Author Topic: a few more things about that Harman Titan pinhole  (Read 17624 times)

astrobeck

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a few more things about that Harman Titan pinhole
« on: January 26, 2012, 11:03:15 PM »
Yup!  I bought one.

And I LOVE it!
I have other large format pinhole cameras, (including an 8 x 10) but after seeing this one advertised and chatted up by Leon I placed an order.

I just have a few things to add.
The box the camera comes packed in would make a fine pinhole camera too, so you're getting a two for one deal!

I have a tendency to gently twist while lifting the caps/covers off the pinhole opening to make my exposures.  If you twist the cap to the left, it will dislodge the pinhole from the box.  
Note to self- no twisting to the left.  Twist to the right and all is fine though.

I really like how lightweight this box is. Really like!
All of my other homemade LF pinhole boxes are made of wood and weigh about 2 pound each.  That doesn't seem like much, but when you hike and backpack like I do, it is considerable.
The Harman Titan pinhole box is uber light, so I am sure it will be my hiking camera from this day onward.

Since the Harman box is plastic, it will be easier for me to guiltlessly make pictures in the rain.  I use my wooden boxes in the rain, but now that I have this box, they can stay at home if the weather is bad.

I didn't assemble or use the exposure calculator that came with the camera.  I'm a seat of the pants pinhole shooter, but it was a nice thing to add to the kit.

Oh, and the kit!  Wow, it comes with film and paper so it's a good deal.  All you need is a 4 x 5 film holder and you're good to go!

My first shot out of the box is below.
It's a 4 second shot on Ilford FP4, because that's what I already had pre-loaded and lurking about
Excuse the poor scan, since I fear my scanner is dying a slow death.

« Last Edit: March 01, 2012, 08:19:58 AM by leon taylor »

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2012, 11:06:50 PM »
superb shot Becky - love it! I'm glad you like the camera.
L.

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2012, 11:12:18 PM »
thanks Leon!
The camera is quite a charmer.

I had reservations about the price, but after using it- NO regrets!   :)
« Last Edit: January 27, 2012, 03:11:26 AM by astrobeck »

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2012, 11:24:21 PM »
Love the photos you and Leon have posted. In fact, my "gast" has seldom been so "flabbered".

I really fancy one of these and, as it's coming up to my birthday at the end of March, I might just try to sweet-talk my darling beloved into "allowing" me to spend £150 or, maybe, even contributing to the cost as my birthday pressie.
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

Jeff Warden

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2012, 02:17:05 AM »
Congratulations Becky, that's great!

Jeff

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2012, 03:14:23 AM »
Paul- I wish you a Happy Birthday and hope a pinhole is in your future!
Jeff- Thanks, it's a sturdy camera and well made.

Jack Johnson

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2012, 05:07:44 AM »
So great! So jealous! :)

Sandeha Lynch

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2012, 07:36:44 AM »
Looks good.  Great, in fact.

charles binns

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2012, 08:40:19 AM »
Very nice indeed.  I have been toying with buying a 4x5 pinhole - either the Harman or a Zero Image.  Seeing your shot makes me lean towards getting the Harman!

Paul Mitchell

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #9 on: January 27, 2012, 09:24:01 AM »
Damn! I thought Leon's excellent first set of images with his Harman was a fluke  ;)... it appears from Becky's image that it's not!... bugger that means I have to add it to my wish list ::)
When people ask what equipment I use - I tell them my eyes.

Ed Wenn

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #10 on: January 27, 2012, 09:49:30 AM »
Yes indeed, it's great to see Titan results from photogs other than our beloved Druid....there's a lot of drama in that shot, Becky. Very cool indeed.

My big gripe with the Titan is that it doesn't take instant 4x5 film. I suppose you could modify it, but I can't see the point in doing that given the price point. I have a pinhole lensboard for my LF field camera which works well enough to scratch any LF pinhole itches I have....but something more compact, like the Titan, would have its uses for sure.

So, it's not for me, but I'm very pleased that others are putting it to fine use and finding a niche for it in their existing collections.

Paul Mitchell

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #11 on: January 27, 2012, 02:10:30 PM »
Ed, the Zero 45 can take instant backs... here's mine with a Polaroid 405 back

When people ask what equipment I use - I tell them my eyes.

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #12 on: January 27, 2012, 03:53:48 PM »
Thanks for all your generous comments!   :)  

The Harmon Titan is well worth the price and since it comes with film AND photo paper, the cost of the camera itself is very reasonable.

I had considered the Zero 4 x 5 system ( it's about the same price as the Titan if you add shipping from China) since I have and love my Zero 2000, but REALLY wanted something lightweight.  

