The FTC-1: A 3D-Printed Solution for Architectural Perspective Control
Melbourne designer Lachlan Fysh creates an affordable, shift-capable film camera using additive manufacturing.
1Solving Converging Verticals
When photographing tall buildings, the perspective distortion known as converging verticals often makes structures appear to lean backward. Traditional view cameras and shift lenses combat this, but they are notoriously heavy and expensive. Designer Lachlan Fysh developed the FTC-1 to provide a more accessible, lightweight alternative for architectural photographers using 120 film.
2Hybrid Manufacturing Approach
The camera utilizes a strategic mix of materials to balance weight and structural rigidity. Fysh incorporated CNC-machined aluminum plates for the core and tripod base to prevent body sway during long exposures. Meanwhile, non-load-bearing components are 3D printed, allowing for rapid iteration and custom lens cone production for various focal lengths.
3Precision Shift Mechanisms
The FTC-1 offers 30mm of vertical rise and 15mm of horizontal shift, enabling precise framing without tilting the camera body. These movements are controlled by a TR8 lead screw, a standard component in desktop 3D printers. This choice ensures smooth, reliable adjustments that hold their position without requiring additional locking knobs.
4Anti-Backlash Engineering
To ensure immediate response when adjusting the frame, the design features an anti-backlash nut. This spring-loaded component eliminates slop by pushing against opposite sides of the thread. Because these parts are sourced from the 3D printing industry, Fysh maintains high mechanical precision while keeping production costs significantly lower than traditional technical cameras.
5Fixed Tilt Philosophy
Unlike many technical cameras that include complex tilt mechanisms, the FTC-1 uses fixed-tilt lens cones. Fysh calculated these angles for specific focal lengths using a custom visualizer to ensure 95% accuracy. This design choice eliminates the risk of accidental drift, allowing photographers to swap cones in under one minute in the field.
6Cost and Accessibility
Priced at $1,200 AUD, approximately $850 USD, the FTC-1 offers a drastic price reduction compared to Swiss-made alternatives that often exceed $5,000. By utilizing FDM printing for lens cones and titanium for brackets, Fysh keeps the total weight at 2.4 pounds, making the system portable enough for photographers who travel by bicycle.
7Award-Winning Design Concept
The FTC-1 recently secured Gold for Cameras at the 2025 International Design Awards. The jury recognized the project as a functional, commercially available product rather than a mere concept. This validation highlights the effectiveness of Fysh’s approach, which combines home-based manufacturing with rigorous mathematical modeling to solve a century-old photographic challenge.
8Future Development Trajectory
Lachlan Fysh continues to develop the Fysh Technical ecosystem while balancing a full-time job. Small production batches are currently available, with a 6x17 panoramic model, the FTC-W, already in development. This expansion utilizes the same proven cone system, demonstrating the scalability of his hybrid 3D-printing and CNC-machining manufacturing workflow for niche markets.