How to Make a Pinhole Camera to Simulate How the Human Eye Works

The pinhole camera is one of the simplest types of cameras and can easily be constructed using basic household items. The camera functions similarly to the human eye. The pinhole plays the role of the pupil, allowing light to enter, and the film or photographic paper plays the role of the retina, the tissue of the inner eye upon which the image is projected. However, while a human eye uses a flexible lens to focus images at any distance, a pinhole camera records larger or smaller images depending upon the length of the container used and the distance between the pinhole and the film.

Instructions

Making the Pinhole Camera

1

Spray the inside of an oatmeal canister and lid with black paint, making sure all surfaces are evenly covered so that no light will seep through. Allow paint to dry.

2

Cover all the seams of the canister with black electrical tape to complete the seal.

3

Use the needle to make a central pinhole in the bottom end of the canister, twisting the needle as you push it through to ensure that the edges of the hole are uniform. Look through the back of the camera to check that the hole is perfectly round.

4

Create a shutter for the camera by placing a small piece of black electrical tape over the pinhole. The tape will prevent light from entering until you are ready to take a picture.

Using the Pinhole Camera

5

Select film or photographic paper for your camera. Film will require an exposure of only one to two seconds, while photographic paper will need an exposure as long as two minutes for a clear image.

6

Cut the film or paper into small squares to fit the end of your canister. If you are using film, this will need to be done in a photography dark room or an otherwise completely light-free environment to prevent early exposure to the film. If you are using photographic paper, this can be done with the aid of a safelight or a flashlight covered with several layers of red cellophane paper.

7

Remove the lid of your canister and tape a square of film or photographic paper firmly to the inside of the lid. Then replace the lid so the film or paper will be opposite the pinhole at the other end of the canister.

8

Set up the camera with the pinhole end facing the scene you wish to photograph. For the clearest images, choose subjects that will remain still throughout the duration of the exposure.

9

Carefully lift the flap of tape over the pinhole, keeping the camera motionless. Allow an exposure of one to two seconds for film, or two full minutes for photographic paper. Then replace the tape over the pinhole.

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The pinhole camera is one of the simplest types of cameras and can easily be constructed using basic household items. The camera functions similarly to the human eye. The pinhole plays the role of the pupil, allowing light to enter, and the film or photographic paper plays the role of the retina, the tissue of the inner eye upon which the image is projected. However, while a human eye uses a flexible lens to focus images at any distance, a pinhole camera records larger or smaller images depending upon the length of the container used and the distance between the pinhole and the film.

Instructions

Making the Pinhole Camera

1

Spray the inside of an oatmeal canister and lid with black paint, making sure all surfaces are evenly covered so that no light will seep through. Allow paint to dry.

2

Cover all the seams of the canister with black electrical tape to complete the seal.

3

Use the needle to make a central pinhole in the bottom end of the canister, twisting the needle as you push it through to ensure that the edges of the hole are uniform. Look through the back of the camera to check that the hole is perfectly round.

4

Create a shutter for the camera by placing a small piece of black electrical tape over the pinhole. The tape will prevent light from entering until you are ready to take a picture.

Using the Pinhole Camera

5

Select film or photographic paper for your camera. Film will require an exposure of only one to two seconds, while photographic paper will need an exposure as long as two minutes for a clear image.

6

Cut the film or paper into small squares to fit the end of your canister. If you are using film, this will need to be done in a photography dark room or an otherwise completely light-free environment to prevent early exposure to the film. If you are using photographic paper, this can be done with the aid of a safelight or a flashlight covered with several layers of red cellophane paper.

7

Remove the lid of your canister and tape a square of film or photographic paper firmly to the inside of the lid. Then replace the lid so the film or paper will be opposite the pinhole at the other end of the canister.

8

Set up the camera with the pinhole end facing the scene you wish to photograph. For the clearest images, choose subjects that will remain still throughout the duration of the exposure.

9

Carefully lift the flap of tape over the pinhole, keeping the camera motionless. Allow an exposure of one to two seconds for film, or two full minutes for photographic paper. Then replace the tape over the pinhole.

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