You can build a pinhole camera from a lightproof box, a tiny hole in thin metal, and a piece of light-sensitive paper. There is no lens, so the image is formed by light passing through that one small opening. The steps below give a simple version made from items most homes already have.
What You Need
- A small box with a lid, such as a cardboard or tin container, with an interior that can be made matte black.
- Black matte coating or black tape and paper to line the inside.
- A piece of thin metal, such as part of a drinks can, for the pinhole plate.
- A fine sewing needle and fine sandpaper.
- Black electrical tape for a shutter flap and to seal seams.
- Photographic paper or a roll of film, loaded only in a dark room or a changing bag.
Build It Step by Step
- Line the inside of the box with black paper or tape so it does not reflect light.
- Cut a small square opening in the middle of one side of the box. This is where the pinhole plate will sit.
- Cut a small square of thin metal a bit larger than the opening. Sand it gently until it is very thin around the center.
- Press the needle tip into the center to make a clean, round hole. Turn it carefully and avoid pushing the shaft through, since a smaller, neat hole gives a sharper image. Sand off any burr.
- Tape the plate over the opening on the inside, with the hole centered.
- Make a flap of black tape on the outside as a shutter, so you can cover and uncover the hole.
- Seal every seam and the lid with black tape. Any leak will fog the picture.
Loading and Exposure
Load the paper in a dark room under the dim light the paper maker recommends, with the shiny, light-sensitive side facing the pinhole. Tape it flat to the back wall of the box. Close the lid and seal it before turning on any normal light.
Exposure times are long because the hole is tiny. Under bright sun, expect anything from several seconds to a few minutes depending on the paper, hole size and distance from the paper. Treat any number as a rough guide and keep notes on each attempt so you can adjust.
| Variable | Effect |
|---|---|
| Smaller hole | Sharper image, longer exposure |
| Larger hole | Softer image, shorter exposure |
| Longer box depth | Narrower view, longer exposure |
Using the Camera
Place the camera on a firm surface so it cannot move. Point it at a subject with strong light, lift the flap, count the time, then close the flap. Develop the paper according to the instructions that come with it.
FAQ
Why is my picture blurry or blank?
Blur usually means the hole is too large or ragged, or the camera moved. A blank or foggy result often points to light leaks or too little exposure.
Why is the image reversed?
Light travels in straight lines through the hole, so the scene lands upside down and flipped on the paper. A paper negative can be scanned and inverted afterward.
The Short Version
Make a light tight box, add a neatly made small hole, load paper in the dark, and give it a long exposure. Keep notes and adjust. Your first attempts are for learning how the hole size and box depth behave.
