Important updates
2025-02-21:
Made a parametrically generated focusing scale, generated as an SVG file using JavaScript, using FFD and helicoid size as parameters.
2025-02-16:
Made an illustrated user guide that covers all the quirks of using the camera that I could think of. Document named "Fat Shot X User Guide" can be found in the "Instructions" folder in the file list.
2026-02-15:
Moved the lens cone assembly guide to the lens cone project page. I feel it just makes sense to keep it there.
Removed the BOM from this description. You can find it in the assembly guides.
2026-02-10:
Added two illustrated assembly guides for the cassette and the lens cone. Look for the folder named "Instructions" in the file list.
Updated the parts "FSX Cassette Bottom", "FSX Cassette Top" and "FSX Dark Slide Cover" again and exported the most recent version of the project. That error wasn't completely fixed yesterday.
2026-02-09:
Fixed small errors in the parts "FSX Cassette Bottom" and "FSX Dark Slide Cover" and exported the most recent version of the project.
Summary
This is a film camera with a frame size of 6x17 (56x168 mm to be precise) with an option of stepping down the format to 6x14, 6x12, 6x9 or 6x6 with the help of removeable masks. It uses a large format lens with focal distance of 74 mm or longer and an M65 or M77 17-31 mm helicoid adapter for focusing.
All projects related to this one can be found in this collection.
The camera itself consists of three main parts:
Lens cone that the helicoid and the lens is attached to. It also plays the role of the the main body of the camera as it has the central mounting point for a tripod, strap attachment points and other parts are secured onto it by two M4 thumbscrews.
Cassette. This is the film back of the camera, it includes the whole film transport mechanism, multiformat masks and the darkslide.
Focusing screen. This is an additional part that is mounted the same way as the cassette to aid in framing the shot and focusing.
Both cassette and focusing screen are allowed to shift up 15 mm and down 7 mm from its center position for perspective corrections.
Lens cone and focusing screen are made in separate Fusion 360 projects and included in the main project as components. It means that by opening the main project, you will see the whole assembly, but to make changes in either the cassette or the focusing screen, you will need to open corresponding projects.
For the viewfinder i use this one (with embedded shoe mount).
Below are some of my photos I took with this camera, shot with SA 90 mm f8 lens on Lucky C200 film:
Instructions
There is a folder named "Instructions" in the files that has documents with all the information needed to assemble this camera and to use it. Inside, you will find:
"Fat Shot X Cassette Assembly Guide" - a fully illustrated assembly guide for the cassette, including the complete bill of materials (BOM) required for the build. The assembly guide for the lens cone is available on its project page.
"Fat Shot X User Guide" - a step-by-step manual explaining how to use the camera and how to care for it. Please read it thoroughly.
Build the cassette first, and the lens cone second. Optionally, cut the felt for both first, because you can use the cuttings left from preparing the materials for the lens cone in the assembly of the cassette.
Features
Here are some of the nicer things you will get with this build:
Ability to choose format by inserting masks that cover part of the frame. 5-position toogle switch with a memo of what format you shoot and what numbers on the backing paper to use is included and mounted on top of the cassette.
Separate Fusion 360 project to generate lens cones parametrically specifically for your lens by entering lens dimensions. It should be compatible with wide selection of LF lenses with FFD from 74 mm and up.
Presice focusing with the help of the off-the-shelf M65 or M77 17-31mm helicoid adapter and included removeable focusing screen.
Rise (15 mm) and fall (7 mm) movements of the lens cone in respect to the cassette and the focusing screen for perspective corrections.
Compact film transport system that is operated by a single knob on top. It features:
Ratcheting mechanism under the winding knob that keeps the tension on the film.
10 mm tubes and 3mm rods that act as guides for the film and prevent sharp turns and damage to the film.
Spring loaded plungers under both spools that keep them securely in place
Spring loaded film retainers on both sides that keep both rolls from unwinding.
Spring loaded pressure plate that firmly presses the film around the frame and keeps it very flat.
A mechanism to secure the pressure plate in its pressed position for easier film loading.
Rear cover on a hinge that can also be removed.
Integrated mounting points on top of the cassette for bubble levels and 1/4'' threaded adapters.
Less than 1 kg of 3D printed parts (with 90mm lens). Overall weight will greatly depend on the lens you use but it's much less than any store bought camera of this size with metal parts.
Comparing FS X to FS 617
This project is basically a remake of the Fat Shot 617 made from the ground up but with slightly different goals in mind. These are some of the goals I tried to achieve:
Easier to print and assemble
Fewer parts required to be 3D printed or bought
More convenient to operate and handle
Compatible with a wider range of lenses
Compared to the FS 617, ease of swapping the cassette for the ground glass and back was definitely compromised in order to achieve these goals, as I decided to ditch the whole "Body" part that everything was attaching to with toggle latches, but I consider the result to be better in every other way.
Shooting multi format
Multiple formats are achieved by placing the masks on the rails inside the cassette and sliding them to the sides until they snap in place.
