The first attempts to create a photograph was the use of such an invention as a pinhole camera. This is a prototype of a modern camera, which is a closed box with a small hole in the side wall. Inside the box opposite the cutout is a white canvas that serves as a screen. Light rays penetrating through an opening project an inverted image of the external environment on the opposite side.
A bit of history
One of the first references to copying the image of the outside world are records in the treatises of Aristotle. In his observations, he noted that daylight penetrating through the shutters into a dark room depicts street objects on the opposite wall. In this case, the image is presented in a reduced and inverted form. The size of the objects depends on how close the wall is to the hole. The farther the makeshift screen, the larger the picture.
More precisely, the principle of the camera obscura was described by the Arab scientist Ibn al-Khaysam Algazen, observing the eclipse of the sun. To protect his eyes from harmful sunlight, he monitored the behavior of light while in the tent. Scientists made a hole in one of the walls of the camera obscura. This made it possible to monitor the movements of the celestial body on the opposite side of the tent.
The essence of the camera is easy to understand without a box. To do this, in the dense curtains dimming the room, pierce a small hole with a needle or a pin. Sunlight will penetrate the room and display on the opposite wall all the objects encountered in his way, inverted.
The benefits of art
This device was also used by artists to facilitate the writing of portraits and paintings. They projected objects and people outside the camera onto the inner canvas, then painted or copied the resulting image. With a decrease in the size of the device, it became possible to use it in nature.
In fact, the pinhole camera is a dark room or room with a small hole in one of the walls. There is other evidence that scientists of several centuries have used this device, over time improving and modifying it.
Instrument with optics
Significantly simplified the work on sketches of optical materials. So, for the image in the usual, but not inverted form, they began to use built-in mirrors, flat-convex lenses, frosted glass plates. The works of the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci describe the idea of using an optical design for sketching portraits and landscapes.
In 1611, the German astronomer Johannes Kepler created a pinhole camera with a lens, which he placed in the hole on the wall of the tent. This made it possible to observe the appearing image opposite the hole and adjust the sharpness. A little later, placing a mirror near the lens at an angle of 45 degrees, Johann Zahn modernized the camera obscura. This made it possible to trace the contours of the image appearing on the upper wall of the device covered with frosted glass and tracing paper. With the use of optics, the dimensions of the invention are significantly reduced.
Instrument manufacture
To create a pinhole camera with your own hands, you need to prepare a thick cardboard, a ruler, glue, a knife, a simple pencil and a band-aid. Cut two blanks measuring 52 by 39 cm and 32.5 by 20.5 cm.
On a larger cardboard template, draw the diagram below;
- cross the square section with diagonals and draw a circle 1 cm wide at their intersection;
- cut the created model and cut a hole;
- Sew with a knife the internal lines of the drawing;
- bend the structure along the dotted lines and glue the walls with adhesive plaster;
- Close the round slot with black paper;
- From the smaller template, cut the drawn model, as well as the inner square;
- assemble the box that serves as a moving screen;
- glue a white paper sheet oiled on a square hole;
- insert the screen into the first box and pierce the black paper with a needle.
We looked at how to make a pinhole camera. Next, we learn how to apply it in business.
Device use
To understand the principle of operation of the device, it is necessary to direct the camera created by the pinhole to a subject of interest, which will be displayed on an impromptu screen. To focus the image, you need to move the screen forward or backward. By increasing the size of a round hole with a knitting needle, as well as a larger tool, you can observe the changes in the depicted object. By changing the distance between the camera and the subject, you will achieve that the clarity of the picture will change. Replacing the oil-soaked sheet with a clean one can draw the outline of the depicted item.
Pinhole camera out of the box
This device can be made independently from improvised material. Consider some fairly simple ways to make a camera using different capacities.
Small detail
A simple camera can be made from a box of matches. The lens projecting the image in this design will serve as a specially made slot in the box body. From the bottom of the inside, cut out a window equal to the frame of the film. Inside the container we paint over black or paste over with paper of the same shade. In the center of the outer part, it is necessary to cut a hole corresponding to the center of the window for the frame. Using foil tape, attach a foil on top and make a small puncture in the center. The constructions will need a frame counter, which can be made from a bottle ring and attached to a can of film.
When scrolling, the mechanism, falling into the cells, will snap the frame equal to ten beats. Next, pull the film through the matchbox and place it in the second spray can. Attach both containers with electrical tape to the makeshift camera. The design should not have extra holes that let light into the device. Therefore, try to block all the openings of the box as tightly as possible. This model does not have a shutter, therefore, pointing the device at an object, open the lens with your finger.
Camera in every home
Any capacity is suitable for creating the next camera. It can be a box of coffee or chips. The size and configuration of the workpiece are not important. Make a small hole in the center of the bottom of the container with an awl or gypsy needle. Cover the opposite side with an oiled sheet of paper and tightly secure with electrical tape so that excess light does not penetrate the structure. To use the pinhole camera, you need to place the side of the screen in the dark, and point the bottom at bright light. You can cover yourself with a tight coat, thereby isolating one side of the camera from brightness. Inside the camera can be additionally painted black.
We looked at how to make a pinhole camera on our own. This exciting activity can become your favorite hobby. With the help of a homemade camera, you can produce unique and unique images.