can see, I still want to tinker with this camera a bit. That means there will probably be a delay before I make instructions available. On the bright side, I have completed building the medium format version in Bricksmith and plan on making them available very soon.
UPDATE 1: Thanks for everyone's comments, and sorry for forgetting a link to my [Lego photo gallery](http://www.foundphotography.com/archives/lego/). Follow that link to see thumbnails of all the photos taken with my Lego cameras. The color photos were taken with the 35mm Lego camera and most of the other ones were taken with the medium format version.
UPDATE 2: I have posted the Bricksmith files for anyone interested in building the medium format version of this camera. The film advance works the same on that camera, so anyone trying to attempt building this 35mm version may find it useful.
Posted by Adrian at November 5, 2005 09:41 AM
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Comments
too fricking cool!
Posted by: Donna at November 5, 2005 01:44 PM
WOW THAT IS FACKING COOL!
Posted by: Brian at November 7, 2005 03:55 AM
this is amazing.
Posted by: michael at November 21, 2005 11:12 PM
This is in the top 10 coolest things I have ever seen. Nice work man!
Posted by: Rosemary at November 22, 2005 12:13 AM
my 5 year old and i love you. xo
Posted by: Joselito at November 22, 2005 12:42 AM
I want a timed exposure option or no buy. :P
Kings to you!
Brian Stanfill Palmer, Alaska
Posted by: Brian Stanfill at November 22, 2005 01:59 AM
Good stuff, I am impressed. Look forward to seeing how you resolve the rewind issue. Be very interested to see the pictures.
Posted by: brendadada at November 22, 2005 02:18 AM
You are missing some photos taken by the lego camera :)
Posted by: Alberto at November 22, 2005 03:36 AM
I like this thing. (:
Posted by: poetic scareccrow at November 22, 2005 04:26 AM
We need to see shot pictures!
Posted by: Koro Palanop at November 22, 2005 05:41 AM
you are a genius
Posted by: monir ali at November 22, 2005 06:39 AM
can you please make more photos? I’m trying to bouild it but i’m missing some views.
Posted by: lp at November 22, 2005 11:21 AM
lp, If you are stuck, you might want to check out http://www.foundphotography.com/PhotoThoughts/archives/2005/10/mediumformatp.html and look at the medium format version of this camera. There are some more photos over there.
Posted by: Adrian at November 22, 2005 11:31 AM
Lego now has a virtual lego build site that will allow you to make up your own custom set. You could have a small sideline making up camera kits.
Posted by: Dave at November 22, 2005 07:14 PM
I was impressed by your medium format Lego camera but I’m totally wowed by this. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Ben at November 23, 2005 04:50 AM
PRICELESS!!! :D
Posted by: Nuno H at November 23, 2005 05:13 AM
I think this is probably THE most amazing thing that has ever crossed my eyes!
Posted by: K.A. Iceland at November 23, 2005 07:46 AM
I don´t like it, I think it is really ugly and you have waisted a lot of ppl´s time by posting this nonsence.
…but hey! thats just one mans opinion
Posted by: Atli at November 23, 2005 03:23 PM
wow very cool. I know a Lego artist who’d dig this and I’m a photographer myself.
Posted by: genex at November 24, 2005 09:22 AM
THought this was so simple and amazing. I had to post it on my blog. Love to see some more pics though. Amazing job! Revolution is on the simple side!
Posted by: kendrick at November 24, 2005 10:18 AM
Rewinding Just a “reverse” thought to consider perhaps: start with all the film wound onto a “feed” spool (in the darkroom/black bag) and make the camera wind it all back into the film cassette frame by frame as you take pictures. A bit of engineering re-design would be required, but then anyone could unload the now full film cassette in daylight. Peter Bryenton www.brypix.com
Posted by: Peter Bryenton at November 25, 2005 08:54 AM
Amazing!!!It is easy to take photos, I really want to make one!!! I think it is possible to attach the Polariod back.
Posted by: Kenny at November 25, 2005 09:48 PM
woohoo digg love lego
Posted by: outkast at November 29, 2005 09:06 PM
this… is amazing.
Posted by: thewebguy at November 29, 2005 09:08 PM
I’d be happy to translate the plans to Designer, but you’re right. The program is testy. I can’t figure out how to get the proper pieces from the catalog…for example, the red piece that looks like a 5x9 for the body. Yep, I’m on a PC so Bricksmith is out for me.
Posted by: ryan at December 5, 2005 11:04 AM
this is one of the more interesting lego creations i’ve seen in recent times. i think i want to try making one, except, i think that it would be better with a rewind thing, cause not everyone has a dark room. Still, this is very interesting. good work.
Posted by: steve at December 6, 2005 07:31 AM