This DIY camera blends technology with ancient legends

For Alireza Rostami, photography is more than capturing light—it’s about crafting tools that bridge the past and the present, and use up what seemingly can’t be used anymore. His latest project, the Golem Camera (or Frankenstein Camera), takes inspiration from ancient legends, discarded technology, and a belief that even broken things can be reborn.

Alireza draws from the story of the Golem—a figure of Jewish folklore, created from clay and brought to life through divine magic. It’s a tale of creation, power, and symbolism that resonated deeply with him. “Like the Golem, I wanted to bring something lifeless back to existence,” he explains. Only this time, instead of clay, his creation uses discarded computer motherboards, broken camera parts, and even old cooling fans—objects most would consider garbage.

The inspiration doesn’t stop there. Alireza also nods to the tale of Frankenstein, the literary scientist who pieced together human life from the remnants of the dead. For him, this “Frankenstein Camera” is a poetic blend of mythology, classic literature, and modern recycling – turning forgotten electronic junk into a functional, medium-format film camera.

At the heart of Alireza’s Golem Camera lies a striking visual feature: a computer cooling fan mounted like a six- or seven-pointed star, drawing from legends of mystical symbols. He explains:

“Legends say that if you put two triangles or pyramids on top of each other and rotate them, it will have magical signs. These legends were my reason for placing the broken computer fan on this symbolic camera like a six-pointer, or rather seven-pointed. I tried to create a link between the modernism of the present world and the legends of thousands of years ago. These are mostly for entertainment and creating a link between the mind of the artist and the people of thousands of years ago.”

Alireza pieced the Golem Camera together with parts salvaged from trash—broken computer motherboards, old video camera boards, and a scattering of forgotten components. It’s a process that mirrors the themes of his work: breathing life into what’s been discarded, proving that beauty and function can emerge from chaos.

The Golem Camera is more than just a camera—it’s a story. It’s mythology, technology, and craftsmanship rolled into one. A reminder that, just like the Golem, art has the power to animate what’s lifeless and turn simple materials into something extraordinary.

As always, Alireza reminds us that creativity doesn’t rely on fancy tools or expensive gear. Sometimes, the most meaningful stories are born from what’s broken and imperfect. It applies to people, too. :)

Enjoy more photos below, and make sure to follow Alireza on Instagram for more of his work.