How To Make A Pinhole Camera (Coffee Tin Type)
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- čas přidán 15. 05. 2021
- Hello and welcome back!
I have been taking a bit of time to get back to basics with some analogue photography and making a pinhole camera to exercise it.
Today I made a pinhole camera and get back into the groove. I hope the video shows the simple steps to make a camera to take shots on photo paper or even film. Either way, I know I had fun experimenting and wish you will too.
Please do leave a comment and let me know what you think of this method. If the video was helpful or inspirational, please do like and consider subscribing.
Thanks for watching and see you soon. - Jak na to + styl
I remember doing this in photography class in highschool and it was by far the coolest most mind-blowing thing at the time that I made a working camera and all the science behind it (still kinda is)
@Arabic you're right, when going back to basics and making things by hand there's a kinda good feeling to it. Especially with the process of experimenting, it's always a learning process. Thanks for watching and commenting :)
@@Iamjustamodelmaker 😊 💐
@@Iamjustamodelmaker how do you do you make this
@@trevoroneill8131 hey ya! It's quite a simple project and the results are decent, but needs a bit of practice and patience as always. If there are areas you need help with do drop me a line via insta. Happy to help and share some analogue love ;)
Yo! What kind of photo paper did you use?
I did this in the 8th grade and did NOT appreciate that class or the teacher. Where ever you are lady please know that was one of the best electives I ever took in my 12 years of public education. ❤😂
If you black out a room and make a small hole in the blinds, it displays the image on the whole room!
Yep! Ilford make rolls of photopaper at huge sizes. Wouldn't it be mega to pin a piece to the wall and take a massive pinhole shot using your method. And develop it in a long planter pot??? Epic!!!
First time learning about this technique I’m mind blown very much inspired thank you for the detailed demonstration
@Wonofher hey ya, thank you for watching and hope the inspiration pushes towards further experiments. I'll be looking to go further with pinhole, just because it's the fundamentals and will share more soon. Ciao!
Fun!
Hey ya! Thanks for watching, hope to do more content to keep the vibes up!
Really excellent demonstration. Thank you.
Thanks for watching, more experiments and photography related items coming up soon.
Impressive! Thank you
Thanks for watching and the comment, I'm looking to expand a bit more on this analogue love I have. Anything you might need me to have a stab at, I'll have a go. Thanks again.
This is cool!
Hey ya, thanks for watching! Just a little note. International pinhole camera day is at the end of April, so there is still time to make something to try it out ;) Love, peace, and analogue photography!
Highly informative...thanks for sharing
Thanks! There are a lot of little things to consider, but fun getting the hang of the fundamentals. Hope you have fun exploring!
Good to see you back, great video.
@kingcal53 Thanks for the support! It's been a while juggling things during these times, but looking forward to do more videos soon :)
@@Iamjustamodelmaker You make great content. I've got no doubt you'd have a serious following if you had posted regularly.
@@blakemccracken889 thanks for the support and kind words. I have the same kinda vibe too, and do always think I could document my process as a maker. Time to shake off winter and come back? Let's see ;) cheers again.
Very informative video and easy to follow. Got a coffee tin sprayed black and Ilford paper is ready to go. Will try it out this weekend with a natural developer and fixer (mint tea, vit C and lemon juice!) Looking forward to experimenting.
Great, hope you have fun during the process. Your develop sounds tasty 😋
Make your own emulsion using gum arabic and a photo chemical! Brush it on some photo grade copy paper and let it dry. Do your exposure then in a darkened room ,in close proximity to a humidifier, ( i did it in the bathtub) very carefully dust the photo with lamp black powder. The parts of the photo that receive less light will become sticky from the humidifier and the parts that receive more light will become less sticky resulting in amazing detail. I used a feather from a feather duster for my brush but a small artists brush would work! After its done fix the photo with clear spray paint being careful not to blow the image off the paper from the spray! Just hold it at a safe distance about 1 1/2 ft. from the photo and do a few light coats! Boom!
And Im just a movie worker/ tile guy!
You would probably like to know how to mix the emulsion and its ingredients huh? Its gum arabic and ammonium dichromate and a little distilled water! Mix it in an airtight jar with a good lid. Sorry I dont remember exact amounts but I do remember it wasnt too too critical as long as it was an even coating onto the paper! Experiment with just the gum arabic and distilled water first before you add the AD. Make sure when it dries its an even coating . too thick add a little distilled water. Its not hard to figure it out and it goes a long way so be frugal with the amounts! Good luck!
