Cary Norton first thought of building a Lego 4 x 5 camera back in August 2009 and blogged a short sentence about it. Well, this week he has now posted an update of his idea, the ‘Legotron,’ in its full finished glory. Together with photographs taken with his ‘Legotron’ Medium Format Camera, the project has garnered significant attention and admiration from both photography enthusiasts and Lego fans alike.
After thinking of the idea, Cary tried modeling the creation on the Lego builder app but needed a more hands-on approach and borrowed a metric tonne of Lego from his friend. After a few prototypes, the Lego Legotron was created. The process was not without its challenges, as Cary had to ensure that the camera was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The intricate design required meticulous planning and a deep understanding of both Lego construction and camera mechanics.
The Technical Specifications
The camera measures 7″ x 6.5″ x 7″ and is equipped with a 127mm ƒ4.7 lens bought on eBay for $40. The focus is achieved by sliding the internal box section backwards and forwards, with a focus range of about 3 feet to about 18 inches. This innovative focusing mechanism is a testament to Cary’s ingenuity, as it allows for precise adjustments despite the unconventional materials used.
The Legotron’s body is constructed entirely from Lego bricks, which posed unique challenges in terms of stability and light leakage. Cary had to carefully select and arrange the bricks to ensure that the camera was both sturdy and light-tight. The result is a fully functional medium format camera that not only captures stunning images but also serves as a remarkable piece of engineering art.
Future Plans and Innovations
Cary is already planning the next model and, using the knowledge from this build, is busy constructing it with the hope of producing plans using the Lego modeling app. This next iteration aims to address some of the limitations of the original Legotron, such as improving the focusing mechanism and enhancing the overall durability of the camera. Cary’s ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive guide that allows others to build their own Lego cameras, democratizing the process and inspiring creativity in the photography community.
In addition to refining the design, Cary is also exploring the possibility of incorporating more advanced features into future models. These could include interchangeable lenses, a more sophisticated focusing system, and even digital components. The potential for innovation is vast, and Cary’s work has already sparked interest from both amateur and professional photographers who are eager to see what he will come up with next.
You can view examples of the photos produced by the camera over on the Cary Norton website. The images captured with the Legotron are a testament to the camera’s capabilities, showcasing a range of subjects with impressive clarity and detail. These photographs not only highlight the technical prowess of the Legotron but also serve as a source of inspiration for those looking to combine their passions for photography and Lego building.
Cary Norton’s Legotron project is a fascinating blend of creativity, engineering, and photography. It demonstrates that with a bit of imagination and a lot of perseverance, it’s possible to create something truly unique and functional from the most unexpected materials. As Cary continues to refine his designs and share his knowledge with the world, the Legotron stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when art and technology intersect.
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