3D-Printed Medium Format Pinhole: Full Review of the MIA 6×17
The MIA 6×17: A Hands-On Look at This 3D-Printed Pinhole Camera
In a photographic world dominated by high-speed autofocus and digital precision, the MIA 617m 3p offers a refreshing return to the basics — where patience, composition, and light take centre stage. This 3D-printed, multi-format pinhole camera is designed for medium format film shooters who want to explore the creative potential of 6×6, 6×12, or dramatic 6×17 panoramic images.
Weighing in at just 530 grams, the MIA feels surprisingly light, thanks to its 3D-printed construction, Build-wise, it’s solid and thoughtfully engineered: the film back is held securely with magnets, giving it a reassuring sturdiness, and the dual magnetic film advance knobs click satisfyingly into place. I found that advancing the film works best when you twist both knobs at the same time — it keeps the tension smooth and even.
Loading is straightforward, and the rear red window is clear and easy to read, with format-specific frame markings to keep you on track. There's even a Cokin A and P filter holder, also magnet-mounted, which adds a nice touch of flexibility for creative exposures.
With a fixed 66mm focal length and 0.3mm pinhole (f/220), the MIA delivers wide angles of view — up to 104° in 6×17 format — perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes or dramatic urban scenes. The standard 1/4″ tripod thread ensures stability for long exposures.
Using the Camera
The MIA 6×17 is simple to operate. The shutter mechanism, uses strong magnets, has a satisfying snap to it and feels reliable in the field — quick to open and close without fumbling. This magnetic system is used throughout the camera's design and works well.
Advancing the film is easy and smooth, especially when turning both knobs at the same time. However, the knobs — while cleverly held in place magnetically — do feel a bit delicate. I found myself handling them with care, particularly when packing or setting the camera down, as a sharp knock could potentially dislodge them.
On the plus side, composition is well thought out. A built-in bubble level on the top plate helps keep your horizons straight (very helpful when working with wide formats like 6×17), and composition guides etched into the top and side of the body give a helpful reference for framing..
Overall, using the MIA in the field was a straightforward and enjoyable experience.
Here are a few shots from the outing — all captured on medium format film using the 6×17 frame.
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I’m happy to say the results lived up to the anticipation. The 66mm focal length delivers a natural perspective with minimal distortion, even out toward the edges — something that’s often hard to come by in ultra-wide pinhole photography. There’s a slight vignetting, but it’s subtle and actually adds a touch of mood to the images rather than taking anything away.
A Note on Framing
One thing worth mentioning is the framing lines on the MIA 6×17. While helpful in theory, I found their placement a bit misleading in practice. They're positioned in a way that suggests a slightly wider field of view than what the pinhole actually captures. This can lead to some unexpected cropping in your final images.
Personally, I prefer framing guides that follow the actual path of light from the pinhole, as it gives a more accurate sense of what will be on the negative. In one of my shots — the tree on the South downs I had carefully composed — you can see where this mismatch resulted in part of the subject being cut off. It's not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely something to be aware of when composing through the top and side guides.
Here are a few diagramss of what I mean:
Current Marker Placement (as seen on the camera)
Preferred Marker Placement (aligned with the light path)
Here’s how I would prefer the guides to be positioned: following the actual cone of light that enters through the pinhole. This would provide a more accurate representation of what’s going to appear on the film.
Overlay Comparison
This final diagram overlays both sets of markers — the camera’s actual guides versus a more accurate light path-based framing — to show how the mismatch can mislead you into thinking you’re capturing more than you really are. This is especially noticeable in panoramic compositions, where edge framing is critical.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few quirks — like the framing lines needing a bit of personal adjustment — the MIA 6×17 is a genuinely rewarding camera to use. It’s clear that a lot of care has gone into its design, from the clever magnetic components to the solid 3D-printed build and lightweight form factor. The results speak for themselves.
This is a camera that slows you down, encourages you to think about every frame (you only get 4), and lets the imperfections of the process become part of the final image. And for me, that’s the real beauty of pinhole photography.
If you're looking to step into panoramic pinhole photography the MIA 6×17 is a fantastic place to start.
Thanks for following along on this adventure. Feel free to reach out if you have questions, or share your own experiences with pinhole photography. Happy shooting!
Buy from MIA here > https://miapinhole.com/product/mia-617m-3p/
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