A pinhole camera is a very simple camera made from a box or canister, and it can work with either film or photo paper. The pinhole acts with a homemade shutter to expose light to the film/paper, taking a picture like a regular camera.
Identification
The container has a pinhole poked through at one end. The film or photo paper is mounted within the camera at the opposite end, with the emulsion side facing the pinhole.
Size
The size of the pinhole depends on how deep the container is. For a camera where the photo paper is three to six inches from the pinhole, the hole should be one-seventy-fifth of an inch in diameter.
Considerations
It is best to place the hole on the end of the container opposite the container's lid. The photo paper is easier to place on the inside of the lid rather than within the back of the container.
Loading
The pinhole must be covered by a shutter, which can be made of dark, opaque paper. The paper/film must be loaded int o the camera in darkness (if using paper, a darkroom safelight can be turned on).
Function
To take a picture, lift the shutter up to expose the film or paper to the light. Hold the camera steady as the image is captured, then cover the shutter and take the camera back to develop the picture.
Time Frame
Film needs to only be exposed for a couple of seconds in bright light, while photo paper needs to be exposed for around two minutes. In dimmer conditions, this time frame is four times as long.
Tags: photo paper, film paper, film photo, film photo paper, shutter expose