On the back of the cassette there is a window in the rear cover that shows numbers on the backing paper for 6x6 frames at the top and 6x4.5 frames at the bottom. This is how these should be used with different formats:
6x17 : 4 exposures using 6x4.5 frames 2, 6, 10 and 14
6x14 : 5 exposures using 6x4.5 frames 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14
6x12 : 6 exposures using 6x6 frames 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11
6x9 : 8 exposures using 6x4.5 frames 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15
6x6 : 12 exposures using all 6x6 frames 1 through 12
6x14 frames had to be made 138mm in width to have at least 3mm of separation. Here is the expected frame spacing when using suggested marks on the backing paper:
To be safe, you can space 6x14 frames a little further apart with the help of the ratcheting mechanism by delaying each subsequent frame by an increasing number of clicks. Like this:
Frame 1: exactly on 6x4.5 frame 2
Frame 2: 6x4.5 frame 5 + 4 clicks
Frame 3: 6x4.5 frame 8 + 8 clicks
Frame 4: 6x4.5 frame 11 + 12 clicks
Frame 5: 6x4.5 frame 14 + 16 clicks
Parametric lens cones
Lens cone is the front part of the camera that holds the lens and that you attach the cassette and the focusing screen to. Its geometry greatly depends on the lens that it is specifically designed for. It is made as a separate Fusion 360 project. Almost everything in this model is a function of the dimensions that describe the lens and other parts that are being used.
Use this parametrically generated SVG file to make a focusing scale for your lens.
Focusing screen
Focusing screen is a separate part that have a ground glass in the same plane as the film. It has the same mounting system as the one used for the cassette. The process of shooting with precise framing and focusing looks something like this:
Mount the lens cone on a tripod.
Mount the focusing screen on the lens.
Open the shutter.
Frame your shot and focus it with the help of a helicoid. 10x magnification lens is almost a neccessity here if you want to be precise.
Raise or lower the screen if your shot requires perspective correction and remember its vertical position.
Remove the focusing screen and mount the cassette at the same position vertically, being careful not to bump the lens cone and knock the framing off.
Open the dark slide, take a photo, close the dark slide.
Just as the lens cone, the project itself and all the neccessary information can be found on the corresponding project page.
3D-printing
Material
Everything was designed to be printed in PETG. Although most of the housing is probably OK to print in other materials, there are multiple parts that are designed to flex and I am not sure how well these parts will operate without breaking, if printed in any other plastic other than PETG.
All colors are, of course, optional. The way this camera looks on the images is just my take on stylizing it and it's nothing more than a suggestion. One thing I would strongly recommend is printing in black color all parts that are in the path of the light to reduce reflections.
Printer requirements
There are a couple of large parts that can't be cleverly rotated to fit small plates, so 200 x 200 mm build plate is bare minimum.
Model is designed for 0.6 mm nozzle and many dimensions are made multiples of this. But 0.4 mm nozzle should be totally OK as modern slicers are very good at filling gaps that are not exactly equal to the line width.
Slicer settings
All parts are designed to be very easy to 3D print with no supports. There are no overhangs, only bridges. If you stumble upon overhangs, then you've placed the model in the wrong orientaiton.
Any common layer height is OK. I've printed it at 0.25 mm. Only the threads for the helicoid is recommended to be printed in 0.1 mm layer height.
Print everything with 3 perimeters if using 0.6 mm nozzle or with 4 perimeters if using 0.4 mm nozzle with any infill you are comfortable with. It should be more than enough to not get any light leaks. But you can add another perimeter just to be extra safe.
Print these parts solid:
Dark slide
All masks
Lens guard top and bottom
Misc tips
You only need to print one of each model. Even if there are two of the same parts or they are mirrored, I copied them anyway and named differently - “Left” and “Right”, for example.
Do not print "Fuzzy volume" parts! These are modifiers to be used in your slicer to get rough texture only on certain surfaces of certain parts. Almost all slicers have this functionality, just named differently. For example, this is how it's done in Orca:
Load both main part and "Fuzzy volume" STLs at the same time so they would load as multiple parts of one assembly and match each other positions.
Right click the "Fuzzy volume" in the object list.
Click "Change type" and then choose "Modifier".
Any settings you apply to this model will affect the main part only in areas where they intersect. Add "Fuzzy skin" to the modifier to ger the texture on the main model.
Related links
Growing facebook group, dedicated to the Fat Shot 617 project. I don’t run it, but I check in there from time to time.
My telegram. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. I speak Russian (native) and English.
And here are my other designs that can be used with this camera:
Fat Shot X - Multiformat (6x17, 6x14, 6x12, 6x9 and 6x6) 120 type film camera
by Flasheek · original on Printables ↗
Gadgets / Photo & Video
♥ 217⬇ 1.2k🖨 7 prints
Print profiles
FSX Cassette Cover Door.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Cassette Columns.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Cassette Cover Curved.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Plunger Pin Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Plunger Stop Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Plunger Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Retention Flap Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Plunger Pin Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Winding Knob.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Plunger Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Winding Knob Star.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Plunger Stop Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Retention Flap Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Ratchet.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Pressure Plate Hook Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Pressure Plate Hook Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Pressure Plate.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Dark Slide.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Format Switch Body.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Format Switch Pointer.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x6 Right Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x9 Right Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x6 Left Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x12 Right Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x9 Left Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x14 Left Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x14 Right Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x12 Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x12 Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x9 Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x6 Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x9 Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x12 Left Handle.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x14 Right.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x14 Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Mask 6x6 Left.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Cassette Bottom Fuzzy Volume.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Cassette Cover Curved Fuzzy Volume.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Bottom 70x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Bottom 94x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Bottom 91x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Bottom 80x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Top 70x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Top 94x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Top 80x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Top 91x6.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Lens Cone Felt Cutting Template.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Fat Shot X Exploded.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Fat Shot X Assembled.stlDEFAULT
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Top 80x4.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
Felt Cutting Template Bottom 80x4.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Tube Bushing 2.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Tube Bushing 3.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Tube Bushing 4.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Tube Bushing 1.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Dark Slide Cover.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Cassette Bottom.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print
FSX Cassette Top.stl
⏱ time and weight estimated after preparation · 1 material(s)
Made to order: we prepare this file when you order, which adds a few minutes before printing starts.
Prints on: A1 mini 0.4PLA
Order this print