Getting started in pinhole photography

A lot of people have asked how they get started shooting "pins." It really couldn't be easier. All you need is a light tight box, a pinhole and some film. OK. I am oversimplifying a tad, but it's pretty close.

First, you need to decide what type of film you are going to use. (Yes, you can buy or make a pinhole for a digital camera, but it just isn't the same.) I personally prefer larger formats such as 120 or 4x5. With 120 you can choose 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 6x12 and 6x18. You can also choose transparency or negative film(s) and/or black and white. This gives you quite a range of options.

I personally prefer 6x6 or, more commonly, 2 1/4" x 2 1/4". I just happen to like square format. I also prefer Fuji Superia color negative film for many reasons not the least of which is the fact that it is a very forgiving film. It has a huge amount of latitude which gives you a lot of room for exposure error.

Second, after scanning the negatives, I can choose to create color, black and white, or sepia toned prints depending upon the subject matter.

As for a camera, you can make your own and there are a lot of sites with instructions on building pinhole cameras or, if you are DYI challenged like me, you can buy one. The Holgas (pictured at the top) are a great starting point costing about $35.00 from Amazon (click on the link to the left to have a look). (You will find out really quickly that they need to be taped up because they are not as light tight as I would like.)

Or you can opt for my favorite 6x6 which is the Zero 2000 (which comes as a standard or deluze version) from Zernike Au in Hong Kong. These are beautiful little teak and brass cameras that will satisfy even the most discerning photographer. They sell for $98 and $168. PLUS, if you decide you're not the pinhole type (whatever that type is) they are beautiful pieces for display (perish the thought.) I use mine!

Now, understand that shooting pinhole can be a tad disappointing in the beginning since you rarely have a viewfinder. In other words, you are pretty much guessing. Most of the 6x6 cameras on the market have an angle of view about equivalent to a 24mm wideangle lens so you learn after your first roll, to get in close...closer than you think...then move closer.

Wow! No focusing required. Yep. Everything is in focus from millimeters to infinity.

Then you unload your masterpieces and take them to a processor. Remember those folks? They actually develop film! Once you have your prints back, you have to scan the negatives and make some other decisions. That's where the fun just starts.

And that is where we will leave off and pick up next time.