The OKTO35 is a cool and brilliant initiative developed by inventor Blaž Semprimožnik. OKTO35 is a motion picture film camera that was 3D printed. The camera runs a 35mm cartridge and is able to shoot nostalgic-grained Super 8mm imagery. Check out this outstanding project.

OKTO35: A 3D-printed motion picture camera

The OKTO35 is a simple but genius motion picture film camera that was developed purely from 3D printing. This is an independent self-backed project that was created by inventor Blaž Semprimožnik. This 3D-printed 35mm film camera can shoot movies, photos, and time-lapses and also serves as a developed film scanner. Essentially it’s a unique analog all-in-one camera. BTW, the name is derived from the number 8 (Octo) which symbolizes Super 8mm format, and 35 which indicates 35 film stock. The OKTO35 utilizes a 35mm 36-exp cartridge just like the good and old point & shoot film cameras. All you need to do is to load the cartridge into the camera and start shooting. There’s no need to reel it, cut, splice, or adapt. It’s like loading a cartridge to a regular still camera. Then define your setting, and press the red (Run) button to shoot some magic. Furthermore, the OKTO35 utilizes various lenses and can shoot in high ISO, 24 fps, and more. Check out a few photos of the OKTO35.

OKTO35 features

Here’re the features of the OKTO35: 

1. C-mount lens support
2. 4 function modes: Movie, Photo, Timelapse, and Scanning
3. fully motorized and automated film wind/rewind and film exposure track shift
4. built-in scene light meter for F-stop exposure calculation
5. bright and sun readable 128×64 1-inch OLED display with user-friendly GUI
6. simple and ergonomic thumb joystick button GUI control
7. built-in large capacity LiPo battery with charging capability
8. built-in buzzer for audible timer and warning sounds
9. detachable and adaptable optical viewfinder
10. the movie frame rate can be set from 10 to 24 frames/second with a common 180° shutter speed
11. photo shutter speed ranges from bulb mode to 1/100s with a settable timer
12. timelapse interval ranges from 1 to 6 seconds with a common 180° shutter speed
13. supports wide film ISO range from 50 to 3200
14. the camera can use multiple standard 35mm cartridge sizes of 12, 24, and 36 exposures
15. supports negative and reversal black&white, color, UV, and IR films
16. ergonomic and intuitive external design
17. responsive system due to the fast STM32F1 series processor
18. magnetically sealed film cover for easy cartridge loading and good light-tightness
19. self-cleaning film cartridge design for dust reduction during recording and scanning
20. film cover sledge guide design for scratch reduction during film transport

How it works

OKTO35 operates pretty straightforwardly. All you need to do is to insert the 35mm 36-exp cartridge, (similar to how you insert it in a point & shoot film camera), adjust the setting to the OLED display user-friendly interface, push the RUN button, and you’re done. The simplified yet efficient 3D printed mechanism runs the film and absorbs the light. As for sample footage, it reminds us of the artistic look of the Super 8mm imagery. However, the utilization of 35mm 36-exp film makes it much more affordable to shoot. For instance, its custom frame size enables longer shooting time, making it a cheap and easy way to shoot and scan 35mm film movies at about 51€ per 10min at 18fps. Check out the demonstration below:

Price and availability

Although the OKTO35 is a self-backed passion project, Blaz says that it will continue to evolve the camera, and improve its capabilities and design. The next model will be called OKTO Mark III and will include many improvements like an Advanced interface (GUI), higher FPS, more I/O, smartphone integration, and more. Furthermore, Blaz states that In case of overall huge interest, small-scale camera production units might be possible in the near future. No word on pricing though. Would you want one?