Canadian photographer and skilled camera hacker Malcolm-Jay Wilson has successfully combined elements from two of his previous camera builds to create an innovative black-and-white digital camera featuring a waist-level viewfinder. The impressive DIY project represents a significant advancement in accessible camera technology for photography enthusiasts.
Wilson's latest creation builds upon his previous work that gained attention earlier this year. In July, he made headlines by converting a broken Yashica film camera into a compact Raspberry Pi-powered digital infrared point-and-shoot camera, producing exceptional results despite using a relatively small image sensor. The following month, he developed another groundbreaking project that combined a Mamiya C220 TLR viewfinder, a Raspberry Pi, a Sony Type 1 image sensor, and a 3D-printed body to create a waist-level viewfinder digital camera.
Since those initial projects, Wilson has dedicated significant effort to merging these concepts into a user-friendly monochrome waist-level viewfinder digital camera. The new device is powered by a Raspberry Pi 5 and features a full-spectrum monochrome image sensor - specifically, a Sony IMX585, which is an 8.4-megapixel Type 1/1.2 CMOS sensor. This monochrome version is particularly popular among amateur astrophotography enthusiasts due to its relatively large pixel size and high sensitivity capabilities.
The motivation behind Wilson's project stems from the high cost of commercially available monochrome-specific digital cameras and full-spectrum monochrome conversions for traditional color cameras. He aimed to create a more affordable alternative, with his final kit costing approximately $1,000 and offering an enjoyable building experience. Wilson now sells fully assembled cameras for $800, with a 4-6 week production time when units are out of stock due to his hand-building process.
Each camera features a modular and "hackable" design philosophy that Wilson emphasizes. The device includes a 3D-printed body with an open, customizable layout, featuring replaceable sensor modules and mounting plates. It utilizes a standard C-mount lens system and maintains compatibility with M42 lenses. The camera writes photos to either an SD card slot or USB storage, includes a USB-C charging port, features a large top display, and runs on a custom-built user interface. Wilson has even developed custom film simulations for the device, though it does not include a lens or batteries in the base package.
The custom film simulations represent a particularly thoughtful touch, emulating popular black-and-white films including Delta 400, Ilford HP5, and Kodak Tri-X. Wilson explains that the biggest refinements he made were in the body design and user interface. "I decided that I didn't want this to be a one-off glued together build and to design something that could be modular so that I could easily make enhancements in the future and to make it easy for someone to build themselves," he tells photographers.
The modular design approach offers significant versatility beyond monochrome photography. Wilson has successfully tested the camera with the color version of the IMX585 and a Raspberry Pi HQ camera module, demonstrating the system's adaptability. His refinements include the addition of a battery door, an upgraded 4-inch removable display compatible with various viewfinder types, enhanced lens mounting options beyond the original C-mount-only design, and improved user interface functionality.
During the development process, Wilson incorporated selectable aspect ratios and expanded film simulation options. He reflects on the design process, stating, "Overall, I think the modular body approach went really well. I took dozens of different 3D prints and designs but it's worked out well for making changes on the fly." However, he acknowledges that power supply management presented the greatest challenge, as the Raspberry Pi 5 demands more power than previous versions.
To address power consumption issues, Wilson implemented a solution using LG 18650 batteries combined with optimized software services running on the Pi. This approach achieves approximately two hours of battery life while maintaining portability. The balance between power demands and usability required careful engineering to ensure the camera remains practical for field use.
Recognizing that many photography enthusiasts enjoy the building process itself, Wilson offers multiple purchasing options. Beyond the $800 fully assembled units, he sells digital files for $40, allowing photographers to 3D-print and construct the camera themselves. This approach makes the project accessible to makers with varying budgets and interests.
Wilson has scheduled an hour-long live online workshop for December 14, where he will answer questions, demonstrate the build process, and provide comprehensive guidance for DIY builders. The paid workshop includes the STL file package, camera code, component recommendations, and a recorded version for reference during actual construction. Subscribers to Wilson's paid Substack service receive access to the seminar and codes at no additional cost.
The project represents a significant contribution to the DIY camera community, offering an affordable entry point into specialized monochrome digital photography. Wilson's emphasis on modularity and hackability ensures that the camera can evolve with users' needs and technological advances, making it an attractive option for both serious photographers and electronics enthusiasts interested in custom camera solutions.
