In 2014, Mizzou alum, Drew Nikonowicz, was uncertain if he would be able to afford his own 4×5 camera and equipment upon graduation with a B.F.A. Through the remainder of his time at the University of Missouri’s School of Visual Studies, Drew began 3D printing parts for a homemade 4×5. He was encouraged when professors and colleagues took interest in the work, leading him to grow it into what is now Standard Cameras. By utilizing 3D printing, he was able to design parts quickly and cheaply without sacrificing quality. In addition, The Standard 4×5 is available as a download, allowing folks with 3D printer access to build their own from scratch.

Nikonowicz says, "The technical skills of actually designing and building cameras was largely fostered from a few courses I took in high school. But Mizzou is where I was first introduced to large format photography, 4x5 view cameras, and everything surrounding that process.

It was in Joe Johnson's, Dan Farnum's, and Travis Shaffer's classes where I was really encouraged to foster a passion for photography. That's what really empowered me to start the company. There's also plenty of fun developments along the way. It was at Mizzou where I designed and built a functional 4x5 out of cardboard - that project directly transitioned to trying to 3D print a 4x5 of my own making. That's the core origin of Standard Cameras."

Recently Standard Cameras put out a new version of the 4x5s which Nikonowicz makes and sells. He is currently pursuing an MFA at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville so that he can take the time to make new art and possibly pursue a career in education.