Canadian photographer Malcolm-Jay Wilson has crafted a unique waist-level monochrome digital camera, and it's an impressive feat. Wilson, a talented camera hacker and builder, has combined two of his recent projects into a single, innovative camera. In July, he converted a broken Yashica film camera into a compact Raspberry Pi-powered digital infrared point-and-shoot camera, and the results were outstanding. The following month, he took on another challenge, merging a Mamiya C220 TLR viewfinder, Raspberry Pi, Sony Type 1 image sensor, and 3D-printed body to create a waist-level viewfinder digital camera. Now, he's seamlessly integrated these two projects into an easy-to-use monochrome waist-level viewfinder digital camera.
The new camera is powered by the Raspberry Pi 5 and features a full-spectrum monochrome image sensor, specifically the Sony IMX585 8.4-megapixel Type 1/1.2 CMOS sensor. This sensor is popular for amateur astrophotography due to its large pixel size and high sensitivity. Wilson aimed to create an affordable alternative to expensive commercial monochrome digital cameras and full-spectrum monochrome conversions for traditional color cameras. His final kit costs around $1,000 and is described as 'a lot of fun to build.'
Malcolm-Jay sells the fully built camera for $800, with a 4-6 week lead time for custom orders. Each camera is modular and 'hackable,' allowing for easy enhancements. The camera features a 3D-printed body with an open, customizable layout, including a replaceable sensor module and mounting plates. It uses a standard C-mount lens system and is compatible with M42 lenses, writing photos to an SD card or USB storage. The camera has a USB-C charging port, a large top display, a custom-built user interface, and custom film simulations for Delta 400, Ilford HP5, and Kodak Tri-X films.
Wilson's attention to detail is evident in the camera's design and functionality. He made the sensor plate and assembly modular, enabling the camera to do more than just take monochrome photos. It can also work with the color version of the IMX585 and a Raspberry Pi HQ camera module. Other improvements include a battery door, an upgraded 4-inch removable display, an enhanced lens mount, and a refined user interface. During development, Wilson added selectable aspect ratios and more film simulations.
The biggest challenge Wilson faced was finding the right power supply solution. The Raspberry Pi 5 demands more power, so he had to balance portability and battery life. He opted for LG 18650 batteries and made adjustments to the Pi's services, resulting in approximately two hours of battery life. Wilson's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the fully assembled camera, but he also caters to those who enjoy the building process, offering digital files for $40, allowing photographers to print and construct the camera themselves.
On December 14, Wilson will host a live online workshop, providing a comprehensive guide to building the camera. The workshop includes the STL file pack, camera code, component recommendations, and a recorded version for future reference. Wilson's paid Substack subscribers gain access to the seminar and codes for free. This project showcases Wilson's creativity, technical prowess, and commitment to sharing his expertise with the photography community.
