3D cameras
The use of 3D printing technology in many different industrial and commercial sectors has increased greatly during the past decade. While it seems a recent innovation, the first use of 3D printing goes back to the early 1980s. It is often compared, in principle at least, to inkjet printing, though instead of spraying droplets of ink onto paper in a structured sequence, a physical object is created by selectively depositing melted material in layers following a programmed order.
With a basic printer costing as little as £200, 3D printing has found uses in all manners of professions and pastimes. I was particularly interested in how it is now being used in photography, to produce cameras and accessories, particularly for the analogue market. I interviewed some manufacturers – one in the UK, one in Norway and one in Hungary – to find out more about this growing trend.
Chroma Cameras
CHROMA has been producing a range of cameras, based on 3D printing technology, since 2018 following a very successful crowdfunding campaign to launch its initial product, the Chroma Advanced 4x5. Steve Lloyd, the photographer, designer and engineer behind the brand, spoke to me about the development, promotion and future of his cameras.
‘I have been into photography for about 20 years, starting on digital, shooting portraits, weddings, products and events,’ Steve tells me. ‘I’ve also made things throughout my life. My dad is a modeller who introduced me to power tools at
