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How to Make Your Own Camera

You may not be able to construct a digital camera at home, but you can make a basic pinhole camera. Pinhole cameras do not require a lens. All you need is a light-proof box with a small aperture (hole). The discovery of the principles behind these types of cameras dates back as far as the fifth century B.C. The basic technique of making a pinhole camera hasn't changed much since then.

Things You'll Need

Cylindrical Quaker oatmeal box with lid
Masking tape
Utility knife
Black paint (matte)
Pin
Thick black construction paper
Aluminum foil
Black and white photographic paper

Instructions

- 1
  Paint the inside of the plastic box lid black so that no light can get through.
- 2
  Cut a ½-inch hole 3 inches up from the bottom of the box using the utility knife.
- 3
  Tape a piece of foil to the inside of the box to cover the hole you've just cut.
- 4
  Paint the inside of the box black. Spray paint works best, but you can use any type of matte black paint.
- 5
  Wait for the paint to dry completely.
- 6
  Poke a tiny hole in the aluminum foil using the pin--the smaller the hole, the better the focus.
- 7
  Cut a 3-by-5-inch rectangle out of the black construction paper and tape it next to the hole, so you can use it to cover and uncover the hole (aperture). You will use the paper to control the exposure time.
- 8
  Cover the hole.
- 9
  Go into a totally dark room. If you have a pure red light, you can use it in the dark. All other light colors will expose the photographic paper and ruin your print.
- 10
  Place a piece of photographic paper inside the box. The reactive surface should face the pinhole. Close the lid and tape the edges using masking tape so no light gets through.
- 11
  Take the photo by pointing the pinhole toward the subject and opening the aperture by untaping the piece of black construction paper. This will expose the photographic paper. Later, you can develop the image as you would normally develop photographs.

Photography