Considerations Before Buying a Pinhole Camera

How Much Money?

Pinhole cameras cost anywhere from $10 to over $350. Light meters can cost from $15 to over $500. Film or photography paper, film developing, and a tripods costs money as well. If you are unsure if your interest is long term or just a passing fad, start on the cheaper end.

Film Rolls or Sheet Film/Photography Paper?

What kind of film or photography paper do you want to use? It will help determine the camera you buy. For pinhole cameras that use rolls of 35mm or 120 format film, the film can conveniently be loaded or unloaded in subdued lighting. Some pinhole cameras can be directly loaded with sheet film or photography paper, while others use a film holder or cartridge system. Film and paper sheets must be loaded and unloaded in a darkroom or in a light-blocking photography changing bag. They must also be properly stored in a light-blocking bag or box before developing.

While many pictures can be taken on 35mm or 120 film rolls, holders and cartridges are limited to one image per holder/cartridge or two if double-sided. Taking many pictures with a holder/cartridge camera involves either using multiple holders/cartridges, or changing out the film (or paper) in a changing bag and placing the exposed film/paper inside a light-blocking storage bag or box inside the changing bag.

Finally, for cameras using film holders or cartridges, those items are often sold separately from the camera. Check the price of the holder/cartridge before you buy the camera!

Filter Adapters

Some pricier pinhole cameras have filter adapters if that is important to you. My Ondu 6x12 Multiformat camera comes with a 58mm filter adapter that is held securely to the wooden camera with magnets. It’s very slick!

Cable Release

A few pinhole cameras come with an adapter for a shutter cable release, which enhances control of the shutter and also the stability of the camera during the exposure.. I have no personal experience with a cable release, but I can understand the appeal. To make absolutely sure my own camera (without a cable release) does not budge when I open and close the shutter lever, I use my free hand to hold and apply some downward pressure to the camera and tripod. It’s not a big deal for me!