MAKING A 4×5 PINHOLE CAMERA FROM A BOX

I get a lot of empty boxes from people who know I make pinhole cameras. Lately there has been a bit of a backlog. One stood out head and shoulder above the rest. A Paperchase Kraft gift box 190x190x110mm. Strong, sturdy and just the right size to take a 4×5 dark slide.

What you will need. A pen, knife, ruler, 4×5 dark slide and of course a box.

Measure the width of the dark slide

Mark the width of the dark slide on the box

Mark a line to be removed to accept the dark slide

Remove the section where the dark slide will be inserted

By removing a section from two ends the dark slide can be inserted and removed to expose the film

Bore a hole in the centre of the box. You can use a drill although this scalpel work just as well

To calculate the focal length and diameter of pinhole required, measure the distance from the film to the inside face of the box. Use the PaperCamera charts a to calculate the pinhole diameter, f-number and recommended exposures

Follow our guide to making a pinhole here.

Apply glue to the aluminium containing your pinhole. Make sure that the glue does not cover the pinhole and position the pinhole over the hole you bored earlier

Secure the lid to the body of the box. A quick coat of paint and you are done. My camera took about an hour to make and cost nothing. 

My box camera has a f-number of around 200 and the angle of view should be about 90 degrees