P COMP Final Project Concept

A Film Camera for the Modern Age

My work so far has been focused on creating a single leaf shutter mechanism. I intend to expand on this project idea and add multiple new elements to my design. I will be making a camera with flash, film advancement, a c-mount (which is a simple old mount for small lenses) and its own two blade shutter mechanism. I will achieve this by using a micro controller, a simple flash circuit, and gears that I 3D print for film advancement.

The main intention behind this project is based on the fact that there are no innovations being made in the field of film photography. I have a background in photography/cinematography and know this issue personally. Many of my colleagues still use cameras designed in the 90’s or earlier. Today’s camera market is too focused on digital innovations. We are seeing cameras with more resolution than is necessary and lens design that has absolutely no character. Imperfections are what today’s designs actually need. I will bridge the gap between old world character/charm with the modern world’s micro controllers for camera control and shutter design.

Timeline: 11/12 -Wooden handgrip with holes for shutter done.
11/12 – dual solenoid circuit with shutter dial working (including the arduino code for that setup)
11/17 – modular camera body finished (either in wood or 3D printed)
drill hole on the bottom of the camera body for film advancement

Bill of materials:
2 5V solenoids
16mm film cartridge with film
battery pack
16mm pushbutton
2 x TIP120 transistor
2 x Diodes
2 x 1k resistors

Playtesting will be with the shutter button & handgrip. The last thing to come into place will be the film advancement tool. This will be using a 3D printed piece and a small gear.