Lightweight is NOT flimsy, it is quite sturdy and durable.  I'm very pleased with it.
Oh, and it looks a lot better in person.  ;D

 

 
« Last Edit: January 28, 2012, 12:50:09 AM by astrobeck »

Francois

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #13 on: January 27, 2012, 03:59:49 PM »
Lightweight and not flimsy is definitely a good thing. I've shot only 3 exposures so far with the Diana Multi Pinhole I got for Xmas and can definitely say it's flimsy. Scared me every time I was winding the film in -23°C weather! You could see the entire camera bend out of shape on the pod under the pressure of my frozen fingers...
Francois

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Phil Bebbington

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2012, 04:50:20 PM »
Fantastic first image, Becky! Like Ed said, there is a lot of drama in that image.

Matt Davis

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #15 on: January 27, 2012, 05:31:16 PM »
Both you & Leon have some great images from that Titan, makes me think about getting one and going LF.

I have been warned about you guys, making me want to buy stuff.

Phil Bebbington

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2012, 06:28:28 PM »
Matt, the best thing is to tape over the BUY key on your keyboard!

Francois

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2012, 09:17:09 PM »
Does it help if we start typing the names backwards to protect the innocent ;)

I so wish I could get my hands on a Namrah Natit! But I still haven't finished running a roll through my Anaid Itlum-Elohnip Rotarepo so I guess it'll have to wait a while  ;D
Francois

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2012, 11:45:47 PM »
wow becky fantastic image! seriously jealous and now concidering the titan as my first LF cam.... will have to be much later in the year though.

I'm currently working on a range of hardwood pinhole cameras hopefully one day for general sale. but at the moment mainly for my own use. half built prototype of a 6x9 is sitting in my workshop begging to be finished.

off to hunt for leons images now :-)

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #19 on: January 28, 2012, 03:14:26 AM »
Matt- if you are thinking about LF, pinhole is a really fun way to go!  Push that buy button!   ;D

Thom- I'd love to see your creations.  I have a big soft spot in my heart for wooden pinhole cams, there's just something about the way they look and feel.

Jack Johnson

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #20 on: January 28, 2012, 05:14:50 PM »
Lightweight and not flimsy is definitely a good thing. I've shot only 3 exposures so far with the Diana Multi Pinhole I got for Xmas and can definitely say it's flimsy. Scared me every time I was winding the film in -23°C weather! You could see the entire camera bend out of shape on the pod under the pressure of my frozen fingers...

It's the weekend and I don't think I've fired a shutter all week. Inspired by Phil, I thought I might shoot some frozen Americana this morning, only to wake up to -27ºF/-33ºC.

Maybe it's a good day to do some online shopping. How do you spell Titan again?

Actually, even FedEx slows down at these temperatures. I have a gift card tin pinhole that needs some finishing touches, and could actually shoot and process some paper negs before the weekend is over. Now I just need a mug full of gumption. Coffee, anyone?

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #21 on: January 28, 2012, 05:45:26 PM »
Maybe it's a good day to do some online shopping. How do you spell Titan again?

brrr - sounds chilly.

It's spelt Haitch Hay Are Emm Hay Enn - Tee High Tee Hay Enn

L.

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #22 on: January 28, 2012, 06:22:22 PM »
I puchased my Titan pinhole while in London, actually the same day I met up with some fellow filmwasters :)..and I haven't even gotten around to shooting with mine yet!! Becky has inspired me so now I will need to get busy!!..I like the box it came in also..very much of a statement!!

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2012, 07:17:38 AM »
Does it help if we start typing the names backwards to protect the innocent ;)


Very funny :) :)

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2012, 02:23:16 PM »
 ;D ;D ;D
Francois

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #25 on: January 29, 2012, 11:35:27 PM »
Mine's turned up  :)

I love your pic Beck.

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #26 on: January 29, 2012, 11:42:11 PM »
Miles,
cool! Can't wait to see what you do with it!
I think you will love it right away!

 :)

calbisu

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #27 on: January 30, 2012, 07:40:49 PM »
That´s beautiful becky, nice one  ;)

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #28 on: January 30, 2012, 07:42:25 PM »
L.

charles binns

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #29 on: February 01, 2012, 01:46:18 PM »
Quick question.  Can you stick a IR filter on one of these?

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #30 on: February 01, 2012, 01:57:34 PM »
Quick question.  Can you stick a IR filter on one of these?

you could cut one out of an IR filter gel if you want, but the filter factor on an already long exposure with reciprocity would take you into the many hours rather than a few seconds I would imagine.
L.

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #31 on: February 01, 2012, 02:19:08 PM »
Quick question.  Can you stick a IR filter on one of these?

