Topic: Zero Image 4x5 pinhole camera

[Typhoon]

Does anyone use one of these?  If so I would love to hear of your experiences and see some examples of your work.  I already have a 2000 (120 roll film square format) but despite having owned it for 2 years have not yet finished the first film!  I am thinking of buying a 4x5 (the wide angle, single unit version), largely because I would like a simple, relatively cheap way of getting into large format, but also because with the demise of Polaroid type 665 packfim I would like to start using type 55 p/n film - and also because I like pinhole cameras and have seen some examples of some stunning results from the Zero Image 4x5.  I have mulled over the idea of getting a Blender 4x5 pinhole but think the Zero Image might be a better bet.  Any views/comments would be most gratefully received.  Typhoon

[seekingfocus]

Well, first of all I'd be hesitant to buy another pinhole camera if you have not yet finished your first roll in the Zero 2000... maybe try finishing that roll and be sure that pinhole is really what you are looking for before going out and purchasing another pinhole camera...

If the only reason you want it is to shoot Polaroid 55, there are other relatively inexpensive means to do so. Check out the Tachihara 4x5" cameras... can be had second hand with a decent lens for around $500 or so.

If you just want to shoot some 4x5" pinholes... try building one of your own. The Zero 4x5" camera is really a glorified box. Not quite as intricate as the beautiful roll film cameras they sell. Also, I'd recommend that you'd need at least one of the extension frames they sell (maybe 2) as the 4x5 alone yields quite distorted images with very heavy light falloff... just all depends what you are going for.

-Jason

[Typhoon]

Many thanks Jason - I realised as soon as I had said that I had not finished my first film that someone would say what you said - but in fact before the Zero Image I had a cardboard kit built pinhole which I ran one film through; it was pretty crap to be honest but it fired my enthusiasm and I would say I am committed even if it is a slow burning commitment!  Building a camera of my own is out; I am simply not interested in any kind of scratch building, be it model locomotives, cameras or anything else - it has to be a ready made item.

I take on board what you say about having at least one extension unit and will give that serious consideration.  I have thought quite hard for a few years about acquiring a lower end large format camera but I simply haven't the space to keep it or, to be honest, the financial wherewithal.  I like the idea of a 5x4 pinhole and will almost certainly place an order as soon as I can acquire a Polaroid 545 or 545i back for a competitive price.

Your comments are really useful and I am so grateful.

[seekingfocus]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41427422@N00/

Take a look through some of those Zero 4x5 photos... will give you an idea of the angle of view the 25mm gives you- WIDE! I think it has a field of view of damn near 160 degrees or so... When literally only  a few inches from a subject, it will still seem quite far off. Really dramatic stuff for sure though!

So, like I said, you just have to decide what you are going for and what you will want to get out if it.

Also, I'd recommend getting one of the cable release adapters, or simply add one of your own... makes a big difference in my opinion.

-Jason

[Wally]

I have the Zero Image 2000 and 6x9 and a good friend has the 4x5 zero image and another freind has several of the Santa Barbara 4x5s one at 75mm
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/151566-REG/Santa_Barbara_WA3B_4_x_5_Pinhole.html

and the other at 225
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/151562-REG/Santa_Barbara_TEL9B_4_x_5_Pinhole.html

If I were going to do Pinhole in large format I would go with the Santa Barbara ones over the Zero Image, unless you really want super wide angle. The Santa Barbara cameras are very well made out of plywood which keeps the cost down. And they work great.

[Typhoon]

Jason and Wally - thank you to both of you for your thoughts and advice.  I have pretty much settled now on a zero image 50 (i.e with one extension unit), but need first to acquire a Polaroid 545 or 545i; these come up with fair regularity on ebay so I am keeping a look out and hoping to get moving on this soon!  I will also use sheet film in due course but as I will need a changing bag (no dark room available) I must spread he cost of the various accessories out over the coming months for budgetary reasons!  There is someone over here who can develop and print black and white sheet film at reasonable cost so that will not be a problem.  Presumably one needs a supply of nice thick black plastic bags to be able to carry and send exposed sheets of film from one place to another; I have never bought sheet film and presume that it comes in a light tight bag but one is going to need more bags as soon as one starts using the film.

[Fintan]

.... but need first to acquire a Polaroid 545 or 545i; these come up with fair regularity on ebay so I am keeping a look out and hoping to get moving on this soon! 

One posted on APUG before Christmas, the advert hasnt been marked sold and is $35.

Happy pinholing!!

[Typhoon]

Sorry, I don't know what APUG is, but just over an hour ago managed to secure a 545 in an ebay auction for 36 pounds - obviously I must wait until it arrives to see what condition it is in but as long as it is working smoothly with good rollers etc I am not too bothered if it is a little battered looking cosmetically.  It has been sold by a professional outfit who now do only digital and are disposing of all their film/polaroid equipment-their decision, my gain!  I will probably wait a few weeks until next pay day before I order the pinhole camera itself but I will get some reasonably priced expired type 59 from unsaleable.com and get myself ready to try some polaroids as soon as I get the camera; B+W sheet film can come later.

[seekingfocus]

Sounds good then. Good luck with it.

-Jason

[db]

  Building a camera of my own is out; I am simply not interested in any kind of scratch building, be it model locomotives, cameras or anything else - it has to be a ready made item.

  I like the idea of a 5x4 pinhole and will almost certainly place an order as soon as I can acquire a Polaroid 545 or 545i back for a competitive price.

I'm no camera builder either, but made a ripper 5x4 pol camera out of an Ilford 5x7" paper box. The 250 pack is about 30mm deep and makes a very wide pic. I cut a hole out of one side and gaffa taped on the Pol 545 holder. Cut the hole in the lid and gaffa over your home made pinhole and there you are.

[Typhoon]

The zero image 2000 takes wicked images!

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[CarlRadford]

The sound advice is to waste the film you have not yet completed! The bigger neg might just be a route to bigger mistakes and is not a panacea to lack of images making. Now if you are collecting cameras thats fine - the 5x4 will make a fine addition. I had one and got rid of it but its a great camera. I have the 6x12 and have put about 5 rolls through in the the last two weeks - as long as I have had! Any 5x4 pinhole images on my site were made with it!

[Ed Wenn]

Carl...a 6x12!!! Cool.

Examples please if you have any yet. It sounds wonderful.

[CarlRadford]

Carl...a 6x12!!! Cool.

Examples please if you have any yet. It sounds wonderful.

It'll probably take to next week due to visitors but I'll post a couple for sure Its the 612f - santa was kind this year although he sure arrive late - all those border controls etc!