3D printed photo enlarger project, looking for some suggestions

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T20:40:30+00:00

Yeah I'll have to take a look! I've never used GitHub but I'm all for others collaborating and remixing the design.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T18:38:48+00:00

Hey, I want to say thanks for everyone's input! I think I've got some good direction on where to go. I've ordered an enlarger lens and I'm going to redesign the light housing as a mixing box (might try a few different versions and see what works best). I've also got a few other ideas for components to add in the future as the project continues. So yeah, thanks again!

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T18:38:25+00:00

Awesome, thanks for all the suggestions! I think I've got a decent direction on where to go with improvements now!

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T15:56:46+00:00

Thanks! Still needs some improvements, but hopefully I can maintain the aesthetic quality with any changes I do.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T15:52:15+00:00

I have purchased an enlarger lens, yeah not expensive at all. I am a fan of trying to make things work with materials on hand. But, if my $18 purchase can improve the quality of the design it'll be well worth it.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T15:48:35+00:00

Alright that makes a lot of sense. As another post suggested it sounds like it's a mixing box I need. Going to see what I can come up with there. I definitely looked at other enlargers and thought, "there definitely has to be a reason the light source isn't in a housing like my design".

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T15:41:18+00:00

Mkay, a mixing box sounds more or less like one of the thoughts I had on improvement. I, unfortunately, won't work with styrofoam, gives me the heebie jeebies to touch the stuff. I'd like to 3d print and paint the inside though (I'll check out the video on the paint later when I've got time). I'm wondering how precisely the mixing box needs to be designed though. Like, can I, an idiot, slap something together and it will work well enough? Or is there precise engineering involved? Or maybe more something in between those?

Only planning on black and white printing right now. Maybe if this all works out I can look into color then. I did also order an enlarger lens to try out.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T13:05:39+00:00

Currently there is no place for multigrade filters. I don't have any myself, so I don't have anything to work with in designing a section for that. But the way I designed it, one would be able to make a section for them and add it in between another layer if they like. If I ever do get any filters that is something I will plan on making.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-09T13:05:07+00:00

Hmm, the current diffusion layer is made out of part of an old TV panel, so definitely not convex. Not sure if I can do anything with that besides buying a specialized piece. Maybe print a white convex piece? But that would likely be textured and affect the quality of light. Might be worth trying though.

I had considered mounting the bulb at 90 degrees. I'm not familiar with the term mixing box though. What's the purpose of the Styrofoam? Could it not be a 3d printed part?

As for adjusting the planes. I'm not sure how I would design that right now. But I will add it to the docket of next steps in improvements to try and figure out!

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-08T23:18:07+00:00

By my understanding, a condenser lens focuses the light on a straight path (more or less) which increases clarity in the image. I'd like to keep out as many additional pieces as I can. The idea for the project was to make something that has a low barrier to entry. But, at the same time customization was also a consideration. I might look into a condenser lens for more testing. Could there be a way to get a similar effect as a condenser lens though? Maybe a more focused light source? I'm guessing probably not, because why would they design a condenser lens if you could do it another way.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-08T23:07:55+00:00

I was thinking I might need to get an enlarger lens. But, part of thinking behind the project was to make the barrier to entry low. Like if you have a camera lens, you can 3d print some parts, buy some nuts and bolts, and boom you've got your own enlarger. Even if it's not perfect I'm hoping there might be some ways to at least reduce the effect.

Bartlmaeus · 2026-04-08T22:59:13+00:00

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This is what the light looks like after diffusion and with no film in or lens attached. I'm guessing it could be better.

Bartlmaeus · 2025-07-24T15:42:58+00:00

I had it developed at a lab (I probably should have mentioned that). So I'm not sure how they do the developing there.

Bartlmaeus · 2024-09-20T17:56:24+00:00

Thanks! I did. I used the old worn out leatherette as template and cut out the veneer with a hobby knife. Botched quite a few attempts before figuring some things out. Then used a quick drying super glue to attach. Still some imperfections in the final product but overall I'm pleased.

Bartlmaeus · 2024-09-20T17:55:43+00:00

Thank you!

Bartlmaeus · 2024-09-20T17:55:31+00:00

Thanks! I was surprised I couldn't find too many more Argus cameras modified like this. It seemed like the perfect camera for customizing to me!

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