16mm Negative Carrier for Enlarger with Reel Holders

Tool for mounting 16mm motion picture film in a photographic enlarger. Designed with flipbooks and zoetropes in mind.

Involves both 3D printed and laser cut parts.

You'll also need:

10 M3x10mm screws
8 M3 nuts
2 1/4"-20 x 2" screws (yes I have a bad habit of mixing metric and 'murican units)
2 1/4" x 3" round steel rods (really any metal will do)

Printing/cutting:

1 x Base plate
4 x Roller bracket
4 x Retainer Clip
4 x Focal Clip
2 x Roller

Assembly:

• Fasten the four roller brackets to the base plate as pictured, using 8 of the M3 screws and nuts.

• Insert and align the rollers in the brackets, then insert the 1/4" screws through the roller brackets and rollers. The screw should pass easily through the bracket but bite into the plastic of the rollers. This will hold the rollers+axles in place without the need for another fastener.

• Fasten the four retainer clips to the outsides of the brackets as pictured. They should be loose enough that you can rotate the retainer clips by hand but tight enough that they stay in place.

-Finally, insert the focal clips into the square hole in the base plate. They should be inserted diagonally and then rotated to lock in place. The film slots should be on top, facing inward.

Usage:

When mounting film reels, use the 1/4" rods as axles. Swivel the retainer clips so that the side slots of the brackets are open. Insert your reels and axles into the slot then close the retainer clips so they don't jump out and roll away. The film edges should slide into the focal clips, which will hold your film flat and at a consistent height without touching the image-bearing portion of the film.

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