Upcycle Final Report – Recreating the Canon

For this project my vision was to create a very simplistic resemblance of the Canon Eos R series camera. The function is not really an aspect as much as the form. For the form I wanted a general shape and configuration to resemble the camera. I was trying for a desktop styled symbol. I want to see if I could make a more professional version later. I wanted to challenge myself by using only a singular piece of material to create the project, and this constraint would challenge my minimalism side.

The design process was relatively consistent and simple. I iterated once and the ideal version for the process to me would be a press break stamping machine that could cut perfect edges out of any material you please. I would most likely use a metal or fine wood to create the camera, specifically black metal.

The fabrication process consisted of first cutting out a template for the shape of the camera. From here it was a tracing to create every layer needed. As seen in the images there is a circular form cut out to represent the cameras lens attachment section. This is held in place by two horizontal support arms. The frame structure is held up by two vertical arms and the flash representation is a small vertical support. There is no glue or any fasteners because I wanted to keep the single material challenge in place.

The final product is a simple but telling object. I would say I met my expected artistic goals because I wanted to see if I could turn this into something more. I do think I will refine the project because I simply want it to look better but I am happy with this ‘first iteration’. I want to push towards a metal version and a more refined and perfected version of the project.

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8 Comments. Leave new

  • Miles Radakovitz
    February 17, 2020 9:20 pm

    I like the simplicity of the object.
    I like how it relates to the idea of taking a photo in the sense of capturing life.
    Did you look into joinery at all?

    Reply
  • Chris,
    I liked how your project was simplistic and had no fasteners. One thing I think you could improve upon is spacing out the pictures between the slides.
    The statement of meaning I offered was:
    I like the simplistic construction; it reminds me of the old Japanese buildings that were constructed with no fasteners.
    Artist as a questionnaire: Chris asked how he could make this project with a sturdier material. I said he could use stacked laser-cut acrylic.

    Reply
  • Chris –

    This project reminded me of an initial phase in the design phase of an engineering project, perhaps the brainstorming and initial prototyping, which I liked. Although there are nice pictures, the report doesn’t seem to show an end-result picture of the product. Also, I wish the documentation of the design process was more thorough as the pictures on the report seem disconnected and it is hard to imagine what the assembly process looked like.
    In terms of questions, what would the next phase look like in terms of material, process, and fabrication?

    Reply
  • Justin Engbrecht
    February 17, 2020 11:43 am

    Responding to Chris’ “Artist as a Questioner” request for possible alternative materials, I suggested that he look into making it out of black sheet metal, possibly needing a black paint. Others chimed in saying black cast iron would look great as well.

    Reply
  • Your project restraints are really interesting. Using one piece of cardboard? No glue? Damn, that’s definitely the attention grabber for me. However, while these restraints are cool, I’m wondering if they contribute to the final aesthetic of your design. Maybe there’s some way to make these restrictions noticeable on your design?

    Reply
  • Presenter question: What other materials could be used?

    Acrylic or similar materials would be a good next step before manufacturing in metal. It’s relatively cheap, and laser cutting is pretty easy. It will give you a good idea of how structurally sound it is, how the shapes come out, and a general idea of the manufacturing process because you could probably translate it to a CNC mill.

    Reply
  • If this piece were made of lasercut wood, metal, or acrylic, the form is interesting enough that it would be a great piece. I like the lack of glue/tape/any sort of fastener besides friction. A sturdier version of this would be a great gift for a fellow photographer.

    Reply
  • Davis Robertson
    February 17, 2020 11:38 am

    I like the focus on real-world resemblance, as well as a minimalist approach to realism. Did you consider using tape or glue to make it hold together better? Also, did you consider painting the cardboard pieces a consistent color or was it intentional to recycled?

    Reply

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