This process sounds really good. If only I had the time to check it out, I would and give it a go. End of April is coming and that day looms upon us again... Thanks for sharing and pushing the community. That's what it's about at the end of the day ;)
@@Iamjustamodelmaker glad to help!
Lived it
Yes! But I believe there is a lot more to explore. I come back to basics now and then and it surprises me. I speak for myself but the check helps me improve in other areas too. Anyways, thanks for watching and hope all is good in the world ;)
who need skillshare? you are the best bro you, this videos are a gift for the world
Thanks for watching and hopefully the video was inspiring to you. Skillshare is a good platform and I'm sure there could be more info of value there too. Bear with me, looking to do more content soon...
We made these in elementary school, with Nestle Quick Boxes!
Technically you could make them with any enclosure, that's part of the excitement and fun to experiment ;) looking forward to try more things soon
So good we will try to do👍👍
Thanks! It is an easy one to do, but super addictive to master and keep on trying even if the results are not so good. Will continue with the fundamental side of photography, as the results are very rewarding. Good luck and hope you get to spend some good times back to basics ;)
@@Iamjustamodelmaker How did you develop the images?
@@duwaynepadilla1499 hey ya, I developed the exposed paper with a paper developer mix. But it was quite a quick change between paper and then exposed. Be careful when developing and catch it before it becomes overdone. I'll try other developers next time, this was a good experiment and hope to try more in due course.
Thank you for sharing. I will make it with my fifth grade in the Art class. I am sure we will have fun. 🤗
Hey ya! I wish I would have picked up such skills earlier in my life. But it did blow my mind when I first saw it happen, like magic! You'll be ok sharing with the kids. Do a practice run and you'll be great for when the kids see the results. It's all light at the end of the day. Best of luck!
@@Iamjustamodelmaker thank you. A quick question do you think will work with the instant photo paper from Fuji? Like this they will see the results right away.
@@craftingwithlaura you'll be ok with photographic paper in general. I usually use black and white as it is readily available and a price I can experiment and test with. If you need any further help you can message me on insta. I'd be happy to make it run as smooth as possible ;)
This should be thought and experimented in every elementary school !!! Schools as they are now, suck !!!
Well at least you can go fourth and push the boundaries yourself. Good luck, keep at it!!!
Think I'll give this a try..
Do! It was really fun, sometimes frustrating when tweaking it to get the results I wanted. It's all an experiment, and if you've got the basic materials it's quite straightforwards. Keep at it!!!
Just a pure pleasure to discover this technique with this video, fully convinced I can’t wait to give it a try !!
(&lil question, is it possible to make some colored ones ? It is just question of which photo paper you use ? Thanks in advance :)
Hey ya! Thanks for watching and kind thoughts. It's all an experiment and exploration with different mediums. Do give it a go.
I've not tried colour shots yet, but have seen colour film pinhole done so it is possible. Hope to give it a go someone down the line. Have a fun!
Hi! Thank you for uploading the video! I'm going to make a pinhole camera using film. Did you take it using black-and-white photographic paper and develop it separately?
Hey ya! Thanks for watching. I took a box of B&W photographic paper in a dark bag. Making sure I had a spare light proof sleeve to store the exposed shots. Then once back, I developed them in one session. Good luck, have fun!!
This is great! Results were impressive. Roughly how long did you expose the paper each time?? Also did you have to use any chemicals on the paper after or were they just ready to scan?
Hey ya! Thanks for watching and giving it a go! I can't remember exactly but it was the size of the pinhole, once calculated it did take around 2-3 mins even on a bright day. Chemicals used for developing, the usual develop, stop and fix solution. Hang and let it dry, then good to scan. It's worth the experiment :) good luck!
@@Iamjustamodelmaker hoping to do it with some students, thanks for your response! Very helpful
Hi! Amazing video, can you make a tutorial for the processing part of the photo, I have no idea how to do it
The processing part has to be carried out in the dark. Essentially, it's pulling the paper out and jiggle it through the chemicals for a few seconds. I used a red light at low setting so that I could see what I was doing. Hmmm... I'll think of a way to show you and present the magic when it comes through as an image. Delicate though, as you only get one shot.
great video, just wondering how long you expose each piece of paper for? and what do you do with each photo once you’ve taken it out of the camera inside the black bag?
Hey ya, it is a tricky one. I diluted some ID11 for paper development and it was really quick. Be warned! A couple of seconds I'd say. Once it shows a giant image evenly, it's ready to. It might take a couple of tries. But then again it is a trial and error process this method. Enjoy and after a few goes you'll get the hang of it. I have been meaning to try film next, been tied up shooting some other mediums. Have fun!
@@Iamjustamodelmaker is this regular developer?
