Custom Luke style Macrobinoculars
- Thread starter Dann
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- custom macrobinoculars macros
You mean the little Minox flash unit? It's a little Minox flash unit! Ha, sorry. If that's the part you're referring to, that's what it is. There are several (at least three) different versions. I've still got a few left, but I think this is the last of this version that I've got. They're all really neat little flash units. I kinda want the actual spy camera itself, like the whole setup. They can be pricey, though!
Anyway, printed myself a TBox last night. Had to make some small modifications to it, but it fits and looks really nice, now!
Anyway, printed myself a TBox last night. Had to make some small modifications to it, but it fits and looks really nice, now!
That's it ! I knew I knew what it was but kinda didn't. My dad had one in his old camera case which we cleared out of his place when he passed last year and now one of my sons has it.
I will go an rummage through the old camera boxes in his room when hes at college tomorrow!
Love the TBox as well BTW
I will go an rummage through the old camera boxes in his room when hes at college tomorrow!
Love the TBox as well BTW
Cool! Sorry to hear about your Dad, though. 
And thanks!
Made a ton of progress last night, this set is coming together real fast. The lens plate and TBox are usually the toughest parts for any custom build, but I kinda flew through them both. I was just on a roll for whatever reason. I should build my second set of Luke's Stunts (which I plan to sell) before I run out of steam! That lens plate is a doozy.
Next step is knobs and greeblies. I've got a few ideas in that department.
Since I used the lens mounts from the actual cameras, there's some overhang at the underside. I'm gonna grind the corners off the mounts so they don't interfere with the belt clip.
I even managed to get some paint on them! I'm not totally sure I'm gonna stick with the scheme or colors, but I'm liking how it's looking.
And thanks!
Made a ton of progress last night, this set is coming together real fast. The lens plate and TBox are usually the toughest parts for any custom build, but I kinda flew through them both. I was just on a roll for whatever reason. I should build my second set of Luke's Stunts (which I plan to sell) before I run out of steam! That lens plate is a doozy.
Next step is knobs and greeblies. I've got a few ideas in that department.
Since I used the lens mounts from the actual cameras, there's some overhang at the underside. I'm gonna grind the corners off the mounts so they don't interfere with the belt clip.
I even managed to get some paint on them! I'm not totally sure I'm gonna stick with the scheme or colors, but I'm liking how it's looking.
Thanks! They're sure fun to do!
I've had all these parts for years, collected with the intention of doing exactly what I'm doing with them, but this newest camera in particular I've been wanting to use for a long time. I think it's one of the most appropriate bodies for turning into a set of space binoculars!
I mean, it kinda has its own TBox already built-in, minus a frame for the viewer to mount to. So I'm stoked I'm finally building this one.
I don't know what I'll do with myself once all my parts are used up! I think I've only got one more set of random matching SLR lenses.
I've had all these parts for years, collected with the intention of doing exactly what I'm doing with them, but this newest camera in particular I've been wanting to use for a long time. I think it's one of the most appropriate bodies for turning into a set of space binoculars!
I mean, it kinda has its own TBox already built-in, minus a frame for the viewer to mount to. So I'm stoked I'm finally building this one.
I don't know what I'll do with myself once all my parts are used up! I think I've only got one more set of random matching SLR lenses.
More progress!! Getting closer to the finish line with these.
One thing I'm not sure about is this rubber section that I could attach to one side, that would wrap around to the underside and die off under the belt clip, or before it reaches it.. I'm just not sure I like it or not. Whatchy'all think? I'll put that pic first..
And the little red "circuit board" detail with the resistors will get some paint so it doesn't pop so much. I spent hours trying to decide what to use to cover the hole that's under it. I didn't want to use anything circular, because there's already enough circle details all over the Macros, so it was either this, or just a simple metal plate. I'm still not sure about it, but we'll see how it looks one it's painted to blend in with the rest.
One thing I'm not sure about is this rubber section that I could attach to one side, that would wrap around to the underside and die off under the belt clip, or before it reaches it.. I'm just not sure I like it or not. Whatchy'all think? I'll put that pic first..
And the little red "circuit board" detail with the resistors will get some paint so it doesn't pop so much. I spent hours trying to decide what to use to cover the hole that's under it. I didn't want to use anything circular, because there's already enough circle details all over the Macros, so it was either this, or just a simple metal plate. I'm still not sure about it, but we'll see how it looks one it's painted to blend in with the rest.
Looks great!
How many kalimar viewer hoods have you found???
How many kalimar viewer hoods have you found???
Hahaha, well I've been collecting parts for at least 9 years now, and I've been through lots of Kalimar/Fujita/Soligor etc cameras! I've still got something like 6 bodies here in various stages of disassembly.
I've probably got 3 or 4 more viewers, plus a couple from TLRs.
My last genuine grey viewer will be going on the second set of Luke Stunt Macros that I plan to sell.
Anyway, as far as updates go, aside from the lens gap covers I'm modeling, I think these are pretty much done! Here's some sweet photographic goodness!
Dagummit, I forgot to post pics I took leading up to where these are at, now!
I added a "screen" inside the viewer, I rushed it at the end of the night several days ago, so it could use some more love, but it's acceptable how it is.
Also, I surprised myself with a clever little design regarding the film door. Originally, I hadn't rotated the latch that locks the door closed, because it's difficult to get under there with the belt clip in the way. I came up with this little greeblie that rotates or pivots, rather, on a little M2 screw, and I rounded off the top of another M2 screw to use as a sort of detent pin (not spring-loaded, unfortunately) to lock the greeblie in place, thereby keeping the film access door closed, regardless of the original latch.
But, later on, I was fiddling with the latch under the belt clip and, of course, it closed on me! So the little solution I came up with is redundant. But hey, it's still pretty cool!
Finally, I went around almost every added-on part/greeblie and drilled and tapped and then screwed pretty much everything down. There's a couple-three things I missed. I'll probably eventually screw those things down, as well.
Oh, and I machined the two side knobs, used parts from a TLR for caps, changed the big knob a little, and all the knobs turn!
View attachment 964548
And of course, like all the others before this set, these will be for sale! Though I really hate to see them go, because I've put A LOT of work into these, and they're my favorite custom set I've built, so far!
I added a "screen" inside the viewer, I rushed it at the end of the night several days ago, so it could use some more love, but it's acceptable how it is.
Also, I surprised myself with a clever little design regarding the film door. Originally, I hadn't rotated the latch that locks the door closed, because it's difficult to get under there with the belt clip in the way. I came up with this little greeblie that rotates or pivots, rather, on a little M2 screw, and I rounded off the top of another M2 screw to use as a sort of detent pin (not spring-loaded, unfortunately) to lock the greeblie in place, thereby keeping the film access door closed, regardless of the original latch.
But, later on, I was fiddling with the latch under the belt clip and, of course, it closed on me! So the little solution I came up with is redundant. But hey, it's still pretty cool!
Finally, I went around almost every added-on part/greeblie and drilled and tapped and then screwed pretty much everything down. There's a couple-three things I missed. I'll probably eventually screw those things down, as well.
Oh, and I machined the two side knobs, used parts from a TLR for caps, changed the big knob a little, and all the knobs turn!
And of course, like all the others before this set, these will be for sale! Though I really hate to see them go, because I've put A LOT of work into these, and they're my favorite custom set I've built, so far!
Last edited:
bpatneaude
Active Member
Have these already gone up for sale? I keep looking every time i see them being built and missing when they go up for sale. Thanks!
bpatneaude
Active Member
Wow those are awesome! Ill.definately keep an eye out for them soon.[emoji16][emoji106]
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