Pi Zero Camera Cases and Stand

An over-engineered set of snap-together cases for Raspberry Pi Zero-form factor boards and associated cameras.

Models

For autofocus cameras like the RPi camera module 3 which have an 11mm lens housing, use:

• Top Camera 3.stl
• Bottom.stl
• Stand.stl

For 8mm cameras such as the RPi camera 1 & 2, use:

• Top Camera 1.stl
• Bottom.stl
• Stand.stl

For use with LEDs for illumination and an 11mm camera, use:

• Top Camera 3 LEDs.stl
• Bottom LEDs.stl
• Stand LEDs.stl
• LED cap.stl (printed in clear filament to diffuse LED light)

There are also separate models for use with a 1/4"-20 threaded mount (standard for camera tripods) and models for a ball joint stand to be used with them:

• Ball.stl
• Socket.stl

The LED version takes standard 5mm LEDs pitched outwards a bit and a standard LDR for ambient light detection.

I use Adafruit's super-bright IR LEDs along with a 5506 LDR and simple transistor circuit inside to keep the LEDs off until it's very dark.

Printing

I recommend:

• 1.4mm nozzle
• 0.2mm layer height
• PETG (PLA is not flexible enough for the snap-in tabs). In my experience, ABS is the best choice since the heat generated by the Pi (especially the Pi 2) tends to warp the tabs.
• 100% infill for top and bottom (to prevent the snap-in tabs from being too brittle)
• No supports necessary as long as you use the obvious orientation (flat side down)

Operation

I have tested these with both RPi Zero 1 and 2 models as well as an Arducam (for "camera 1") and RPi camera 3.

It gets pretty toasty in there especially with the RPi Z 2W, but the vents seem to keep it from crashing.

I'll probably eventually upload the fully parametric model so you can change clearances, LED angle, etc. Let me know if there's interest in this or other variations on the design (more port holes, other camera form-factors, etc.)