A box camera, similar to a pinhole camera.
A camera is a simple concept. The basic design has a light-proof box with an opening which allows light to come in and strike the photographic film. Complex camera models are on the market which use complex mirror and lens systems. However, all cameras operate in essentially the same manner. To build a camera at home, the easiest model to build is a pinhole camera.
Instructions
1. Place a small wooden block inside the tin box. Mark the center of the box with a dot. Drill a hole through the dot with a 1/4 inch drill bit.
2. Turn the box so the bottom is facing forward. Drill a hole in the top left corner of the box. Use a drill bit the same size as the dowel you purchased.
3. Measure the height and width of the tin box. Cut two pieces of black foam core to the measured dimensions. Put glue on one side of the long edge of each piece. Glue one on each side of the box. Position each piece the distance of one 35mm film roll from the side of the box.
4. Cut two more pieces of foam core that measure the height of the box and length of the foam core to the box edge. Put glue on one edge of each piece and place them in the canister. Position them on the right side of the box, between the foam core and the edge. Space them so that a film roll fits between the two pieces lengthwise.
5. Paint the inside of the tin with a matte black paint. Wait for it to dry.
6. Poke a hole in the aluminum with a needle. Cut a hole in a square piece of black tape. Make sure the tape is larger than the aluminum piece. Place the tape on the aluminum. Line up the holes so the hole in the aluminum piece is exposed. Tape the aluminum piece on the inside of the camera, directly over the hole you drilled in the bottom.
7. Make a notch in the bottom of the dowel with a saw. The notch needs to be long enough for the dowel to grasp the inside of the film roll when inserted. Paint the dowel black with matte black paint. Wait for it to dry.
8. Place the dowel into the hole on the side of the box. The notched side goes into the hole first. Cut the dowel down so about one inch sticks out the top of the camera.
9. Place the lid on the box.
10. Tape a small piece of black foam core over the hole in the front of the camera. Remove the tape to allow light in and capture images on the film.
Tags: foam core, aluminum piece, each piece, film roll, black foam
