WLV-01 Monochrome - Waist Level Camera

★★★★☆ Featured in The Phoblographer & PetaPixel.  Powered by Raspberry Pi.

A camera that feels different to shoot with.

Slower. More intentional. Built to reward attention rather than replace it.

The WLV-01 is a hand built, full spectrum monochrome digital camera with a Sony IMX585 sensor, a Raspberry Pi 5 inside, and a 3D printed, fully modular chassis. Every unit is individually assembled and tested in my Winnipeg workshop after your order is placed.  All orders ship within 5 business days.

“the closest thing to a true digital film experience that i've ever had — one of the best cameras we've ever reviewed.”

-alberto lima · the phoblographer

What makes it different

True monochrome, no compromises. The IMX585 sensor has no color filter array, which means every pixel captures pure luminance. The result is sharper micro detail, cleaner high ISO performance, and tonal response that rivals sensors many times its price. Full spectrum sensitivity extends into near infrared for low light and night photography.

Sony E-mount freedom. The fully manual E-mount opens the door to C-mount, M-mount, M42, Nikon F, Pentax K, Canon FD, Leica M, and thousands of vintage lenses via adapter. Focal reducers, helicoids, extension tubes, and speed boosters all work. 

Waist level, the way it was meant to be. The bright touchscreen viewfinder sits flat on the top of the camera, inviting a slower, more deliberate shooting posture. The UI is designed around this posture. Key controls sit in the corners of the screen where your thumbs naturally rest, so you never have to menu dive to change settings.

Built on Raspberry Pi 5. A real computer inside, running custom camera software I write and maintain myself. 

Designed around a philosophy. The WLV-01 intentionally omits image review on the back of the camera. You compose, expose, and shoot. You see the results when you review your files later, the way you would with film. 

The software (V3)

Software V3 ships on every new unit. What you get out of the box:

Film simulations baked in. Ilford Delta 400, Ilford HP5, Kodak Tri-X 400, and Blue Chrome. The live preview reflects the selected simulation so composition and exposure stay intentional. Film looks are embedded in JPEGs but RAW files stay untouched, so you always have the option to start over in post.

Focus peaking. A live green overlay highlights what's in focus. Essential for manual focus with vintage glass.

Rangefinder assist mode. Inspired by classic rangefinders. A ghost image overlay helps you nail focus with precision.

Tap to zoom. Tap the screen for 2x or 4x zoom when you need to confirm critical focus. Affects preview only, not the final image.

Brenizer Mode. Capture multiple images in a guided 5, 6, or 9-shot sequence for later stitching. On-screen prompts keep you oriented while you work.

Double exposure mode. Capture the first frame, compose the second over a live overlay, save the combined image in camera. RAW files for both exposures are preserved separately.

Aspect ratio selection. Compose in 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 5:4, 4:5, 9:16, 3:1, and 3:4. Optional grid overlays (rule of thirds, golden ratio). JPEGs save in the selected ratio, RAW files retain full resolution.

Gesture-based UI. Swipe up to hide all icons for a minimal viewfinder. Swipe down to sleep. Swipe left and right to cycle shutter speeds without touching a menu. Long press the shutter button for 2 seconds to enter Shutter Set Mode.

Video. 1080p and 4K H.264 when you need it. No audio, 2-minute max per clip. This isn't a video camera, but it handles video cleanly when the moment calls for it.

Wireless file transfer. Connect the camera to WiFi and access your files over SFTP. Pull images from anywhere on your network without touching the SD card.

📄 Read the full user guide →

Hardware

Sensor. Sony IMX585 full spectrum monochrome, 8MP, no color filter array, 1/1.2" size. Uses the Starlight Eye driver designed by Will Whang.  Sensor Details: Technical Specification

Mount. Sony E-mount (fully manual). Removable C-mount adapter included. Precision shims included for C-mount focus calibration.

Processor. Raspberry Pi 5.

Display. 4 inch Waveshare touchscreen. Histogram and shooting info always visible.

Power. Geekworm X1200 UPS module with removable 18650 battery system. USB-C charging. Camera auto shuts down at 95% to preserve battery health.

Connectivity. WiFi for wireless transfers and SFTP file access. SD card and USB storage (autodetected).

Chassis. 3D-printed, fully modular. Replaceable sensor module, mounting plates, and viewfinder.

Video. 1080p and 4K H.264, 2 minute clips, no audio.

What's included

Every order ships with a fully assembled WLV-01 camera built around a full spectrum monochrome sensor module, a Raspberry Pi 5, and a Waveshare touchscreen display. The Geekworm X1200 battery system handles power, with a USB C charger included for keeping the camera topped up. A C mount adapter and precision shims come in the box so you can start shooting with C mount lenses immediately and fine tune focus calibration as needed. Software V3 comes preloaded, along with the full user guide for everything else.

Lens not included. Batteries not included.

Recommended batteries. LG HG2 3000mAh 35A (18650), Panasonic NCR18650B, or Samsung 35E. Must be unprotected 18650 cells. Protected cells may not fit correctly and can cause power issues. I recommend 18650batterystore.com.

Important. Only use the USB-C charger that ships with the camera, or an approved Raspberry Pi 5 charger. Phone chargers can cause undervoltage and may damage the camera.

Support and updates

Every WLV-01 comes with direct support from me, the person who designed and built it. Not a call center, not a chatbot. If something breaks, I'll help you fix it. If something doesn't work the way you expected, I want to hear about it.

Because the camera runs on open source hardware and software, you can also repair it yourself. Every part is documented, accessible, and replaceable. The chassis files are included so you can 3D print replacements. The software is maintained and updated regularly with new features.

Accessories

Pair the camera with any of these to expand how you shoot:

• Eye Level Finder, which converts the waist level screen into an eye-level composition tool
• Chimney Viewfinder for a classic TLR style viewing posture
• Mamiya TLR Viewfinder Mount
  

[Browse all accessories →]

Who this camera is for

Photographers who want a deeply personal tool. Makers curious about imaging systems. Artists drawn to the character of black and white. Anyone who wants a camera that keeps evolving instead of going obsolete.

Sample images

See what the IMX585 monochrome sensor looks like in real world use. This gallery features images shot with vintage C-mount TV lenses, showcasing the character, contrast, and sharpness you can expect when this sensor is paired with classic optics.

View sample images →

Hand-built in Winnipeg, Canada. Ships worldwide.