Russian photographer Denis Aminev has released an open-source design for a 3D-printable panoramic film camera called the Infidex 176 V. The camera uses standard 35mm film to capture 72 x 24 millimeter frames, producing 19 exposures from a typical 36-frame roll. Aminev developed the design over multiple iterations, with the fifth version completed after approximately one year of development starting in February 2024.
The lightweight camera features zone focusing, interchangeable lenses, and built-in tripod mounting slots. Aminev was inspired to create the camera after being unsatisfied with digital cropping and anamorphic adapters for achieving the cinematic wide-format look he desired. “I saw Jason Kummerfeldt’s video about X-Oan, and a feeling was overcoming me, and I realized I had basically everything I needed, so I began studying the basics of film,” Aminev says.
Photographer Jace LeRoy, known as analog_astronaut on social media, built one of the cameras using an 80mm f/2.8 lens from a Mamiya C330. LeRoy was motivated to try the design after frequently receiving inquiries about his expensive Hasselblad XPan camera from photographers unable to afford the high market prices. After initial skepticism during his first test roll, LeRoy reported that the 3D-printed camera “performed beautifully.”
The complete design files, assembly instructions, and detailed guides are available for free download on Aminev’s website Time to Waste. Aminev does not sell pre-built cameras but offers support to photographers who encounter difficulties during assembly. The project aims to make panoramic film photography more accessible to photographers with access to 3D printing technology.
Source: petapixel.com