Quality obscura makers UK

Laci Toth

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Hi all,

The title says all.
I’m looking for pinhole camera makers in the UK and only interested in 5x7 format.
I’ve found a few like Walker and Ondu but none of them make 5x7.
I might check the US market but I’d like to avoid vat and pricey postage.
 

MattKing

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MattKing

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Laci Toth

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MattKing said:
If you decide to look to the US: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/151570-REG/Santa_Barbara_WA5B_5_x_7_Pinhole.html
Click to expand...
I like that it’s made of birch but it’s way too heavy for me. 1.4kg without the holder. Currently I’ve Ranica Unum 5x7 and it’s made of plywood but it leaked so I had to put two layers of black tape around the camera, everywhere. It’s ugly now but seems it works. It’s the same design as Ilford obscura and it’s indeed a nice camera and able to take great photos but leaks...
I’ve seen this greece design but I don’t know why I dropped the idea to make contact with them. I check on them again!
Thanks!
 

John Koehrer

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I've got an 8X10 from the folks in MattKings link. Still haven't used it BUT there's no reason it shouldn't
work right. If weight is important get a weight from them, the 8X10 is just under four pounds.

It isn't a beautiful piece of work by any means(seems to be 1X2" and 1X4" pine) and all the joints are
butt joints assembled with nails. I got this used(lightly) and one of the joints had
separated so I put reinforcing metal brackets in each corner. The smaller cameras may be
less crude but very workable.
 
Last edited:

awty

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I usually use my phone light to locate light leaks and patch with black silicone' from inside, some tapes and foams arent very light proof. I tape up my holgas, more to prevent the backs falling off.
 
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Laci Toth

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awty said:
I usually use my phone light to locate light leaks and patch with black silicone' from inside, some tapes and foams arent very light proof. I tape up my holgas, more to prevent the backs falling off.
Click to expand...
That’s a good idea, thanks! Yea, the black tape is just temporarily I needed another solution and will try silicon then. This phone method also a great idea, I give this a go also.
 
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Laci Toth

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I’ve checked on their website and the 5x7 is 1.4kgs without the holder. Plus the tripod, plus the sheet boxes, plus the exposure meter, the changing bag and a bottle water and some light food.
Way too heavy.
The camera needs to be under 500grams.
I take photos out in the nature I just can’t carry that load when walking 7+ miles, but I’m also aware that lightweight thin wood like plywood can have leaks through the pores like mine has.
I’ll search for it a bit more, the greek stuff seems okay but I need more possibility.
 
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