Pfocus B | a 3D printable budget DIY single focus solution

cults3d

The Pfocus B is a DIY single focus solution based on a wide-angle converter. While this has some downsides like soft edges, CA and a widening effect, it also has some benefits like low weight, multiple mounting options, a good wide-angle coverage as well as a short close focus distance. You can find comparative tech specs here: https://grabhole.de/pfocus/pfocusPfamily_techspecs.html The widening effect can also be considered as a benefit: Pfocus B can deliver an image which is actually wider than what a scope might be able to cover on its own (in other words, wider than what the Rapido FVD-35a could deliver with the same scope). A general overview about Pfocus units and its history can be found on my website: https://grabhole.de/pfocus/ I understand that charging money for these files is a sudden let down for many, but please also understand the countless hours, test prints, WA evaluations etc that do take a toll on me, not only of my spare time but also financially; I don't even expect to get even with the costs I put into these projects by selling the plans. But it would be cool if it could finance me a Pizza or two. KEY FEATURES * Pfocus B can be calibrated for properly hitting infinity focus * improved mechanics deliver a much better focus-experience * the used wide-angle converter is dirt cheap and widely available The Nikon WC-E80 is not really the terrific glass I was looking for. But it has its appeal, especially the price. If you already own a printer, you will be able to build this thing under a hundred Euro. The issues I see with this glass is CA even towards the center of the frame, a weird zoom-blur effect towards the extreme edges and a very unpleasing colour-fringe around the focus area. However, I do consider it an ideal budget solution for tinkers and starters; the housing reflects this by delivering only barebones operation without extensive features. this build consists of mostly printed parts and is easy to assemble, the pitfall is the needed precision for the print as well as the post-processing of the parts. Pfocus B needs some additional hardware that you might need to order internationally this build offers three different mounting options - M75 like a Rectilux Hardcore DNA or Rapido FVD-16a, universal mount with lock-screws in 75mm or 70mm for native scope use Pfocus B focusses internally, so it's non-protruding/non-rotating front for a somewhat consistent vignette (note: Pfocus B goes the widest at close focus) as well as better (yet not ideal) mattebox use To get an idea about the performance, you can have a look at this great example video kindly shared by Kapitan Hjerte: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsuaauxR0x8 Please mind the .pdf manual for detailed instructions on how to print, post-process and build this variable diopter. It also contains detailed lists of all additional parts and tools needed for this build. NOTE: even if this project needs precision, it is still a 3D printed device based on a repurposed wide-angle converter and not a precisely machined, properly calculated variable diopter. Don't expect mechanical or optical performance of an e.g. a Rapido FVD-16a or even Rectilux Hardcore DNA.