PINHOLE CAMERAS

Pinhole images may not be as sharp as those made with a lens, but there’s something deeply satisfying about embracing such a simple, elemental form of photography. The way light bounces around inside the box often creates a dreamy, surreal quality that I find captivating. I recently shot with my Titan 4×5 for World Pinhole Day and truly enjoyed the experience (my submission). Shooting 4×5 film doesn’t get much easier—or more fun—than this. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the World Pinhole Day website and its gallery of global submissions.

I use the Pinhole Assist app on my phone to make the process smoother. It covers everything I need in the field: accurate framing, spot-on exposure calculations, and a countdown timer that’s a real lifesaver during longer exposures. If you’re serious about pinhole photography, this app is worth every penny.

These days, I mostly shoot pinhole with my Hasselblad using the Custom Camera Builders pinhole cap, and with my 4×5 cameras—including the ONDU 4×5 Rise and my Ebony bodies—fitted with a Vist Kamera Pinhole Shutter, which SK Grimes beautifully mounted onto a Linhof lens board for me.

Generally, the larger the film size, the less noticeable the blur, but other factors come into play, such as the pinhole size relative to the focal plane distance and the quality of the pinhole itself. Read on to explore my personal experiences and browse other articles I’ve written dedicated to pinhole education at the end of this page listed under “Related Articles.”

The Reality So Subtle (RSS) 6×17 pinhole camera is unique. It has two pinholes, allowing you to choose the placement of the horizon either on the upper third or the lower third of the camera’s view. It has a 70mm focal length with a curved film plane. You can read more about its specifications here.

Because I sometimes like to do very long exposures during daylight at the beach near where I live, I wanted a 6×17 pinhole camera that accepts ND filters. I was thrilled RSS made the 6x17F model, with the F standing for Filter. The RSS 6x17F pinhole camera has a built-in 77mm filter ring. Like the RSS 6×17, it has a 70mm focal length with a curved film plane. The cameras are identical except for the fronts. You can read more about its specifications here.

The only downside I have found with the RSS 6×17 cameras is film loading because the inside of the cameras is very tight on the fingers, and the curved film plane adds to this difficulty. After trying a pair of needle-nose pliers to assist with the film loading, I realized using them was key to loading the film.

Overall, I am happy with the construction and operation of the RSS 6×17 cameras and enjoy shooting with them. I like that these cameras are made with ABS plastic, as I did not want wood pinhole cameras due to the marshes and water areas I visit for photography. My initial experience with a pinhole camera was with the Harman Titan, also made of ABS plastic, which is my favorite ‘experimental photography’ 4×5 camera to shoot.

Finding these cameras in the US is not easy. The company from which I purchased my original 6×17 camera shipped quickly without issue, but I bought it through eBay and not their online site. Then, about a year later, when I searched for the 6x17F model, this same company had one in stock on their site but nothing on eBay. I paid for the camera, and they shipped the wrong model. After waiting for them to replace it, they assured me they would send the 6x17F once they received it back. Once the second camera was accepted, I would again be disappointed because they sent another wrong camera! Then they told me that they did not have a 6x17F all along. No matter how pretty the stock on their website looks, I will not do business with them again.

I ordered my 6x17F from the RSS website, which arrived quicker than Portland could deliver without all the shenanigans and was a tad cheaper. Save yourself some trouble and buy from the RSS website! Then, please look at the perfect case I use for my RSS 6x17F on the road trips.

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UPDATE: 2025/04

Years ago, I sold my beloved Fotoman 6×17 and later picked up a couple of Reality So Subtle 6×17 pinhole cameras to fill that panoramic void. Eventually, I was able to afford and find another Fotoman 6×17. About two years later, I let go of the RRS cameras from lack of use. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants a 6×17 pinhole camera.

The HARMAN TiTAN 4×5 is an absolute pleasure to shoot with—a well-designed pinhole camera that feels right at home in the landscape. It comes standard with an interchangeable 72mm wide-angle cone, which suits the environments I typically photograph. Lightweight yet rugged, the camera is made from injection-molded ABS with stainless steel fittings throughout, making it durable and travel-friendly. For full specifications, [click here]. It’s simply fun to use, and I honestly have no complaints. I’ve just added the 150mm cone to my kit and look forward to shooting with it. Paired with the Pinhole Assist app, composing with the TiTAN 4×5 is quick and intuitive.

UPDATE: 2024/02

I ordered CCB’s Copal and Compur 0,1 and 3 Large Format pinhole adapters with pinhole inserts, set #4. After reviewing my options to shoot Instax pinhole images using my Lomographic Instax back and a 4×5 camera, I made this purchase decision. Unfortunately, the Titan would not allow the Instax back to be installed, and I did not want to purchase another camera.

