An SLR camera makes a great base for a pinhole camera.
Pinhole photography is one of the oldest forms of photography, dating back as far as AD 1000 when people observed light through a tiny hole falling on a surface and forming an inverted image of objects on the other side of the hole.
Using a 35mm SLR camera is a great way to combine this ancient form of imaging with a camera that is easy to use and provides a viewfinder to line up your pinhole photos before you take them.
Instructions
1. Purchase a spare body cap for your brand of SLR. A body cap covers the camera interior when no lens is attached and should not be confused with a lens cap that protects attached lenses.
2. Estimate the centre of the body cap or use an accurate ruler of other measuring device to find the centre of the cap.
3. With the body cap on a hard surface, front down, press down with the sharp pin on the center of the body cap until the pin goes through the plastic. Depending on how sharp the pin is and how thick the plastic is, this may take a bit of effort. You could use a small hammer to make this easier.
4. Check the pinhole for stray pieces of plastic or other debris and remove anything you find.
5. Mount the body cap on your 35mm SLR by screwing it into place.
6. Use the "Aperture Priority" function on your SLR. This will calculate the correct exposure time based on the amount of light the pinhole lets into the camera.
7. Use a tripod for best results, as the small amount of light coming through the pinhole will result in long exposure times.
Tags: amount light, body your