I used Ilford ID11 mixed at 1+9 suitable for paper development. The results were ok, but there must be other ways for higher contrast a slower development. An experiment for me still... Good luck
@oli southall I forgot to mention to keep some spare light proof bags. Once finished shooting I usually put it in the plastic light proof bag then into a spare film box using a changing bag on the go, just in case. It's best to have a changing bag when doing analogue photography. Got to protect the shots whilst in this hand made process :)
After exposing the paper, it is developed with chemicals under a safe light in a darkroom.
3:18 “it’s slow but it’s the speed of paper”
I know this is serious photography talk here but this is funny right here
Hey ya! Thanks for watching and picking up on parts you liked. Much appreciated and looking forward to more content soon enough. Best wishes!
Does film always need to be washed too, like every tutorial I've seen? What kind of water ingridients do you make?
Yes, do wash them once you've gone through the process. Making sure you wash off any chemicals along the way. I used to use Ilford wetting agent as the last step whilst rinsing, but have had decent results without. If you struggle with streaks, give it a shot. Have fun!
How you know what F stop it is for the light metre reading? I want to try this too, thanks for the tutorial!
And how long were you exposing for?
The size or the hole will determine the fstop. I used mrpinhole.com. Useful to calculate this and other constraints to make a camera or even build a custom camera. I shot mine for over 3 mins from metering calcs. So recommend a tripod. Best of luck ;)
Great video! I’m just getting back into photography with alternative processes other than my phone. I didn’t know the website you mentioned existed! I have some questions that I thought of while watching:
What is f-stop as it pertains to this camera? Is that the hole diameter? Wait, no, that’s aperture I think. Can’t remember what f-stop is.
How does use and final image compare between a pinhole coffee tin camera a box shaped one? Is this the same as a camera obscura? The directions I saw for a camera obscura showed a much wider hole.
Is focal length the distance between hole and paper? Film dimension is the area of the paper?
I might be able to find the answers myself but I really like the way you explained what you did. Thank you for making the video!
Edit to add: I’m primarily playing with cyanotype so was wondering if this would work alright with that process. I’m not sure if the image would turn out clear enough but it will be fun to try. Do you know anything about the film speed of using cyanotype compared to photo paper? Thanks!
Hey ya, thanks for watching. I've been tied up with making things and wish to do more videos soon. Glad the video has inspired you to try out different methods and experiments.
F stop is a ratio of the size of the hole and focal length. These are important when making pinhole, plan ahead.
I think getting an accurate hole size and roundness was the trickiest part. The rest you can calculate and build round it.ive made box style ones too and they worked out pretty well. Takes time but fun to see how the elements come together by developing shots.
I've not used cyanotype yet, but have always been interested in the results and possible ways to use it. Sometime soon maybe ;)
Anyways, have fun making and catching some rays of light! Thanks again for the support, much appreciated.
Just a question: if I buy any photographic paper, will it work? Because I don't know much about it and it seems like just the expensive ones will work. I know that the better the paper, the better the quality, but I can't afford an expensive one
Hey Rebeca! The paper has to be suitable for film photography. There are different brands and sizes, but would recommend getting some test runs and save some time for when you really need the results. If you're in Europe Foma is a good alternative and costs less than your bigger well known brands. Do some tests first and then you'll get a feel for the medium better. Best of luck!
Hello, how did you manage to create an image on photo paper? Isn't film required for this?
Hey ya! The paper is photographic paper so it is sensitive to light and can make images. You can also use film too if desired, even colour film!!! Give it a go and you'll be amazed!
Will The picture be automatically printed on photography paper or we need to edit it with chemical elements?
Now that would be magic! But still, this analogue photography is always an experience for me every time. You'll have to check the mix on the developer for the right ratio, usually 9:1 and the stop and fix are the same as for film. Double check, as you products might be a slightly different mix. Good luck and have fun developing. I noticed it's a lot faster on the paper, so do some tests first.
@@Iamjustamodelmaker You don't need stop. A stop bath stops the development process and prevents active developer to contaminate your fixer. Since you can't really overdevelop the paper, the first function isn't very useful for our amateur pinhole photography. Only real benefit is it prolongs the life of your fixer, but since this is pinhole photography, and you probably won't print as much you don't need to use the fixer that much anyways so you can skip the stop bath to reduce complexity and price.
