Major Update - New Film Back

V1.3 06/10/25 - Major Update - Based on feedback from users about losing the retention screws for the current film back, have re-designed it to no longer need retention screws, the back is now held in place with slide catches, the same as the slides used in the 4x5 Back and the front standard swing retention. Additionally, the film back itself has undergone a major redesign, this new film back prints with less filament, the supports are easier to remove and it now matches the design language of other film backs in the range. I have also reversed the film loading direction so that film loads from right to left, this has the result of the film numbers being right side up in the film window. Parts affected A35, A37, A37-1.

In addition to the film re-design I have also added a small locating nub to the film back plate and the Rear Standard lower Lip, this allows easy mounting of the film back perfectly centred without needing to use the marks to line up the back. Parts affected A24. Note: This updated lower lip is in-compatible with the previous film backs.

Support for the Nick Carver - Pangolin Gears Reflex Viewer. There are now two new Ground Glass Retainer brackets available, when installed instead of the existing ground glass retainers, you can now attach the Reflex Viewer via the units two mounting holes. This requires no alteration to the viewer and the brackets are also swapable with the existing brackets via the 4 x M2 x 6 Screws. Parts affected A31 x 2

New Beta Film Back - Based on a request from a user I have designed a film back for use with Wet Plate / Tintype photography. The film back allows you to load a single sheet of glass or aluminium sheet and has a sprung pressure plate to accomodate multiple thicknesses. As it is still undergoing testing, the unit is currently in the Beta folder and is use at your own risk.

Front Standard Updates

Based on feedback that the front standard swing operation was cumbersome, have redesigned it by adding to front retention catches that slide up to allow swing function, when in their lowered state they restrict the front standard movement to shift only. This effects parts A16, A17 and requires two additonal parts A16-1 x2 as well as 2 x M3 x 6 Heatsets, 2 M3 x 6 FH, 2 M3 Red Washers. Additionally, have made a slight adjustment to the lens board retention catch, it was designed based on the lens boards I had access to, however it was apparent that some lens boards were not sealing correctly, the new design aleviates this as well as removes the need for the felt gaskets at the top of the Lens mount (these are still supplied in the hardware kit for those who wish to apply them still). Have also inluded the rear movemnt retention catch to go with the front standard retention catch, this is generally not required, however it is available now as an option for those who want to add it, parts effected A44, A55. I have also adjusted the model for the 120 spool, this was from a pre-existing model, but I found it was slightly oversized, it has now been updated.

4x5 Film Back for EB617 - MK II

I’m excited to announce the release of the 4x5 Back for the EB617 - MKII. With this back you can now shoot 4x5 Sheet film with the EB617.

As always this is a free update to all existing customers, you can request a new Download Link and get the files now.

I have also updated the Webstore with options for Ground Glass and Bellows to suit, if you don’t want to make your own.

I will be adding a ‘How To’ video on the build page showing how to put the unit together (it’s remarkably simple) in the next week or so. In the meantime.

You can see all about it on Youtube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pYzLwJUidQ

Removable Bellows

After many requests I have re-designed the front and rear standards to allow for removable bellows. With the addition of 24 Neodynium Magnets and a front and rear bracket that is glued to the bellows, you can now add and remove the Bellows very quickly. The brackets clip into recesses in the front and rear standard to guarantee a light tight seal, and due to the strength of the magnets (24 is probably a little overkill) there is no chance of the bellows disconnecting accidentally. The files have been added to the download link now, and as always are free to any exisiting purchasers. If you have printed the previous version and are happy with non-removable bellows there are no other changes to the models and thus do not need to re-print.

Updated Font and Rear Standards

I have been doing a lot of testing with printing the front and rear standards out of PLA.

My camera and the shipping cameras all use a Carbon Fibre front and rear standard to provide additional rigidity, but as that can be a little tricky to print well, and requires features not all printers have, I have been trying some design changes to the standards to allow a PLA print to function acceptably.

After my latest YouTube video where I tested the PLA standards I made some alterations to the design with some additional gusseting and thickness to the front and rear standards that appear to make a significant increase in rigidity. Whilst not technically necessary for Carbon Fibre parts, the changes will only make those parts even more rigid, which is never a bad thing.

Additionally I have added a new component, an alternative for the rear standard. By combinging the base parts and removing the ability for the rear standard to shift left/right the strength of the part has increased significantly, to the same level effectively as an aluminium part. What this means is by giving up Rear Standard Shift (not a great loss) you can print the entire camera using PLA with no need to print in Carbon Fibre and have a standard set that are practically as rigid as when printed out of Aluminium. The download still comes with both options for rear standard so you can decide what best suits you.

So if you have downloaded the files before 26/01/25, I suggest you request a new download link. The effected parts in question are

A20-1
A20-2
A20-3
A20 A21
A16
A17
A18

EB617 - MK II: Build Blog and Updates

So the EB 617 - MK II is an ever evolving camera. I am constantly testing it and making small changes and updates to the design. Based on feedback from users and from my own testing in the field, I am always looking for ways to make the camera better.

These changes will always and forever be free to all who purchase the 3D models, when I have tested a change and I am happy with it, I will update the files online.

All purchases can request a new download link at anytime and get the new files, that way, you can print off individual parts that may have been improved.

When I make noticeable changes to the model that I feel warrant attention, I will post here so you can always know if you have the latest models.