DIY Camera Kit – Build a Twin-Lens Reflex Film Camera, Optics STEM Model
Build a working twin-lens reflex film camera from parts: see how lenses, a viewfinder and a shutter come together to take real photos.
Designed by Mematrix Lab
Description
Build a real film camera
This kit builds a retro twin-lens reflex camera about 15.5 cm tall. The upper lens and the mirror send the image to the fold-up viewfinder on top, so you look down into the camera to frame your shot; the lower lens and the shutter expose the film inside. Geared focus rings link both lenses, and a winding knob advances the film after each picture. Load a roll of film and take real photographs.
Science it demonstrates
- Lenses: how a convex lens focuses light into an image
- Reflection: how a mirror turns the image up into the viewfinder
- Exposure: how the shutter controls how much light reaches the film
- Photography: how a latent image on film becomes a photograph after developing
What you'll do
- Assemble the camera body, film chamber and back cover
- Fit the viewing and taking lenses with their focus gears
- Install the mirror, viewfinder hood, shutter and winding knob
- Load film, frame a picture through the viewfinder and press the shutter
Parts list
- Camera body panels, film chamber and back cover
- Viewing lens and taking lens with focus gears, mirror, viewfinder hood
- Shutter parts, winding knob, small fittings and a screwdriver
Good to know
- Film is not included, and developing film is done at a photo lab.
- No batteries needed.
- Contains small parts. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with adult guidance.
Specs and Docs
- Model
- EK-D024
- Assembled size
- Approx. 15.5 × 8 × 7.5 cm
- Type
- Twin-lens reflex film camera
- Film
- Not included
- Material
- ABS plastic and metal
- Suggested age
- 8+ with adult guidance
Shipping
Standard shipping: $9.00 for the first item, +$1.80 for each additional item. Free shipping on orders over $260.
We ship worldwide, by default with economical international post (UPU / China Post small packet) to keep shipping costs low. Orders are usually handed to the carrier within 2–5 business days, and economical international post then takes about 10–30 business days to arrive; these are estimates, not guarantees. Delivery time depends on the destination and on postal and customs handling. If you need your order by a certain date, email us before ordering: faster shipping can be arranged, with the extra cost charged at the carrier's actual rate. Items that contain batteries or magnets are marked on their product page and ship by a special carrier line; some countries and regions cannot be reached by that line, and if yours is one of them we refund the order in full.
Customs & duties
Import duties, taxes and customs requirements depend on the destination country, the shipping route and the local customs office, so we cannot say in advance whether any will apply to your parcel. Customs may hold a parcel, ask for more information, or ask for duties or taxes to be paid, even when the declared value is correct. If you have a question about your country, email us before ordering.
See our shipping & returns policy.