@@dennyrulos7370 hey ya, I've tried skipping the stop before and things didn't go the way I expected. Maybe it was the paper, the age of chemicals, a combination of them all? Always on the look out to find a good formula to create consistent results. Thanks for watching and sharing thoughts, I'll give the pinhole paper developing another swirl when the season picks up. Till next time, keep it analogue ;)
Do you just scan on a printer? Or do u have a special photo scanner? Your results are higher quality than mine but then again i used home made developer and stopper with coffee and vitamin C
The prints are scanned on a printer at 300dpi. But I do prefer the originals as they have captured the the real light of the time :) I've not tried coffee just watered down ID11, though there was a time I ran out of stopper and mixed some apple vinegar to water and it worked as a substitute at the time on some rolls of film. I'm not sure but possibly the acidity of the mix did the trick. Paper developing is fun, as you can see the image come to life during the process. Keep experimenting with different approaches till you get the desired look and feel ;) good luck!
How do you develop it? Im helping my son with a school project and am confused. Does the picture show up on the photographic paper itself or do you actually have to develop it on the photographic paper
@@georgetterobinson01 ive since found out and made a few of these. You dont develop them in any kind of chemicals (developer or fixer). Instead, you have to open the camera (preferably in a dim light room and rather quickly as the paper is still light sensitive) and put in in a printer scanner. Scan it, invert the colors on the computer, and then you'll see your image. You dont need to develop it and actually, as you take the paper out of the camera youll even be able to see the negative version of the photo with your naked eye.
@@Cjeffersonjensen Jefferson, you have a very unique sense of humour.
@@georgetterobinson01 You do indeed need to develop the paper with chemicals because it's photographic paper. This must be done under a safe light in a darkroom. And by the way, never open a box of photographic paper in ordinary light because it will be ruined.
What photographic paper did you use?
Hey ya! I tried kentmere satin and Ilford which I had some around. But have to say processing paper is tricky as the developing time flicks just like that and you got to catch it quickly. I did get medium contrasts and would like to try again with other developers in the future. Good luck and have fun experimenting :)
Hopefully this adds to this process and doesnt upstage it which isnt my intention!
Hey ya, your contribution is great. It depends the knowledge and opens up more experiments ;)
what kind of paper is that?
is it the one used in printing photos?
Yes it is just black and white photo paper. Cheap and cheerful, plus there's 100 in a pack for some serious experimenting! Have fun!!
How many minutes of exposure in bright sunlight is enough to produce a good photo?thank you
Hey ya! This depends on your pinhole size, and enclosure depth. I'd run it through mr.pinhole for calculation. But in general it is a long exposure time of 30secs or more. When I did 8x10 film I exposed for 3 minutes at least! Every situation is different, and I think over exposing could help with the media type too. It's a big experiment, needs time to get that chi and feel for capturing light rays. Good luck and I know you'll have fun doing it, yes there will be moments of failure but it leads to better results. You'll be sweet!
What film do I need to buy to try this?
Hey ya!!! I've not tried film before, but know it can work with black&white and colour film. But will need some experimenting. In this video I tried B&W photographic paper, it was good to handle and open to testing with different timings. Good luck! And have fun!!
Oh it's very nice but I have a doubt which paper do you use in this camera a normal photo paper or and special photo paper 😅
I used normal photographic paper, but you can also use film too! All in the name of experimenting and catching rays of light. Have fun!! ☺️
I tried it but it was only a white paper how can I convert to photo please share 😅
@@notgamerinsaan786 maybe check the side you exposed it. Test a sheet of paper by just exposing it to daylight and put it through the developing process. This will confirm the paper is working as it should. Then try it again in the camera you've made but for a longer duration. Please do calculate enough time for exposure as pinhole can be upto 2-3 mins in some cases. Hope this helps, let me know how you get along with the paper.
@@Iamjustamodelmaker I leave in day for about 6 to 7hours. My question is how to develope the photo 😁
@@notgamerinsaan786 hey ya! I used typical photo paper developing ratios. As if I was developing normal b&w negative film to photo paper. Your develop, fix and stop baths in order. But be very careful with the developer you choose. It can bite really quickly.
0:55 April 25th is coming up
It's that time of the year again!!!!
How many minutes of exposure in bright sunlight is enough to produce a good photo?
Paper iso isn't the same as film iso. But if you use one of these light meters, it's super low. Around iso 5. If it's a clear sunny day and you face the sun, the pinhole will create a halo or lense flare from the direct sunlight. Cool effect if it's what you're after. It comes down to some experimenting, part of the fun 😊 good luck!
Can i use normal photo paper instead of ilford poth paper
There are other photo papers out there. One of the reasons I use Ilford and kentmere, is because I know roughly the exposure times for making contact sheets and prints. This saves on wasting too many sheets to get the desired timings.
What paper did you use to take photos?
