Work in Progress

[Roger Thoms]

Here's a project I started quite a while ago and have just started playing with again. The camera is 5.5"x14" format constructed from 1/4" bamboo plywood and is designed to use the collection of odd 11x14 paper that I have collected over the years. I just got a Lenox Laser pinhole for the camera so figured I'd press it into service.

Attached is a picture of the camera and the first image from the camera.

The camera is still in rough form. I have to add tripod sockets, a shutter, clips to hold the back on, and finish both inside and out. I may also install some sort of handle so the camera is easier to carry. For this image I used a little gaffers tape to hold the back on and for the shutter.

The image is from a paper negative created on Ilford MGIV RC paper. I used a yellow filter taped to the inside of the camera to help keep the sky for blowing out. I then contact printed the image onto some Ilforbrom Galerie grade 3 paper that was given to me. Keep in mind that this is a test image and that I only made one exposure. I was fairly lucky with my metering and calulations. The negative was a little underexposed due to the fact I forgot to compensate for the yellow filter.

All in all I'm pretty excited, and will try and more post pictures as things progress.

Roger

 

[John Koehrer]

Very unusual looking camera, post another picture when it's all done.

 

[Roger Thoms]

I'll take "very unusual" to be a compliment, thank you. I'll definitely post a picture of the completed project. I just returned from the hardware store with more supplies, so there is hope of completing the camera.

Roger

 

[Chazzy]

I like the looks of the camera, and judging from the print, you clearly know how to use it. Good luck to you on the finishing work.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

That is a cool looking camera, can't wait to see it when you finish it.

Jeff

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Mmmm. Nice. But it looks fairly bulky. Does it fold down for bushwalking?

 

[Roger Thoms]

Nope, doesn't fold down. It's a little bulky, but quite light weight. I am planning on adding a handle, right now it takes two hand to pick it up.

Roger

 

[John Koehrer]

With the right size strap and properly located lugs it should balance very well. If you put it on a tripod you could use spade grips like a .50 cal. Maybe a ring sight too, loosen up the head & aim it quickly. Street photography anyone?

 

[Roger Thoms]

Progress on Bamboo Panopinhole

Well I've been working on the camera. I have installed the tripod sockets which I fashioned out of tee-nuts, I still have to light proof them, maybe some gaffers tape is in order. It was very tempting to order the stainless steel sockets from Skink Pinhole. Decide to save the money and keep with the brass theme for the hardware.

I have also made the retaining clips for the back. The back needs a little sanding before the clips can be installed since it is a little proud right now.

My friend Rich donated a leather handle to the cause. So that problem is solved. Rich generously lets me use his darkroom and the first exposure with the camera was made in his backyard. In exchange for the handle Rich says he gets to take a picture with the camera. Guess that's a fair trade.

Roger

 

[Roger Thoms]

Working on the lugs for the handle today. My first attempt failed, I had trouble bending the brass accurately and the leather handle ended up binding. At least I tested the lugs before installing them on the camera.

My second version should work nicely. I also got smart and drew them up in DeltaCad and then printed out templates. Much easier than laying out directly on the brass.

Roger

 

[Jos De]

thats beautiful, hope it turned out great

 

[Roger Thoms]

Finally got the darn thing finished. Not the most practical camera, think my next pinhole camera will be based on existing film holders. I've exposed some paper negatives and the exposures are running in the 20 to 40 minute range. What do I expect from a pinhole that is F380. I have some x-ray film on it's way to play with. We'll see how that works out.

Roger

 

[keithwms]

That is just terrific Roger!

 

[Sirius Glass]

The image is from a paper negative created on Ilford MGIV RC paper. I used a yellow filter taped to the inside of the camera to help keep the sky for blowing out.

A yellow filter would work for panchromatic film; for variable contrast => NO. Variable contrast paper is sensitive to blue and green, the yellow filter would do absolutely nothing to change the contrast in the way you would expect ==> It will not darken the sky. If you want to change the contrast with that paper use the appropriate magenta and yellow filters:

Kodak Grade one filter only
00.....199Y
0.......90Y
0.5....70Y
1.......50Y
1.5....30Y
2........0
2.5.....5M
3.......25M
3.5....50M
4.......80M
4.5...140M
5......199M

Kodak Grade two filters
00.....162Y/0M
0.......90Y/0M
0.5....78Y/5M
1.......68Y/10M
1.5....49Y/23M
2.......41Y/23M
2.5....32Y/42M
3.......23Y/56M
3.5....15Y/75M
4........6Y/102M
4.5.....0Y//150M
5........--

These change the overall contrast, but do not darken the sky.

Steve

 

[kwall]

Finally got the darn thing finished. Not the most practical camera, think my next pinhole camera will be based on existing film holders. I've exposed some paper negatives and the exposures are running in the 20 to 40 minute range. What do I expect from a pinhole that is F380. I have some x-ray film on it's way to play with. We'll see how that works out.

That's just downright sexy! Nicely done!