… long live the filter holder!
The mould for the Panasonic 7-14mm filter holder is dead. It did a good job but finally reached end of life. A new one would be too expensive.
I therefore uploaded the printing data to my Shapeways Shop. You may order a filter holder as 3D Selective Laser Sintered model directly from the shop. The filter holder isn’t as sturdy and doesn’t look that smug but it’s much cheaper.
I decided to publish the schematics and PCB layout for the Photo Booth Controller as public domain. All documents necessary for building a controller are available for download.
Finally, the lid for the battery compartment is available as spare part. Time to modify one so the battery adapter cable may pass easily through the closed lid.
The modification is quite simple. Drill a 5 mm hole and cut the lid to get an oblong hole that protrudes towards the edge. It takes just a few minutes for a skilled worker.
Note: The camera isn’t splash-proof anymore when you use the modified lid!
I re-designed my booth buzzer. It now features a Bluetooth LE module that is powered by a LiPo battery. Charging is done through USB.
The buzzer is user-configurable to send a mouse click or keyboard click to any device with Bluetooth LE connectivity.
For more information see my Buzzer page.
After receiving several requests, I reworked my LED ring project. I simplified the circuitry and rewrote the software from scratch. The result is a LED ring that may be controlled by Breeze or DSLRBooth via USB.
The project is currently in prototype status.
In addition, I wrote a Windows application that can be integrated in most photo booth software packages. You may also control the LED ring straight through the virtual COM connection via USB.
The application reacts on command line parameters (like status screen file names) and sends the command configured for the calling parameter. The controller is able to display a set of predefined effects. Parameters can be used to tailor the effects in direction, speed or color.
Among the effects are a runnign rainbow, countdown status displays, blinking, solid color or swiping a couple of LEDs round the ring.
Finally, the lid for the battery compartment is available for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. You may order it as spare part at via davinci, item number VP924500. Currently, delivery time is said to be 4 to 6 weeks.
With this part, if properly modified, you may use the BLH-1 battery adapter with the battery compartment closed. I ordered one and will write a modification guideline.
I got the first production grade adapter to mount teh VA-1 angle finder on the OM-D E-M5 II. It fits well and the visibility of the view finder is good. I have no experience yet, how the material will stand over time and usage. I used (first time) selective laser sintering (SLS) as production method for this kind of adapter.
With this adapter, the VA-1 may be mounted to yet another type of camera body.
You may order the adapter directly through my Shapeways web shop.
Oh, yes. It can be done. I mounted a haida PRO II NC slim polarizer on my Olympus m.ZUIKO 7–14mm f2.8 lens. The filter has a diameter of 105 mm. Slight vignetting is still visible. The effect ist a bit strange when taking pictures of teh blue sky. It is quite promising when aiming at reflections. More tests will follow.
I designed an adapter to mount the VA-1 angle finder on the E-M5ii. During the next few days I will perform tests with the prototype. In case of successful tests I will produce a small batch of adapters.
I got a brand new dive computer a couple of days ago. It needs a certain number of operating hours in order to get the approval for public usage. I am therefore out and diving a lot. This may cause delays in answering requests. Please be patient.
The picture shows computers I got for testing a while ago. The current test devices are still top secret!