Topic: Newbie Pinhole Questions

[inksmelladdict]

Hi Guys,
Newbie from Essex here. *waves* I just have a quick matchbox pinhole related question. So I've discovered that when I shoot with my pinhole camera occasionally the images come out all funky coloured and odd like this:


2014-09-02_4 by inksmelladdict27, on Flickr

So my question is what causes it and can I manipulate it for my own means? Also, if anyone else has any similar photos I'd love to see them.
Cheers and hellloooo.
Inky

[02Pilot]

As I understand it, it's the pinhole equivalent of lens flare. Comes from shooting into the sun. I've seen it once or twice in my own photos.

[astrobeck]

Yes, the pinhole flare is caused by the Sun peeking in the pinhole or attempting to sneak in.   

If you experiment by aiming directly at or near the Sun you will get this.

I'll try to dig up some examples...but I often do this intentionally.  It's nice that you don't have to worry about burning or cracking a lens by aiming at el Sol.


Neat photo you posted....  and welcome to the wonderful world of pinhole.  Lot's of pinholers here and around the world.   

Becky

[Late Developer]

Hi Inksmelladdict and welcome.

Nice photo.  I've got a Zero 2000 but not had a go with it yet.  I hadn't ever given any thought ro flare from a pinhole but it seems a lens is not required.

I'm based in Essex as well (Braintree) but from "up north" originally.

[Paul Mitchell]

This is one of my favourite pinhole flare images.



Zero 2000 and Ektar

Oh and welcome aboard Inky!!

[Francois]

Welcome Inky!

What you're seeing is definitely an artifact of the way pinholes work. While all lenses work using refraction (the direction of the light changes when passing from one material density to another one), pinholes work by using diffraction (a light wave's characteristics are changed when it hits an obstacle that has a size which is proportionate to its wavelength)... hence the funky glare.

[astrobeck]

Here's one from me, aimed at the Sun on purpose for the sparkle!

[This-is-damion]

always wondered what the difference is between a Zero 2000 and 3000.  I have the 3000  both are 6x6?

[Francois]

always wondered what the difference is between a Zero 2000 and 3000.

Easy, 1000 

[astrobeck]

and one more....
this one from a 3D printed pinhole camera.

[Francois]

This one from a Lomo Multi Pinhole Operator

[inksmelladdict]

Thanks everyone for your responses and photos. I'm loving seeing them and whilst I'd guessed how the effect works it's nice to have it explained by people who aren't just guessing wildly like I do.

Late Developer: I'm not that far away from you really. I'm based in Colchester. How are the photo opportunities in Braintree? I have a friend from there who seems to think it is entirely without merit!  Having not been there that regularly I have no idea how I feel about it...

Cheers all.
Inky.

[Ezzie]

Welcome Inky. Though now a resident of Norway for the past 35 years, I used to live in Colchester. Nice area in the 70's. Haven't been back since.

[Late Developer]

Late Developer: I'm not that far away from you really. I'm based in Colchester. How are the photo opportunities in Braintree? I have a friend from there who seems to think it is entirely without merit!  Having not been there that regularly I have no idea how I feel about it...

Cheers all.
Inky.

Braintree? A bit like the rest of Essex......limited. That said, I've only lived down here for 15 years and again, only because I need somewhere relatively cheap to live and to commute to London. I haven't really done a lot of exploring - though the other side of Colchester (Constable Country) can be nice if you can find a bit of it without a load of people wandering through your frame.

If you're ever up for a wander around the county with your cameras one weekend, just PM me.

Incidentally, there's a few FWs heading to the London Analogue Fair at the OXO Tower on Sunday 14 October.  If you fancy the trip, the more the merrier....

[inksmelladdict]

I used to live in Colchester. Nice area in the 70's. Haven't been back since.

It's not too bad really, depending on where abouts you live and how willing you are to overlook the fact that everything on the high street seems to be closing down. It's like most British towns in that regards I think.

Late Developer: Myself and my camera would definitely be up for a wander around at some point, we're both currently between jobs and therefore have time on our hands. I'll look up the London Analogue Fair, it sounds like a good idea if I have the funds!

Inky

[gsgary]

I bet Stephen Shore and William Eggleston would find lots to shoot in Braintree

[Late Developer]

I bet Stephen Shore and William Eggleston would find lots to shoot in Braintree

If they're still alive and feel so inclined, they're welcome to give it a go. I still have severe doubts that they'd be able to produce anything that's either interesting, intriguing or aesthetically pleasing.

[gsgary]

Of course they are alive take a look at their work

[inksmelladdict]

It might make a good challenge. Braintree is hardly renown for being photogenic.

[Paul Mitchell]

It might make a good challenge. Braintree is hardly renown for being photogenic.

You ought to come over to Slough someday... the new bus garage is the only thing of merit 

I have a nice round trip that I make on odd occasions taking in Maldon - Tollesbury - Mersea Island. I'll let you know when I'm next over your way.

Paul

[Late Developer]

Of course they are alive take a look at their work

I've just googled "Stephen Shore" (with whom I wasn't previously familiar) and had a look at some more of William Eggleston's work (which I've seen previously but it didn't hold my interest to any great extent) and I'm sure you're right that they really could show Braintree off in all its finery...

[Late Developer]

It might make a good challenge. Braintree is hardly renown for being photogenic.

You ought to come over to Slough someday... the new bus garage is the only thing of merit 

I have a nice round trip that I make on odd occasions taking in Maldon - Tollesbury - Mersea Island. I'll let you know when I'm next over your way.

Paul

Hiya Paul.

I am very much up for that gig.  I've visited Maldon and Mersea Island several times as I'm absolutely convinced there's a great series (let alone a good shot) to be had.  I've just struggled to find it.  I actually think it will look beter on a bleak, winter's day than during the summer.

Cheers, Paul.

[gsgary]

You have it good down there I have only got the Peak District

[Late Developer]

You have it good down there I have only got the Peak District

Good one!!    As someone from Stockport who loves the Peak District, I'd swap you in a heartbeat.

[gsgary]

You have it good down there I have only got the Peak District

Good one!!    As someone from Stockport who loves the Peak District, I'd swap you in a heartbeat.

Are you sure i have to put up with awful views like this on 30 years out of day Tmax

[Late Developer]

^^^^^^^^^
It must be hard - but I'm sure you manage. Somehow.......

[inksmelladdict]

It might make a good challenge. Braintree is hardly renown for being photogenic.

You ought to come over to Slough someday... the new bus garage is the only thing of merit 

I have a nice round trip that I make on odd occasions taking in Maldon - Tollesbury - Mersea Island. I'll let you know when I'm next over your way.

Paul

That sounds interesting. There are some really photogenic parts of Mersea. As for Slough's new bus garage, I'm more for the old fashioned look. Any abandoned buildings? Now those make for some pretty pictures. obviously in my head Slough is a concrete paradise.