Why Pinhole?

Why invest time, effort, and money in pinhole photography? This is a fair question. There are obviously many types of cameras out there, each boasting distinct advantages and drawbacks. On one end of the spectrum, a high-tech, modern camera with countless settings can be configured to produce impressive images. On the other end of the spectrum lies the humble pinhole camera.

While a pinhole camera can also produce impressive images, its process is more primitive, imposing constraints on image resolution and adjustable settings. Essentially, the things that may be changed or incorporated into a pinhole image are lighting, exposure duration, film type, camera movement, and multiple exposures. Some pinhole cameras do have adapters to accommodate lens filters.

Undoubtedly, the simplicity of a pinhole camera might discourage many photographers. However, this very primitiveness can be embraced as an artistic tool. Embracing imperfect images characterized by reduced resolution, blurring, motion, and unique defects can evoke just as much artistry and expression as those captured by modern cameras. Using a pinhole camera can be fun, challenging, frustrating, and rewarding all at the same time!

Considerations

Exposure Time Calculation with Light Meters

Taking a typical pinhole photograph involves using a light meter to take a reading and then calculating the shutter exposure time from a chart. Light meters are an additional upfront expense.

Manual Shutter Operation

Once the exposure time for a photograph is determined, the shutter on a pinhole camera needs to be manually opened using a finger release or a cable release for the specified duration, whether it's seconds or fractions of a second. This process relies on an imprecise method involving mental counting or observing a second hand on a watch or clock.

Tripod

A reliable tripod is an essential tool for pinhole photography. Failure to use a one will result in blurry images. While there may be occasions to ditch the tripod and embrace camera movement for artistic sake, keeping your camera as steady as possible is ideal.

When I first used my Ondu 6x12 Multiformat camera outdoors, I noticed it vibrating in the wind on my nice graphite tripod. I soon purchased a heavier wooden tripod. You can find online forum debates about which types of tripods are the sturdiest and best for pinhole photography.

Personally, I recommend using for a tripod with a weight rating significantly surpassing your camera's weight; it often proves more beneficial in the long haul, provided one can afford and manage the additional heft. If you already own a quality tripod, try it out with your pinhole camera. It might just be good enough for you.

Film Rolls or Film Sheets/Photographic Paper?

Many pinhole cameras utilize 35mm or 120 format film rolls, which typically allow loading and unloading in low-light conditions. Various online services offer film development and printing from negatives, providing convenience. For me, I've chosen to develop my film in a homemade darkroom. This not only proves more cost-effective in the long term but also grants me control over the entire development process.

Certain pinhole cameras utilize film sheets or photographic paper, often requiring separate cartridges for these mediums, which can add to the overall expense. Loading and unloading film or paper in such cameras necessitates a darkroom or a film changing bag due to light sensitivity. Online services are also available for developing sheet film and photographic paper, likely requiring the shipment of exposed material in light-safe film bags. Alternatively, a home darkroom is a viable option for developing these mediums.

Printing Pinhole Photographs

Film developing services often include printing options where they sell prints of your negatives. These prints can sometimes exceed the quality achievable through an average home photo printer. However, there are several reasons why I refrain from ordering prints when I send out my film for developing. Primarily, I prefer assessing the images before investing in printing as they might not meet my expectations. Additionally, I might only wish to print select photos from a series of exposures, aiming for the best outcome. Furthermore, I prefer the flexibility to print my pictures in diverse sizes. Lastly, I might desire post-processing adjustments in software like Photoshop to refine aspects like brightness or darkness before printing.

I personally do not use an enlarger to print photographs from my negatives. After developing, I scan my negatives in high resolution with an Epson Perfection V550 Photo scanner. Then, I print my photographs using a high-quality photo printer. The Epson scanning software allows me to adjust images before scanning and saving. Occasionally, I adjust images in Adobe Photoshop before printing. I prefer getting the exposure correct when taking pictures, but achieving ideal exposure times in pinhole photography can be difficult to master, even with light meters and exposure charts.