Pinhole Camera

A Pinhole Camera is a lens-less camera that only allows a small amount of light to pass through a hole that opens at 0.5mm or less. The rudimentary “shutter” that blocks light generally consists of the photographer’s hand or a small piece of cardboard.

Because of the dwarfed size the pinhole, exposure times increase from 5 seconds up to an hour to produce an image on film or a screen. The screen only works for immediate viewing, as the images on it aren’t permanent like those on film.

Pinhole cameras equipped with a charge couple device (CCD), a circuit with sensors that record a number of images, tend to be used in surveillance and undercover work because of their miniature size. However, simpler models of pinhole cameras are usually used to see solar eclipses.

Pinhole cameras are easy to construct. Find a box that doesn’t leak light. Prink the appropriate size hole at one end and tape a piece of photosensitive paper on the inside, directly across from the hole. Then, affix a small piece of cardboard over the hole, so you can control the amount of light that enters the box. When ready, remove the cardboard flap, let light in for appropriate amount of time and then cover the hole again. Process the photographic paper with chemicals to bring up the image.