A 3D-printed instant camera. Uses the Jollylook Instant Mini Film Development Unit for film processing. Has hand-cranked roller mechanism and 100mm focal point lens. Runs on Instax Mini Film.
I created this project because I was interested in how cameras that print pictures worked. It turns out they actually don't print but spread a layer of photochemical over the undeveloped film. This made it possible to do this mechanically, and thus the 3D printed camera was born. I also wanted to make and bring a project to Undercity that could generate real tangible versions of memories.
Created by Eddy Zhao (@eddyzow) in June/July 2025 for Hack Club's Highway program.
I made this project
The entire camera is mechanical except for the shutter. A servo motor with a shutter attachment is wired to the battery power and ground and the signal pin leads to a GPIO pin on a Seeed XIAO ESP32C3. When the servo rotates, it either covers or uncovers the shutter hole. The servo is controlled by the pressing of a pushdown button. Firmware is extremely simple and written in Arduino.
For a full version, see this Google Sheet!
Update V3 (7/8): Walmart has a shipping fee which makes Amazon cheaper for buying film
| Item Name | Purpose | Item Source | Quantity | Unit Cost (includes taxes) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeed XIAO ESP32C3 | Brains controlling the shutter/button | Amazon | 1 | $9.79 | $9.79 |
| 4" Focal Length Glass Lens | Camera lens | Amazon | 1 | $9.07 | $9.07 |
| SG90 Micro Servo Motor | Servo motor drives the shutter that covers the lens and blocks out light | Amazon | 1 | $7.43 | $7.43 |
| 3.7V 2200mAh LiPo Battery | Rechargeable battery powering the Seeed + motor | Amazon | 1 | $10.60 | $10.60 |
| Jollylook Instant Mini Film Development Unit | Manual development unit for Instax film, heart of project | Jollylook | 1 | $47.81 | $47.81 |
| Fujifilm INSTAX Instant Film - 20 Pack | Covers testing and pictures for a trip to Undercity + more | Amazon | 1 | $23.35 | $23.35 |
| TOTAL | 8 | $108.05 |
BOM Cuts so far:
- New deal at walmart that didn't exist previously let me lower the BOM to a more reasonable 40 pictures at a similar rate.
- Rocker switch converted to Pushbutton Latch from Pomodoro Timer
- Button will also be salvaged from Pomodoro Timer
- Can be conservative on the solder -- probably have enough to last me
- PLA filament will be paid for out of pocket