Library archivists find use for the MakerLab’s 3D printers

3D printed camera mount for tabletop photography

Special Collections and Archives needed a mount to join a 1980s fiber optic light source to a standard accessory mount on a Canon G15. This was an easy fix with 3D design. Digital Archivist Jim Duran designed an adapter using Tinkercad that included a tab that would slip into the camera’s accessory mount and a hole to screw in the light source flange.

He printed this design using the Library’s LulzBot Mini 3D printer. We found out the printing software Cura was accidentally set to a different filament type and the print came out a little distorted, but it still worked.

The original adapter used threads to screw into a SLR camera. New
cameras, specifically our Canon G15, does not have these threads.

The camera mounted to the overhead equipment with the
fiber optic tube connected.

A better view of the fiber optic light source.

This is the frame projected through the camera onto the work surface
through the viewfinder. The operator could then make sure the
artifact is within the borders and aligned properly.

An example of a the viewfinder light projected onto a portrait.
With this lighting the operator can make sure the camera will
get the entire painting. The operator will then switch to
the 45 degree lighting for shooting.

The final product, a portrait of former football head coach
Lyle Smith, captured using the tabletop camera.

Using free software like TinkerCad, and the Library’s 3D printers, make it easy for students and staff to problem solve everyday challenges. 

Jim Duran,
Special Collections and Archives