Thanks to Jack McLain and his excellent email with a link to his pinhole photography and Instax film work. Check out Jack’s work!

UPDATE: 2025/04

I’ve decided to list my Harman Titan pinhole camera and the 150mm cone for sale—not because they aren’t excellent, but simply because I don’t use them as much as I thought I would. Since most of my 4×5 film shooting is done with my Ebony cameras, I find it more convenient to carry the Vist Camera pinhole shutter that SK Grimes permanently mounted to a Linhof lens board. It lives in my 4×5 camera pack and suits my workflow perfectly.

If you shoot more 4×5 pinhole than traditional 4×5 film, I highly recommend the Harman Titan. It’s a solid, well-made camera that delivers excellent results.

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ONDU is a Slovenian pinhole camera company founded in 2013 following a successful Kickstarter campaign. They’ve produced beautifully crafted wooden pinhole cameras in formats ranging from 35mm to 8×10. As of this writing, ONDU is clearing out its remaining pinhole camera inventory and shifting focus to building EIKAN large-format cameras, which will be available in 4×5 and 4×10 formats moving forward.

What initially drew me to ONDU was the idea of owning a simple wooden 4×5 pinhole camera for still life work around the house. I wanted something basic but versatile that could be placed on countertops, the floor, etc, without a tripod—capable of using filters and interchangeable backs for instant and 120 film. At the time, the ONDU 4×5 was the only camera I found that offered all that.

While my attempts (2x) to buy directly from ONDU didn’t work out, I eventually found a used ONDU Rise 4×5 and a used ONDU 4×5 Large Format that were in excellent condition. I’m happy to say they are part of my collection, and I’ve been very pleased with the cameras.

If you enjoy pinhole photography and own a Hasselblad 200, 500, or 2000 series camera, the Custom Camera Building (CCB) Hasselblad Body Cap & Pinholes should be on your shopping list.

My initial feelings about shooting a pinhole negative less than 6x17cm or 4×5″ were not very optimistic. My thoughts drifted toward the added blurriness a smaller negative might produce. Pinhole images are already unsharp, but just enough to where I like it. I assumed that shooting a pinhole with a smaller film frame might cause the image to be less likable due to more blur. Boy, was I surprised! Not only were my images artistically fulfilling with the unsharpness I like, but there was an added workflow bonus I had never thought of until my first shooting.

On the 2023 Worldwide Pinhole Day, April 30, I used my Hasselblad 501cm as a pinhole camera for the first time, using the 0.35mm (77mm/220) pinhole. The ability to take a few pinhole images with the CCB body cap in place and then remove it to take an image or two with my CFi 180/4 lens was priceless to this photographer. I never thought of that option before. When I travel with my Hasselblad kit, the CCB Pinhole Cap & Pinholes will travel with it. This is an excellent and easy way to be creative with the same subject.

The CCB Hasselblad #4 kit contains five different pinhole sizes, plus the cap and an empty pinhole holder to use alone or for installing a customized pinhole. Miroslav Francuz from CCB was kind enough to answer my questions and respond with helpful information about why different pinhole sizes are included in the kit.

Different pinhole sizes do not produce better image quality per se but are suitable for:
(1) helping to adjust exposure length (larger pinholes allow more light in when needed),
(2) creating more blur by using a pinhole size that goes away from the ideal size,
(3) trying different pinholes with extension tubes or homemade cameras.

Click here for the exposure conversion factors I use with the CCB pinholes on my Hasselblad 501cm.

If you enjoy working with 4×5 cameras and are looking for a portable, versatile option to use with your existing camera, I highly recommend the Vist Kamera Pinhole Shutter. It’s compact, lightweight, and fits easily into a travel bag—perfect for photographers on the go who want to carry pinhole possibilities as well.

I use Model #2, which offers nine interchangeable pinhole sizes: 0.25mm, 0.3mm, 0.35mm, 0.4mm, 0.45mm, 0.5mm, 0.55mm, 0.6mm, and 0.7mm. It also includes B and T shutter settings (with cable release lock), giving you control over your exposure times.

As shown in image #2 above, the Vist Kamera Pinhole Shutter stores neatly in a small pouch that fits right into my 4×5 travel kit.

If you’re curious about 4×5 pinhole photography but aren’t ready to invest in a dedicated pinhole camera, this shutter is an excellent and flexible solution. You will need a compatible lens board and either mount the shutter yourself or work with a machine shop to do it professionally. I had mine mounted by SK Grimes using one of their Linhof boards, and I highly recommend their services for precision camera modifications.

The related posts below are connected by camera, technique, topic, or the quiet pull of curiosity.