This is my latest project: an 8×10 pinhole camera converted from an old and fairly intact 8×10 Kodak 2-D View Camera. In their day, these were on the middle-low end of the 8×10 models, perfectly capable but with somewhat limited movements. They are among the less expensive to acquire today if you want to get in to 8×10; I’ve seen them go for $500-$700 in good condition and with a rear extension rail and sliding block and serviceable lens. this one had no extension rail, no sliding block, and no lens and as a result was 1/3 the cost. But that was exactly what I was looking for–a decent 8×10 body and bellows to convert to a pinhole camera of variable focal length.
Contrary to the seller’s description, the bellows had several pinholes (so he refunded me my shipping charge). those were easy to fix with black silicone gasket goo. After the fix I did two test shots and discovered that the slightly loose back did indeed matter because the seam between the back and the rear standard was opened enough to let light in and turn an otherwise good shot into this:
That corner, though, demonstrates potential. the second test shot was indoors because it was cloudy and threatening rain. I set it up next to my computer as I was working for a three-hour exposure. This time the light leak was much less, but even after three hours it was underexposed:
What I’m looking at here is that window and beyond–terrific! That white haze is me sitting, getting up, leaving, sitting back down, etc. Post-tests I proceeded to put light seals on the camera back, so now I think I’m good to go with a new round of tests. Weather looks bad for tomorrow, so Thursday will probably be my first opportunity.
Then all I’ll need is a name for this newbie….
UPDATE: Still don’t have a name for this behemoth, but I’ve been shooting Efke IR820 film with it for some good results:
The clarity of this pinhole at 8×10 is incredible — it rivals many lenses!
Share this post via:
