Good morning! Sheena here.

I Got a 3D Printer!

In 2024, an acquaintance gave me their 3D printer!
Thank you so much!!!

I'm taking this opportunity to try CAD and make lots of handy things with the 3D printer.

Camera Gear: Step-Up Rings

First, I started making camera gear that I use a lot at work.

It was my first time using CAD, but since I had experience with 3DCG software, getting started was easy.
*The CAD software I use is Fusion 360.

My first challenge was making a step-up ring! But…

A problem came up!

Step-up rings have threads cut into them, but I didn't know the thread standard…

Every thread follows some standard, but as I looked into it, I found that the threads used for lens filters follow a slightly unusual standard that Fusion 360's built-in thread tool doesn't support…

I kept researching anyway and found someone on YouTube who distributes a profile that adds lens filter thread standards to Fusion 360 and explains how to install it!!

Talk about a lifesaver!

I'm so glad I didn't give up…!

So here's what I made right away!!

And here's the printed version!!
*It's white because it's a test print.

Even the threads printed cleanly!
3D printers are amazing!!

I tried attaching it to a lens!
And then a filter!

A perfect fit!!
*Actually, the first one fit a little too perfectly and wouldn't go on… this is the second version…

It doesn't budge even when I shake it!

Since this was a prototype, I used a relatively inexpensive filament called PLA.

I'm still a little worried about durability, but looking into filaments, it turns out there are highly durable carbon fiber ones, so making it with those should solve the problem…?

Commercial products are better in terms of durability and how smoothly they attach and detach, so these might not see use at work. But they're incredibly light, so I think keeping a few in my bag just in case is a good idea!!

Let's Print Other Gear Too!

I also printed things like a threadless step-up ring for a fisheye lens and a custom SSD case*1!

*1 This is a print of an original part introduced in the video below by DSLR Video Shooter.

It lets you scratch itches that commercial products can't reach!!
That's the great thing about 3D printing.

Beyond these, I'm experimenting with making all sorts of camera gear with the 3D printer, like lens caps and parts for rehousing vintage lenses as cine lenses.

If you have ideas like "It would be so handy to have something like this…" or "I want something like this!",
feel free to reach out through the contact form!!

See you next time!