Pinhole - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/08/2015 02:19:28 PM · #1

I wouod like to try my hand at pinhole photography, how do you make one ? Is it on the lens or the body, what will I need? I have a Sony A7r and a 35mm and a 55mm lens. You pinhole heads have any advice?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

03/08/2015 02:31:01 PM · #2

You are using the pinhole instead of the lens.

03/08/2015 03:25:56 PM · #3

You'll be ready for Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day on April 26th.

03/08/2015 03:30:37 PM · #4

I made a lens out of a spare body cap. DPC had some forums on this a while back. You can always buy pinhole lens but not sure what's available for Sony cameras.

03/08/2015 03:30:50 PM · #5

Originally posted by GeneralE:

You are using the pinhole instead of the lens.

Yeah just been reading about it and I just realized this.
When I get a bit of time I'll be making one, I'm a bit worried about dust on the sensor though, should I be?

03/08/2015 03:33:42 PM · #6

For DSLR, take the body-cap and drill a hole (~5mm) right in the center. Cover the whole with a piece of tin foil. Pin prick the foil. This is a quick and dirty pinhole. For something a bit more durable, take a thicker piece of tin (from say a pie plate or soft drink can) and, again, use a pin to make a tiny hole. File the hole clean with very fine grit sandpaper (800 grit or finer). Color the inside-facing piece of tin black with paint or marker. You can scan or use a loupe to check the size, roundness and smoothness of the hole. It's easy to make the hole too big.

ETA: Quicker and dirtier is to cover the entire lens opening with foil, and pin prick a hole in the center. Use black tape to tape the foil to the body to keep stray light out.

Message edited by author 2015-03-08 15:38:05.

03/08/2015 03:34:51 PM · #7

I put a piece of clear tape over the hole. Not sure how much this detracts from image quality but it's dust free.

Message edited by author 2015-03-08 15:35:13.

03/08/2015 03:37:51 PM · #8

example:

03/08/2015 03:38:23 PM · #9

Originally posted by insteps:

I put a piece of clear tape over the hole. Not sure how much this detracts from image quality but it's dust free.

Dust free in what way?

03/08/2015 03:40:21 PM · #10

Originally posted by insteps:

I put a piece of clear tape over the hole. Not sure how much this detracts from image quality but it's dust free.

I'll try this, took some pictures with cling film a while back and I like the effect, a combination of both could be cool.

03/08/2015 03:40:24 PM · #11

Originally posted by bvy:

Originally posted by insteps:
I put a piece of clear tape over the hole. Not sure how much this detracts from image quality but it's dust free.

Dust free in what way?

No dust getting through the pinhole.

03/08/2015 03:42:35 PM · #12

Some helpful people observing you shooting pinhole will say "you forgot your lens."

03/08/2015 03:42:53 PM · #13

Originally posted by bvy:

I'll keep my next tonic can to do this with.

03/08/2015 03:48:15 PM · #14

pinhole discussion

03/08/2015 03:50:28 PM · #15

Originally posted by insteps:

Originally posted by bvy:

Originally posted by insteps:
I put a piece of clear tape over the hole. Not sure how much this detracts from image quality but it's dust free.

Dust free in what way?

No dust getting through the pinhole.

I don't think you have to worry about that. Unless you routinely toss the whole outfit in the dryer.

tnun

Pentax DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] WR DC

03/08/2015 04:16:08 PM · #16

dust happens. not so much through the pinhole - what kind of dust would that be? - but if you have a state of the art bvymade pinhole your photo will show up lots of bad stuff on your sensor.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

03/08/2015 04:39:48 PM · #17

Originally posted by insteps:

I put a piece of clear tape over the hole. Not sure how much this detracts from image quality but it's dust free.

If the dust you are likely to encounter while using a pinhole camera can "get in" then your pinhole is almost certainly too large.

The base layer of the tape may be "clear" but it's unlikely to be optically transparent enough to not refract the light before it reaches the pinhole, at least partially defeating the purpose of the exercise.

03/08/2015 04:52:05 PM · #18

Have not played around with the pinhole stuff for a while. Maybe it's time to break it out and experiment. We used to have a pinhole side challenge.