Q&A for How to Make a Pinhole Camera

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  • Question
    What is a pinhole camera useful for?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Simply to show others how people without smartphones or advanced technology used to make pictures. And to make pictures using historical methods yourself.
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    Not Helpful 32 Helpful 57
  • Question
    Where can I find the photographic paper or film for a pinhole camera?
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    Community Answer
    You can find photographic paper at a local photo shop.
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  • Question
    How do I shoot a photo with a pinhole camera?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Open the flap that covers the shutter for roughly thirty seconds (sometimes more) with photo paper, or a few seconds with film. It takes some experimentation to figure out the timing that works best for you.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 18
  • Question
    Can I make a camera out of a cardboard box?
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    Community Answer
    You can use any material you desire, so long as it has a stable structure and it doesn't flop.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 12
  • Question
    Can I use a wrapper from a stick of butter as the screen?
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    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
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  • Question
    Is there an easy camera that I can make for science class?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The pinhole camera was one of the first developed cameras. It is a basic camera without lens. It is the easiest, simplest camera to make.
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    Not Helpful 38 Helpful 43
  • Question
    Can I use this for the solar eclipse?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, but this article contains instructions on making an eclipse viewer: How to Make a Shoebox Pinhole Camera. You might also enjoy looking through this article: How to View an Eclipse.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 12
  • Question
    How do I view a solar eclipse with a pinhole camera?
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    Community Answer
    You can't, as it is very dangerous.
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    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Who invented the pinhole camera?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥasan ibn al-Ḥasan ibn al-Haytham, also known by the Latinization Alhazen or Alhacen.
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    Not Helpful 29 Helpful 23
  • Question
    Where do I put the camera?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The completed project actually is a camera itself. It's a very rudimentary camera with completely manual operation, but it is a camera nonetheless. For the best shot possible, you will need to place it on a table facing the subject, with the light source coming from behind the camera. Sunlight tends to work best for a natural looking photo.
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  • Question
    If I paint the box for the pinhole camera black, do I have to also add aluminum foil?
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    Community Answer
    No, you can choose to do either. If you're painting the the box black, there's no need for the foil.
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  • Question
    Can I use printer paper?
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    Community Answer
    No, as printer paper doesn’t contain the chemicals needed to create an image.
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