pinhole using an "normal" body

[Chad]

I had the idea to use my Canon 7 body as a pinhole camera (I know making the body is the funnest part). After removing the lens, could I just use a body cap, taped off around the edges to mask any leaks? The reason why I was thinking about going this route is that I can use uncut 35mm film and get it developed professionally. I'm not set-up for developing. Any reccomendations on film for this application?


thanks


~Chad

 

[Finder]

I have done the same thing with the body cap on my Nikon FM. There were no apparent light leaks around the cap btw.

I used 400 speed negative film, both color and black and white, with no problems.

 

[Chad]

I have done the same thing with the body cap on my Nikon FM. There were no apparent light leaks around the cap btw.

I used 400 speed negative film, both color and black and white, with no problems.

Thanks for the input. I'll give a it a try and post my results.


~Chad

 

[Vagabond]

Chad,

You might check out this thread also:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35540&highlight=pinhole

 

[NL2377]

Yep, made one for my bronica back in the day... easiest way to experiment w/ different apertures is to hollow out the center as a .25" diameter hole (make sure that the outer edges are countersunk though, as not to disrupt the field of view.)

You then take a soda can... yes, a soda can... scissors, sand paper, and a needle. cut several .4"x.4" squares out of the can. these will be your apertures. take the needle and "drill" holes into the squares, varying the hole size from one to the next.

by drilling, I mean exactly that. spin the needle tip, don't "punch" it through, as that will cause distortion and defraction.

The sand paper is then used to smooth out the surface, then clean the insides again w/ the needle.

Now all you have to do is use some electrical tape to mask the squares behind the body cap, and your set to start taking pictures!

 

[Chad]

I guess I'm far from the first one to try this. 😱 Thanks for all the info.

I like the idea of using something thin like a pop can as the aperture.


~Chad

 

[rbiemer]

Chad (and everyone),
I would suggest that the aluminum on a typical soda/beer can is fairly hard to work. I have found better alternatives: the aluminum pans that store bought baked goods come in or the "disposable" aluminum bake ware. This metal is softer and so easier to drill. I also don't use sewing needles; I use a set of very small drill bits like these:
20 Piece Drill Bit Set
Or these:
Scroll down
And for LTM use, I got a set of 39mm extension tubes--intended for 39mm mount SLRs, I pretty sure--so that I can vary the focal length.
Works fairly well and rather cheaper than most of the manufactured pinhole body caps.
Rob

 

[furcafe]

Yes, you can. Since I'm not the DIY type, I actually bought a nice LTM pinhole "lens" off eBay & it's basically a well-made body cap.

I had the idea to use my Canon 7 body as a pinhole camera (I know making the body is the funnest part). After removing the lens, could I just use a body cap, taped off around the edges to mask any leaks?

 

[Chad]

I got some pictures back from my first pinhole lens. I used my Canon 7 and a modified body cap (essentially like the ones sold on eBay). Well I kind of screwed up the aluminum insert and made the hole too big ( about 2/3 mm). I've attached a picture of my results with this pinhole lens. Not that impressive. Is blurryness a symptom of too large an aperture?

So I made another one but this time I got the diameter right at about 1/4 mm just like the Pinhole Designer program suggested (for my focal length). I've taken some pictures with it but haven't finished the role yet. I'll make another update in about a week or so when I get the results back.


CHad

 

[Chad]

I got some pictures back today using my newer, smaller pinhole lens.

A little bit sharper this time.


Chad

 

[rbiemer]

Much better, Chad!
I just noticed something in your first post :

...Canon 7 body as a pinhole camera (I know making the body is the funnest part).

Could you teach me how to make a Canon 7?😀
Ahem. Sorry.
Anyway, I do like the photo you've shown us! And I think that doing what you've done--body cap for an RF camera--is probably the easiest way to do 35mm pinhole. And you can get a pretty good approximation of your framing with the appropriate VF.
Rob

 

[Chad]

Much better, Chad!
I just noticed something in your first post :

Could you teach me how to make a Canon 7?😀
Ahem. Sorry.
Anyway, I do like the photo you've shown us! And I think that doing what you've done--body cap for an RF camera--is probably the easiest way to do 35mm pinhole. And you can get a pretty good approximation of your framing with the appropriate VF.
Rob

I didn't catch that. I have a hard enough time adjusting the RF focus let alone making a whole camera. 😉

I'll post more pictures when I get them back.

Now I want to get some with great distortion.



Chad

 

[Finder]

Well, if you use two slits (one vertical and one horizonal) placed at two distances, you will get an image where the vertical and horizontal are at two different magnifications just like an anamorphic lens. Think stretched along one axis. The slit size is in proportion to the distance from the film plane just like the pinhole is.