Overview

Project Physics is a pinhole photography project that incorporates advanced laser cutting technology. It focuses on creating pinhole cameras made out of plywood that can be used to capture stunning and unique images. The use of laser cutting allows for intricate and detailed designs that enhance the aesthetics of the camera.

In this six-week course, three high school students attempted to become photographers by exploring the vast world of pinhole photography. Through the incorporation of design and photography skills, as well as testing their patience, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, the final product is something they are proud to share.

Camera Design | Trevor

Measurements

Sunny Day Example

Cloudy Day Example

• Aperture:

0.57mm

• F/Stop:

141.83

• Focal Length:

80.845mm

• Film Dimensions:

50.8x50.8mm

• Image Diameter:

155mm

Camera Design | Schuyler

3:2 Photo Booth

1:1

1:1

Measurements

Sunny Day Example (Colorized)

Cloudy Day Example (Colorized)

1:1

• Aperture:

0.57mm

• F/Stop:

141.83

• Focal Length:

80.845mm

• Film Dimensions:

50.8x50.8mm

• Image Diameter:

155mm

Camera Design | Isa

1:1

3:2 Render

Measurements

Sunny Day Example ~3,500 lumens. 75 second exposure aiming for an EV of 13

Cloudy Day Example. 1,000 lumens, 90 second exposure aiming for EV of 5

• Aperture:

0.15 - 0.05 mm

• F/Stop:

573-1440

• Focal Length:

2.8 in

• Film Dimensions:

50 mm

• Image Diameter:

50 mm

1:1

Camera Design | Isa

MK6 (final)

Film size:

50 mm

pinhole size:

0.1-0.05 mm

Notes

Incredibly accurate images, cartridge feed.

Modular lens

Fish-eye cloak provides up to 150 degree view angle.

F-stop:

375-1440

Camera Design | Experimental

3:2 Photo Booth

Measurements

• Aperture:

0.57mm

• F/Stop:

141.83

• Focal Length:

80.845mm

• Film Dimensions:

50.8x50.8mm

• Image Diameter:

155mm

Photo-taking Process

Load Film

Take Picture

Developer: 60-80 sec

Stopper: 15 sec

Fixer: 30 sec

Develop in Chemicals

Exposure Time: 30-75 sec

Loading Time:

45 sec-1 min

One Picture:

200-260 sec*

*Not Including Travel Time

Detail Photos

F/Stop: 573

Exposure Time: 60

Exposure Value: 12.42

Sunlight: Sunny

F/Stop: 141.83

Exposure Time: 80 sec

Exposure Value: 7.97

Sunlight: Overcast

F/Stop: 141.83

Exposure Time: 60 sec

Exposure Value: 8.39

Sunlight: Partly Sunny

Analysis

We found that the biggest factor affecting resolution and detail was the size of the pinhole. Another significant factor was surface stability. We often had to take pictures on windy days and had to ensure that we found a flat and solid surface before capturing an image. To improve resolution, we also experimented with using very short exposure times and leaving the image in the developer for a longer period. However, this approach made the image more 'blotchy' rather than enhancing its level of detail.

Aperture: 0.15mm

Aperture: 0.57mm

Depth-of-Field Photos

F/Stop: 141.83

Exposure Time: 65

Exposure Value: 8.27

Sunlight: Overcast

F/Stop: 127.63

Exposure Time: 51 sec

Exposure Value: 8.32

Sunlight: Mostly Shaded

F/Stop: 141.83

Exposure Time: 48 sec

Exposure Value: 8.71

Sunlight: Partly Sunny

Portraits

F/Stop: 141.83

Exposure Time: 60 sec

Exposure Value: 8.39

Sunlight: Sunny

F/Stop: 127.63

Exposure Time: 60 sec

Exposure Value: 8.09

Sunlight: Sunny

F/Stop: 141.83

Exposure Time: 60 sec

Exposure Value: 8.39

Sunlight: Sunny

Analysis

The depth of field trick was something we identified early and wanted to take advantage of. Being able to take a picture with multiple layers entirely in focus was a special effect in itself. The best part is, there isn't anything extra we had to do to get the depth of field. We just had to design a camera with a high enough F/stop.

Portraits were definitely difficult. We very quickly realized it was incredibly difficult to stay still for periods longer than five seconds.

Special Effects Cont.

Selective Masking

Using filters, parts of the film are left unexposed. If done correctly, the final image is two alternating images.

Consecutive Developing

By sealing off a certain part of the film, it is unable to develop. If it is developed at a later time, parts will appear darker than others.

Silhouette

This effect utilizes exposing the film multiple times in different places. This creates an overlap in the images.

Improvements

Kunal Bolta

• Lighting is impressive!
• Try leaving your film in the stop bath longer to prevent the yellowish tinge.
• Decrease the pinhole size to increase resolution.
• There seems to be a little bit of movement or light leak in some of your pictures. Recommends running a control where shutter is not removed.

Re-Imagined Photos

Technique: Silkscreening

Re-Imagined Photos

Technique: Laser-Engraving

After heavily modifying the original image, I was able to engrave on 1/8 inch plywood. This took a few iterations, because the original image was too dark to successfully engrave.