Hi ya! Photographic paper. Directly through the pinhole, carefully transferred in a light proof back before developing in a dark room.
I can't find these light sensitive paper anywhere .
Photo paper? For sure you can even find them on Amazon. Comes in different sizes, surface finish, not super pricey. Ilford is still around, Kentmere is an option. Have a little look, they are out there waiting for you :)
Thanks !@@Iamjustamodelmaker
How did you develop the photos?
Hey ya, once the exposures paper has been safely removed from the camera in the dark, prepare a batch of chemicals. Typical paper ratio mixes for the developer (mine was 9:1), you could use stop as normal, and fix as normal. I use all three to prevent contamination but develop and stop works too. Good luck.
@@Iamjustamodelmaker sweet! Thank you so much
4:25 you're welcome
Glad you're focusing on the video, all details are important 😉
@@IamjustamodelmakerI watched with intent the whole time. I was glued. Can't wait to make my own.
@@jasrenfro9856 hey ya! Thanks for watching and glad it's motivated you to get your hands on it! Best of luck and I know you'll have fun during the process. Remember it's an experiment, it took me a while but it was worth the journey. Have fun!!
Hi can i ask you a question, can fujifilm intax mini photo paper can be used in pinhole photography?
Hey ya! Yes it is possible, I've been preparing for this year's pinhole camera day at the end of this month. This is an interesting one Instax and definitely worth a go. I think I'll do a couple of practices to get the exposure time right and then the rolling of the film to develop. Give it a go, good luck ;)
Once the exposure is done, the fujifilm instax photo paper need to develop in chemical or not?
@@remix4351 hey ya! With the Instax film, you've got to load it in the dark into your camera and then place back into the original film cassette. Then shoot it with the lense covered in the camera, so the camera can develop the film as normal.
Which type of paper you put in your pinhole camera
I put photographic paper in the camera, typically kentmere or Ilford multi grade. Once you get the hang of it, you can try your hand with film too. Have fun, good luck!
Could you capture an image at night during a full moon?
With a long exposure, possibly. Contrast is key, or the image will be flat and murky. Also depends on the surrounding light and what you're focussing on. I can imagine light drawing photography could work too... Only one way to find out ;) good luck!
@@Iamjustamodelmaker I was thinking a shot through a stand of pine trees. With the moon shining through. It's across from my house and we often get fog moving in from a small river nearby. If I can get that shot it would be amazing!
@@lta6494 That's really dreamy and moody, nice! I think it can be done, but possibly too low light with a pinhole camera. If I were there, I would for sure give it a go. This could be something for a big aperture long exposure, but balance the light from the moon and the time the fog moves along. Wow! an epic scene!
Can you just use regular paper?
Hmmm, I can't think of a way to burn it on to the normal paper, But that's got me thinking 🤔
@@Iamjustamodelmaker I was sort of wondering what paper you use
@@CornDawgOG I'm currently using Ilford or kentmere photographic papers for black and white photography. I prefer the satin finish and the finish has a nice lustre. Ilford multigrade RC is very nice to work with. They come in various sizes. Best of luck
i think those darker sheets of paper are fogged because you opened the box of papers in the light and the bag leaked in some light
Hey ya! I do carry a dark bag with me to change film for my large format shots. The fogging might be from something from the process, can't say at the moment. But when spring comes I can capture some more daylight on paper. I will look into the bag, maybe sew another layer inside to give it some extra protection. Thanks for watching and suggesting ideas. Always on the lookout to up my game and make this analogue adventure better. Cheers!
@@Iamjustamodelmaker sorry i meant the black plastic bag that wraps around the paper in it's box. it's not entirely light tight, so it's a good habit to only open that box in the dark
@@heatonize good point, I've repaired large format bags with black carpet tape before. Where it folds and hits the corners of the medium it can easily puncture a hole over time. I've only had one pinhole camera, so have to change it on the move. Will test the paper on some negs to check its still all good. The joy of analogue ;)
What type of paper do you use?
Hey ya! I typically use what is at hand, usually Kentmere photo paper, or Ilford multigrade. I have to say I prefer the satin finish as it gives a nice look and feel... good luck, and have fun if you give it a go!
You sound a little like Mumbo jumbo
Ha! I think that's only because I'm British too ;)
@@Iamjustamodelmaker yeah but it’s funny cuz he also does photography
@Qwertyforwen it's a small world, I've been seeing it through a lense too. But still in search for the best combination of gear and chemicals for the output. Thanks for watching, will keep pushing ahead ;)
Well, you can recycle the tin. That’s exactly what you just did. (Btw) lol
Well I can't help it sometimes, making stuff is what I get up to all the time ;)