I'll answer this too as I've done this with other pinhole cams.

I've taped an IR filter behind the pinhole inside the camera body and used IR film.  Using another pinhole camera similar to the focal length, etc. as the Harmon, I had to expose for 30 minutes.  I have very bright Sun where I live and I also live at altitude- 2195 meters.
An example is below.
 

charles binns

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #32 on: February 01, 2012, 06:07:41 PM »
Thanks for both answers.  And lovely pic astrobeck.

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #33 on: February 02, 2012, 07:19:14 AM »
And lovely pic astrobeck.

Ditto, absolutely.


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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #35 on: February 05, 2012, 06:08:58 AM »
Nice image Becky, glad to hear you like your Titan. I just made my first 4 exposures with mine and also really like it. Very light and easy to use. I am impressed with the quality and attention to detail, things like the blackened pinhole and the velvet light trap for the film holder. I did manage to get a slight light leak by not seating the film holder properly, but think I have that problem solved.

Roger

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #36 on: February 14, 2012, 08:39:54 PM »
Here's a shot from my Titan, Tri-X in HC-110 printed on MCC-110.

Roger
formerly rtbadman

astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #37 on: February 14, 2012, 09:57:26 PM »
Roger, cool shot!
I really like it, and forget how nice simple things around the house make the best photos!

Cool!  We want to see more!   :)

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #38 on: February 15, 2012, 07:34:24 AM »
lovely stuff Roger. More more more.
L.

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #39 on: February 15, 2012, 08:59:16 AM »
....just remind me again......why am I bothering about lenses on my Wista?
"An ounce of perception. A pound of obscure".

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #40 on: February 15, 2012, 03:30:52 PM »
Thanks everyone for the nice comments about my image. Yes Becky, It's amazing sometimes what you can find around the house. This image was actually a test, not only for the Titan but also for a project that I have had in mind for several years. Namely doing a series of "portraits" of my hand tools. Especially the tools I've had for a long time and are well worn. So Leon you are likely to see more. Late Developer, as far as why are you bothering with lens, I don't know, but am beginning to think that lens are highly overrated.

Roger
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astrobeck

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #41 on: February 15, 2012, 07:25:09 PM »
Roger,
In a prior life I was a hardware salesperson.  So I have quite a fondness of tools, nuts, bolts, nails and anything used to assemble them with.
So please, do a series.    :)  I for one would love to see it happen.

This has given me the idea to photograph a very old set of Model T wrenches given to me by my uncle. 
Thanks for the inspiration!

And yes, lenses are overrated!  ;D

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #42 on: February 15, 2012, 10:37:57 PM »
I know you're just going to love Bolt Depot's reference fastener posters ;)
http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Printable-Tools/Type-Chart.pdf
Francois

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Diane Peterson

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #43 on: February 16, 2012, 04:19:40 PM »
maybe we could have a "Tools" collaboration....??

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #44 on: February 16, 2012, 04:42:12 PM »
maybe we could have a "Tools" collaboration....??

we could - but there's not much room for interpretation is there?  There will either be pictures of me, or pictures of actual tools (me again).  ;)
L.

Diane Peterson

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #45 on: February 16, 2012, 05:08:45 PM »
your point?? :) :) my husband says tools as best left in the shed :)

sometimes tools could just be tools, no interpretation needed, just take images of old, or unuusal tools..just an idea...

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #46 on: February 16, 2012, 05:18:23 PM »
perhaps tool doesn't have the alternative meaning  that it does here?

I was just making a joke, but maybe it was a UK-centric joke.
L.

LT

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #47 on: February 16, 2012, 05:23:08 PM »
Quote
sometimes tools could just be tools, no interpretation needed, just take images of old, or unuusal tools..just an idea...

true - but the collaboration galleries are supposed to be all about interpretation.  Somewhere on a distant 'other' photography forum, we had themes like "Doors", and guess what ... we ended up with a lot of pictures of doors. The themes are supposed to challenge and provoke new ways of seeing and thinking about a topic.  I think we need to get back to that .... they've all been a bit literal lately.  Nice pics, but no room for manoeuvring.

I'll have a think and come up with a new less literal idea that could still be used to take pics of tools (not Leon's).  :)
L.

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #48 on: February 16, 2012, 05:27:46 PM »
I got the joke and "no" it is not just UK-centric !! :) :)
anyway some kind of "tool" theme could be fun!! :) :)

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Re: a few more things about that Harmon Titan pinhole
« Reply #49 on: February 18, 2012, 05:48:00 AM »
perhaps tool doesn't have the alternative meaning  that it does here?

I was just making a joke, but maybe it was a UK-centric joke.

Please, no "unusual tools" collaborations. ;)