Rotating Aperture Bokeh Mask for testing. Experimental

Rotating Filter Bearing Assembly for Optical Effects 62mm filter thread, easily adapted. Please do not sell these

https://youtu.be/FxuLa0ZI7ok?si=Qa2HR-CoNJmfgEMa
https://youtube.com/shorts/HQNdaXwJzQU?si=oZ8yJ7I2KvQlPBhc

If using the USB powered unit, you only need the small single speed pully
500rpm N20 motors
PMW motor speed control

Self contained off/on
Latching Micro push off/on
Batteries- I use 3.7v CR123, but when amazon sent me more, they sent 16340 batteries. Looks the same, but not quite. Depending on the batteries you get, you might need to add or subtract a mm or 2 from the battery box. its easy for the USB battery housing, but no quite so for the stand alone model. CR123s are the recommended size

All use 1.4mm nails, need trimmed and glued in the mount with CA glue carefully to not also glue the 8 rollers
Rubber bands are the drive belt. Matte PLA tends to grip tighter and will cause the belt to walk off the track.I apply light silicon oil to the track to prevent that. Regular PLA didn't have that problem

This project is a mechanically driven rotating filter assembly designed for creative optical effects. It allows a circular filter element to rotate smoothly in front of a camera lens, producing animated bokeh and aperture-based effects directly in-camera.
The design was inspired by rotating aperture experiments and practical effects techniques rather than digital post-processing. All motion is mechanical and visible in real time.

What this is

This is a 3D printable bearing-based rotating filter frame that supports a free-spinning outer ring driven by a small belt or motor. The system is intended for experimental photography and cinematography applications such as rotating bokeh masks, epoxy or mica-filled optical disks, or other custom aperture shapes.
The design uses pinned hourglass-shaped rollers to retain and center the rotating outer ring while keeping friction low and motion stable.

Key features
Parametric OpenSCAD design
Smooth rotating outer ring suitable for belt drive
Hourglass rollers to lock the outer ring axially
Pinned roller axles for durability and quiet operation
Integrated motor mount for small DC motors
Designed to accept custom optical inserts such as acrylic or epoxy disks
Fully mechanical effect with no electronics required for basic use

Intended use

This assembly is meant to hold and rotate:
bokeh masks
epoxy or resin optical disks
mica or particulate effect filters
experimental aperture shapes
When placed in front of a lens and rotated, the filter changes the effective aperture geometry seen by out-of-focus highlights, producing spinning, pulsing, or interference-like visual effects.

Printing notes
Designed primarily for PLA or PETG
PETG is recommended for any parts exposed to heat or friction
Roller axles are sized for small nails or pins
Holes may require slight adjustment depending on printer tolerance
Supports are not required for most parts
Use a higher infill for structural components

Assembly notes
Rollers are pinned in place using small nails or steel pins
Outer ring should rotate freely once assembled
A rubber band or small belt can be used to drive the outer ring
Motor mounting holes are optional and can be added as needed

Safety and responsibility
This project is experimental and intended for creative use only. If used near camera equipment, ensure all parts are secure and fully cured if using epoxy or resin inserts. Test the assembly away from valuable equipment before mounting it to a camera.