How to Make a Toy Camera

Assembling the Camera

• 1

  Poke a small hole through the piece of tin or shim with a needle. This hole acts as the lens of the camera. Sand the area around the hole with the sandpaper.

• 2

  Trim the area around the pinhole with the utility knife so the pinhole is centered within a two-inch square area of tin or shim.

• 3

  Examine your shoebox and ensure there are no holes or openings. The box must be completely dark when the lid is on and the shutter is closed. The only light that should come through is from the pinhole.

• 4

  Cut an inch square in the lid of the box. Reserve the piece of cardboard as this will act as your shutter. Place the piece of tin or shim over the cut hole with the pinhole centered. Tape the tin or shim to the box using electrical tape.

• 5

  To make sure no light will come through paint the entire inside of the box black.

• 6

  Using the electrical tape attach the reserved piece of cardboard so it can be flapped open and closed.

• 7

  Tape a piece of photo developing paper in the box across from the hole. Make sure the emulsion side is facing the pinhole. Developing paper is sensitive to light and changes color when exposed to the light. You can purchase photo developing paper at your local camera store. Place the lid on and make sure the shutter is down and closed.