One of the great things about the proliferation of 3D printers is the amount of cool stuff people are coming up with – especially when it comes to cameras. We’ve shown you a few before, several times, but this pair is particularly interesting. They’re designed for use with Mamiya Press lenses and backs. There’s the Ligero69, which lets you use a Mamiya Press roll film back and the LigeroPress for use with a Mamiya Press Polaroid back. Designed by Thingiverse user SPRKPLG (aka “Mario M”), the two cameras are designed to be compact and lightweight, while allowing you to shoot with any Mamiya Press, Super 23 and Universal Press compatible lenses. And best of all, both cameras are open source, released under the Creative Commons license.
The Ligero69 is particularly interesting, as it offers compatibility with a wide range of backs and focusing screens to help ensure you’re getting the exact shot you’re after. Mario included a handy image detailing the compatible hardware, which includes frame sizes up to 6×9.
The LigeroPress is a little more limited when it comes to compatible gear, citing only the more recent Polaroid packfilm back for the Mamiya Press system and that it’s specifically not compatible with many of the backs that the other one fits. So, be sure to pick the right one for your needs. And also be sure to keep an eye out for bargain Mamiya Press lenses and backs! You can find out more about Ligero69 here and LigeroPress here. As usual, all the caveats with 3D printed stuff applies. Make sure your settings are spot on and your tolerances are good, or you may end up wasting filament to print several of them before you get just the perfect fit! [via Thingiverse / Images courtesy of SPRKPLG used under Creative Commons]
