60 minutes
Tricky


Pinhole Camera

  • Completed Project: Pinhole Camera Picture #1
  • Completed Project: Pinhole Camera Picture #2

homemade camera
 <  Image 1 of 2  > 

this is how to make a pinhole camera.

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  1. Step 1

    First gather all your supplies.

    The copper plate/peice of pop can

    the box or container(cardboard coffee or tea containers work well too)

    the black electric tape

    the black paint or card

  2. Step 2

    now make a small hole in the copper plate with the needle.

    This can take a while, you have to bore into the copper with the needle.


  3. Step 3

    after the hole has been made in the plate

    tape it to the inside of the box or container, where you want it.

    now make a hole in the box(infront of the plate hole)

  4. Step 4

    Step 4

    line the inside of the box or container with the black paint or card. It has to be light proof.

    once completed, put the cover on. Check that no light gets in.

    make a cover for the outside hole(black tape works fine)


  5. Step 5

    now in a darkroom, place the photographic paper in. Emolsion side facing the hole.

    The hole is where the light enters(it is like the lense of the pinhole camera)

    To take a picture, lift the outside flap and keep off for about a minute or so.

  6. Step 6

    Tips.

    You need plenty of light to make these.

    The camera should remain still while exposing.

    Usually wait three to five minutes for a proper exposure.

    If its inside, with lights, try one to two hours for good exposure.

  7. Step 7

    once the exposure is up, cover the hole tightly with the tape.

    Bring to the darkroom to develop.

  8. Step 8

    to develop, take the top off the camera(the room has to be light proof)

    and place the photographic paper in the baths.

    first in the developer, then the fixer, then the stop bath.

    hang to dry.

  9. Step 9

    Step 9

    now you have pin hole negitive.

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People who love this project (29)



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corrie w

corrie w

September 9th, 2008 13:53

sweet thats pretty rad

conitch

conitch

September 9th, 2008 16:35

that seems kinda hard,, but would like to try it

FoxesinBoxes

FoxesinBoxes

September 9th, 2008 20:07

Ahh, classic.
These are so hard to get right on a deadline. I recommend you wait for the right conditions, so you don't waste the paper.
Nice tutorial though.

Cat Morley

Cat Morley

September 10th, 2008 23:21

Very awesome, I want to give this a go one day - just got to get all the supplies.

Missy El

Missy El

September 11th, 2008 15:09

We did this in photography class, something like 8 years ago! I'd love to try it again! Thank you for the tutorial!

michelle G.

michelle G.

September 12th, 2008 12:20

its not that hard, the hardest part is drilling the hole in the copper

SilverFilmRoses

SilverFilmRoses

September 16th, 2008 17:46

i did this in a photo class about 5 years ago. i don't remember using copper or a soda can. i think we just poked a hole in the box. anyway, i wish i had a dark room. i love these : )

DIS.AR.RAY

DIS.AR.RAY

October 17th, 2008 10:42

ugh! These are amazing! :D My friend created one of these and took some badass photos, but that last one of the buildings, that was cool. The first one, it seems that the can got bumped a bit.

I'm making one soon :D