Pinhole Box Camera at Arches National Park

Joe VanCleave · Dec 21, 2015

I thought some of you might be interested in this 8" x10" format pinhole box camera I made a few years ago, constructed from black foam core board, black gaffer's tape and built on a heavy wooden base. It's principal feature is a side-opening lid and storage compartment behind the film plane for additional sheets of paper negatives. A movable divider (just a piece of thin cardboard) serves to divide exposed from unexposed sheets in the storage area. There's enough room for over 100 sheets of paper, enough for weeks of shooting while on vacation and away from home.

The camera is used with a changing bag between exposures to swap out the paper.

P1100812a by Joe Van Cleave, on Flickr

P1100814a by Joe Van Cleave, on Flickr

I wrote an article on my pinhole blog about using this camera at Arches National Park, in case you're interested.
http://pinholeobscura.blogspot.com/2015/12/box-camera-afield-at-fiery-furnace.html

DelicateArch004a by Joe Van Cleave, on Flickr

I use mainly pre-flashed grade 2 RC paper in these cameras, have done so for years, with satisfying results.

~Joe

AgX · Dec 21, 2015

Is the camera made from foam board? It rather Looks like corrugated cardboard. Or maybe extruded hollow plastic board.
In case it has cardboard outer, did you varnish it?

Joe VanCleave · Dec 21, 2015

The camera body is made from two layer of foam core board, which was done so the lid would slip onto the inner layer and form a light-tight seal. In the past I've tried spraying varnish onto foam core board in an attempt to make it water proof, but what happens is the varnish soaks through the outer paper layer and delaminates the paper from the inner foam core. What has worked is to use thin laminate board, the kind one applies to kitchen countertops. Also, adhesive plastic shelf liner works okay, too; one of my other cameras uses aluminized film over foam core, although it can bubble up in spots, especially if the foamcore flexes underneath; hence why two layers is a good idea.

~Joe

Joe VanCleave · Dec 21, 2015

AgX: I can see where it looks like corrugated cardboard - the inner foam core often cuts irregularly unless you're using a very fresh blade in your hobby knife. But the box is lightweight and strong, and light-tight.

~Joe

OptiKen · Dec 21, 2015

I love the design of this. Being able to hold that much film is wonderful for trips or even day hikes

summicron1 · Dec 21, 2015

I'm impressed you hauled that thing all the way to Delicate Arch. Nice stuff. I usually take my ZeroImage 2002 when I do that one. Much lighter.

Sirius Glass · Dec 21, 2015

I go the Arches, Canyonlands, and the Moab area several times a year. I like the photograph.

bergytone · Dec 21, 2015

elegant design Joe! You always inspire me to make another DIY camera.

Nathan King · Dec 22, 2015

I love pinhole landscapes. Thank you for sharing!

DWThomas · Dec 22, 2015

Thanks for sharing that -- you ARE The Man!

removed account4 · Dec 22, 2015

DWThomas said:
Thanks for sharing that -- you ARE The Man!

+1

i never get tired of your posts, photography, blog entries, and offerings of help and suggestions !

ciniframe · Dec 22, 2015

Thanks for posting that Joe. Looks like you have beat the size/weight/price limitations that normal 8X10 DDS holders would impose. What size changing bag is necessary for this set-up? I think the one I have would be too small. One of those spring loaded tent style should work well but of course are quite expensive. Still, a lot cheaper than a bunch of regular 8X10 film holders. I'll add my voice to others who appreciate your posts, they are always a treat.

Joe VanCleave · Dec 23, 2015

I use a "large" changing bag, purchased a few years ago from Freestyle Photo, I don't recall the exact dimensions.

I put the camera into the bag with the side-opening lid pointed up, then zip up the bag. I hold the camera and bag either on my forelegs while seated, or pinched between my legs. Then I insert arms, remove the lid and stow it vertically along the side of the camera facing away from me. Then I have room to pull out the exposed paper, stow it in its slot and insert a fresh sheet. Reverse the procedure to close it up.

Yes, a changing tent would give you more room; but then you have to figure the setup and tear down time involving the tent itself, which only makes the operation more lengthy. A large changing bag seems to be a good compromise between complexity, cost and convenience.

~Joe

Joe VanCleave · Dec 23, 2015

FYI, today I made another video, this time about how I meter and determine exposure times with pinhole box cameras and paper negatives. I'll post the link here, but will also start another thread, just so this doesn't get buried.

~Joe

[video]https://youtu.be/5wZ4yTxlzvM[/video]

marciofs · Jan 12, 2016

Nice camera.

I miss my large format pinhole cameras and images... But meddle vormat are so easier to carry that I stick to them.

Pinhole Box Camera at Arches National Park

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