The history of the pinhole camera goes hand in hand with the history of camera obscura (darkroom). The camera obscura was used on the 17th century by landscape painters and architects in order to achieve a realistic representation of natural and artificial landscapes.

The camera obscura is a box impervious to light, with a hole in the center of one side. As light passes through this hole it forms an inverted image of the external environment on the inner, opposite side of the box. The image preserves the colors and the  perspective of reality. The use of a mirror corrects the image’s inversion. The result is a picture with photographic precision that can be easily copied.

The pinhole camera is a dark room (camera obscura) where the image is projected onto a photosensitive surface ( film or CCD) to produce a photograph either analog or digital.

Using

Using a pinhole camera you will create photos that will not be clear but will be characterized by ambiguity, odd reflections and unspecified color shades and hues. On the other hand you will be able to see and express yourself differently: you may skip the boring procedures and discover the pleasure of exploration. You will approach  photography from a different  perspective.

You will explore the light in a primitive way thus helping you understand and use it more effectively.

You will expand and increase your photographic experience and pleasure, but not the cost of modern technologically-advanced equipment.

You will focus on your inspiration by letting your instinct guide you, (and not the automatic settings) to shooting the “perfect” photo.

You will remain concentrated to your frame and you will be tuned with what is happening around you. You will be there to participate , not just record..

The pinhole camera may not have a lens but offers the bigger depth of field than any other camera. Proper use of this feature can elevate the photographic result.

How to

You can use a PinCap and enter a new creative world.

The PinCap  is a body cap compatible with all Nikon and Canon cameras both digital and analog and simulates the photo/photographic characteristics (soft focus, color leaks, high color saturation, etc) of the traditional pinhole film cameras.

PinCap Characteristics
Pinhole Diameter: 0.30–0.31mm
F-Stop: 160-150
Optimal diameter: 0,288
Sunny Day Exposure Speed:  1/2 Sec (100 ISO), 1/4 Sec (400 ISO), 1/8  Sec (800 ISO)

How to use the PinCap?
1) Turn off your camera
2) Insert the Pincap gently in the body mount and turn it clockwise until the PLC has been locked.
3) Turn on your camera and select the Manual (M) Mode
4) Set the appropriate Speed (the aperture of PLC is f/150-160 and does not change).
5) Start shooting.