Help using Polaroid 52 w/pinhole cam

[SusanV]

Hi all,

I have a 4 x 5 pinhole camera and some Polaroid 52 film I'd like to use in it.
I was looking at the film today, and opened one to figure out how it works,
and I'm scratching my head over how to proceed. Before my family decides
I have fleas , would someone jump in here and tell me what to do with this
stuff?

My camera is a wooden box type with a removable wooden back held in place
with two dowels that pressure fit against it to hold it tight. Can I use it like
that, loading in a dark bag, or do I have to have a special holder for the film?

ideas on how to squeeze the gel across the surface evenly? I have some rubber brayers...

How long to develop before light-safe?

thanks for any help!

Susan

 

[Vaughn]

Expensive way to go! Plus you have some interesting logistical aspects to consider! Mainly, how to pull the outer envelope to make the film available to the light from the pinhole -- and then close it again...without fogging it. Better off with a 545 back...you'll burn a lot of film trying to figure it out!

At a Friends of Photography workshop 15 years or more ago, a fellow workshop assistant had a homemade pinhole camera constructed from an SX-70 Polaroid camera. He'd make a hand-held exposure than ziiiip out would come the print. Watching a pinhole print develop in front of your eyes was just too cool (and the sound it makes coming out of the camera was worth the price of admission!)

Good luck!

Vaughn

 

[SusanV]

Hi Vaughn, and thanks for the reply. Looks like not many folks here are
familiar with type 52 and/or pinhole cams

Actually, it's not expensive at all, since Brian Kosoff kindly gave my husband
John (Jovo), and me a big box of the stuff along with a lot of other goodies
he was clearing out a while back. We have a couple of 4x5's besides the
pinhole, but I got this idea that it would be especially nice to use with the
pinhole for a project I'm doing.

Love the image of a SX70 whirring out a pinhole print!!!

thanks again,
Susan

 

[Jim Noel]

For the film you have you will need a polaroid 545 back which will fit into the camera beautifully. They can be found used for around $50.

 

[SusanV]

Aaaahhhhh ok. 545 back for $50? I thought they'd be a lot more. That
sure would simplify the whole thing. Thank you!

Susan

 

[Vaughn]

Hello Susan,

I made pinhole portraits of my boys a while back -- I used my 4x5 and Polaroid Type 55. I hope the link will take you over to the Large Format Camera forum.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=27701&page=11&highlight=portrait

The exposures were 30 seconds...they were fun to do!

Vaughn