3D Printed Pinhole Camera

 Here is version II of my 3d printed camera with the telephoto extension.

Here is the 50mm front piece. It uses a Skink pinhole.

Storage/Protection for 4x5 Burke and James Orbit or Similar

I've had my Burke and James Orbit for about a year now. No real way to store it, so it sits around in various places. I have looked at toolboxes as a possibility but with the awkward size of the camera I haven't found one that would work. Yesterday I was in Lowes and saw a canvas tool bag that would almost work. Today I went to Walmart and found a duffel bag with wheels that will work. Below are some pictures. I added some cardboard on each end to give it a little more protection. With the wheel assembly, the bottom is stiff and has good support for the camera. It does have lots of extra space for film holders and other stuff. For now, I am storing my homemade pinhole camera in it as well. This is not a solution for a professional who uses a camera like this day in and day out. Since I don't use my 4x5 that much - I think it will work well.

Homemade 4x5 Pinhole Camera

I had two main goals when making this pinhole camera: 1) Use a 4x5 film holder and 2) Use my Olympus fitting pinhole adapter. Here are the results.

I haven't used it yet. I plan on using lith film, photo emulsion, regular b&w film, or Ilford direct positive paper sometime soon.

The main box is a wooden box from Hobby Lobby. It was the largest of 3 nested boxes. I think it cost $5. I added the frame for the film holder. I used threaded inserts for the brass screws which hold the Film holder. I don't really like this and would change the design if I build another. I lined the opening with felt (for a light seal) On the bottom side I added a 1/4x20 threaded insert for mounting on a tripod.

The film holder dark slide will be the shutter. I'll post some imagess once I have some.

Update 11 March 2013: I found the screws to hold the film holder quite cumbersome for changing the holder. I decided to try velcro instead. This worked ok but I had movement when removing and inserting the dark slide. I added a stop (1/4" x 1/4") around the 3 sides of the holder. I attached the wooden stop with small brads and glue. Now the film holder is securely held in place and doesn't move when moving the dark slide.

I also had a light leak on the side of the film holder where the lip is. I had felt on the outside of the lip but not the inside. I added it to the inside as well. I really think that the inside felt is all that is needed. No light leaks now.

5x7 View Camera

I have always wanted to try a large format view camera. I recently received an Eastman No. 33A from a friend. I was thinking that finally I will be able to try LF photography.

Not so. After closer examination the camera has several problems.

1) No ground glass
2) Holes in bellows. Bellows very brittle.
3) No film holder
4) Front standard has been modified to try an give some additional movements.
5) Black paint and gaffers tape have been applied to the lens board and front standard.

OK. It could be an interesting refurbishing project.

1) Ground glass to fit can be found for around $35 at Steve Hopf. Seems reasonable.
2) I think the bellows is beyond repair. A new one can be had for $175 from Turner Bellows.
3) Film holders can be found on Ebay for $15 to $20 each.
4) I would need to make new pieces for the front standard. I have done woodworking and have some cherry wood, so not a big deal.
5) I think I would make a new lens board. Refinish the remaining pieces of the front standard.

So, for approximately $250 + time I could get the camera back in operational shape. Is it worth it? I have read people complain about the lack of movements on the front standard. That's why someone tried to modify it. To give it rotational movement in addition to up and down. Being a beginner, I think the lack of movements would be a benefit.

For twice that much money, I could probably find a 4x5 on Ebay in better shape.

I don't know what I am going to do. So for now, I am still just dreaming about LF photography.