Beginner pinhole question: which format to start

[Nick Dvoracek]

I'm going to weigh in on this and advocate 35mm as a good format for learning pinhole.

First of all, quality is not only based on some vague idea called "sharpness." 35mm has a more impressionistic quality and grain usually can't be denied (you know how film works, right?), but I wouldn't call it "not focused" (which is a really inappropriate term to use for pinhole in the first place.) It has a quality of its own. It also requires a little more discipline in removing dust and other film flaws, but that's another necessary learning experience.)

To its advantage, it requires the same previsualization and discipline in support and exposure as large formats. Composition is the same deal as it is with larger negatives. Learning is often enhanced by repeated experimentation. I realize a $20 exposure on 8x10 might be a significant learning experience, but 48 exposures on a roll ( https://pinholica.blogspot.com/2019/06/manic-expression-cubed.html ) of the cheapest 35mm film you can find could give a little more variety and breadth to your learning.

It's really easy to make a camera that's reliable for 35mm film. https://pinholica.blogspot.com/2017/03/10th-anniversary-edition-populist-plans.html

I use everything from these little negatives to 4x5 and love them all.

 

[blee1996]

Thank you @Nick Dvoracek suggestion. I will certainly try out 35mm pinhole in the future as well. It will be quite easy to convert any of my 35mm cameras with a body cap: I will probably start with rangefinder body for shorter flange focal distance and matching pinholes.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I will probably start with rangefinder body for shorter flange focal distance and matching pinholes.

Sensible. I've got a body cap for Kiev/Contax that I should look at putting a pinhole into...

 

[Roger Thoms]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. And it seems the opinions converge on larger formats, and good quality pinholes with optimal focal distance.

So far I have

- bought the Eric Renner book, and bookmarked the pinhole calculators
- ordered a Vermere 6x17 curved plane camera (I like to support artisan camera builders)
- ordered five pinholes of different sizes from RealitySoSubtle to experiment with my 6x6/6x9 parts bodies as well as 4x5/8x10 camera

It will be fun!

Sounds like you are well on your way. I have a number of pinhole cameras but generally gravitate to either my 8x10 Harman Titan or my Reality So Subtle 617 curved plane camera. I like the contact prints from the big negative and the 617 is fun with the effects you get with the curved film plane and the super wide view. I’m not familiar with the Vermeer, but with the Reality So Subtle I do have to be careful not too get my finger in the shot when tripping the shutter.

Also don’t forget that Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day is the last Sunday of this month.

Roger

 

[Nick Dvoracek]

A longer response.

Triggered into Manic Expression again

Pinhole photographs and musing on pinhole photography

pinholica.blogspot.com

 

[runswithsizzers]

Click & Clack - easiest DIY pinhole cameras by Zheng, on Flickr

These are Agfa Click (6x6) and Clack (6x9) cameras that are probably the easiest to DIY convert to pinhole cameras.

- Agfa Click: 50mm focal length, f/250 (pinhole size 0.2mm)
- Agfa Clack: 75mm focal length, f/250 (pinhole size 0.3mm)

How to convert
1) Take out the entire lens and shutter assembly, 4 screws
2) Make a small round "lens board" from black plastic sheets, cut a whole in the middle
3) I used both home-made pinholes as well as commercially available pinholes from Reality So Subtle (France). Make sure the pinhole is centered
4) I use electrical tape to attach a 46mm->52mm step-up ring, so I can use 52mm lens cap as shutter. In addition, I can use 52mm filters.

Observations:
- Both conversions are very easy, only need screwdriver. And the entire process is reversible, or you can use the lens and shutter for other experiments.
- The Click has shorter focal distance, thus giving a more wide angle look. While the Clack is moderate wide - standard focal length.
- The Clack is better built, especially in terms of film handling and back security. And Clack has more style as well, with its pebble leather type of covering and side strap.
- The Click is more compact, lightweight, and travel friendly,

I like them both: these are my disposable pinhole cameras that can get rained on or lost.

Blee, thanks for this post. I have one Agfa Clack, and another one ordered. I plan to convert one of them to pinhole.

Can you tell me how you decided to go with the 0.3mm pinhole size for the Clack? Was that based on information from the Eric Renner book, or something else? Thank you.

 

[blee1996]

Blee, thanks for this post. I have one Agfa Clack, and another one ordered. I plan to convert one of them to pinhole.

Can you tell me how you decided to go with the 0.3mm pinhole size for the Clack? Was that based on information from the Eric Renner book, or something else? Thank you.

I was using the pinhole calculator online as well as the desktop app.

 

[runswithsizzers]

I know Eric Renner's book, Pinhole Photography: From Historic Technique to Digital Application, has a lot of historical perspective and background information. But is it also a good resource for the kind of technical information one would need to design a pinhole camera?

Are there any diy pinhole camera plans in Renner's book? I am not interesting making a camera from a biscuit tin or cardboard box, but I am looking for plans suitable for a semi-serious woodworking project.

Does the 4th edition of Renner's book offer significantly more information than the 3rd edition?

 

[Arthurwg]

My best results have been from a Zero Image 6x9.

My suggestion as well. This camera produces great images and adjusts to various size formats. I often use 6x9 and crop to a good composition.

 

[runswithsizzers]

I have not taken a deep dive into looking at pinhole camera images, but after looking at a few, my initial impression is that the best of the mediium format pinholes look about as good as the worst of the 4x5 images. There are exceptions, but in general, I think I like the 4x5 pinhole images more than I do medium format. Whether I like 4x5 better enough to justify the higher cost and added complications, I have not yet decided.

 

[loccdor]

I agree. There can be a decent amount of detail.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

In your experience, which format will be the best entry for pinhole? I shoot multi-format from 35mm, medium format, 4x5, all the way to 8x10. Which format do you think pinhole will bring most unique perspective and fun? Thanks!

In your case, I'd suggest 8x10. In that format, you get beautiful contact prints and don't need to enlarge. 4x5 is the lower limit, yielding precious little contact prints that look even more precious in a large frame. You can start both by making paper negatives. Assume ISO 3 for paper and use a light yellow filter to manage blue sensitivity and contrast.