What Is the Pinhole Camera Developing Process?

Pinhole cameras can capture stunning photos and are relatively simple to operate. However, a fundamental part of achieving amazing pinhole photos every time is the development process. So, what is the pinhole camera developing process?

To develop photos from a pinhole camera, there are a number of steps that must be followed to ensure can capture stunning pictures every time:

Prepare the developer
Prepare fixer
Load the camera
Compose your shot
Meter the light
Capture your photo
Close the pinhole
Develop your shot
Fix your shot
Wash your shot
Open the camera
Collect used water
Remove the paper
Dry out the camera

Keep reading and follow this useful step-by-step guide to capture beautiful Pinsta art in no time.

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analog pinhole photograph — 1min20sec exposure on 30 second preflashed Harman Direct Postive paper.

How do you develop a pinhole camera?

The pinhole camera developing process is not particularly difficult, but it must be done correctly to ensure your photos come out properly. Below is everything you’ll need to know to capture stunning analog pinhole photos every time.

Prepare the developer

(In this example: Adox Neutol Eco). Add 40ml of water to 10ml of developer. When using Ilford Multigrade developer, add 90ml of water to 10ml of developer. Always follow the instructions (about dilution, shelf life, temperature for use, etc.) provided by the manufacturer.

Prepare fixer

(In this example: Adox Adofix Plus). Add 40ml of water to 10ml of developer. When using Ilford Rapid Fix fixer, use the same proportions.

Always follow the instructions (about dilution, shelf life, temperature for use, etc.) provided by the manufacturer.

Load the camera

We recommend using 4x5" Harman Direct Positive paper in a dark changing bag.

Before placing the camera in the dark bag, make sure the shutterdisc is in the right position (blocking the pinhole). Loading a sheet of paper into the back of the camera might be a bit difficult the first time, as you won't be able to see what you are doing.

After the first or second time, you'll find it's actually super easy to do. Once the camera is loaded and you've ensured both the camera and the box of paper are properly closed, it's time to take the camera out of the bag and either preflash the paper, or go straight to exposing your shot.

Remember to only open the box of paper in 100% darkness or under a suitable safe (red) light. All available information about the paper can be found HERE.

Compose your shot

You can use the composition markers on your camera to determine your desired composition.

Meter the light

Metering the light of your scene will determine the expected exposure time for your shot. You can use a lightmeter, or a lightmeter app like "Lightmeter" by WBPhoto. Make sure your settings are f/229 (aperture) and ISO 1-3. Depending on the available light in the scene you're capturing, exposure times can range between several minutes, to several hours.

Capture your photo

By moving the shutterdisc until the pinhole becomes visible, you can capture your photo. Once the pinhole is visible, your paper starts to be exposed to light.

Close the pinhole

After the exposure is done, move the shutterdisc one position to either side, so the pinhole isn't visible anymore.

Develop your shot

Using the syringes, slowly and steadily insert developer fluid into the camera, while gently moving the camera around (agitating). Continuously agitate, making sure all of the paper gets in contact with the fluid. After 90 seconds, extract all of the fluid from the camera using the same syringe. You will see that approximately 5ml of the fluid stays in the camera, this is totally normal as it's been absorbed by the paper.

Fix your shot

Using the second syringe, insert the fixer the same way as you did with the developer. Agitate as before for 60 seconds, and extract using the same syringe.

Wash your shot

Use the third syringe to insert fresh water and agitate for about 2 minutes. Extract using the same syringe.

Open the camera

When you open the camera, you should now be able to see the beauty you just captured!

Collect used water

Use a container to collect used water and other fluids, take them home and dispose of them in the correct manner. Ask your local council for advice on how to dispose of chemical waste.

Remove the paper

Take the paper from the camera's back and place it in the magnetic drying frame, which will prevent it from curling up. Your picture will dry in a few hours. We advise you to let it dry in a dust free environment (like a case) and to not touch the emulsion side of the paper until it has completely dried up.

Dry out the camera

Use a cloth or some paper towel to dry the camera and you're ready to reload!

How long should the exposure time be for a pinhole camera?

The amount of time that you leave your pinhole open to capture a photo will ultimately determine the quality of the final capture. To ensure your photos are not over or under-exposed, it is important to consider the conditions you are shooting in. As a rough guide, some times for exposure according to weather conditions are:

Sunny - 15 to 20 seconds
Overcast - 60 seconds
Cloudy - two minutes
Indoors - 30 to 60 minutes
Nighttime - Multiple hours

Browse pinhole cameras from Pinsta Camera

We hope you'll have a magical time capturing beautiful analog pinhole photos with your Pinsta Camera! If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to us. Happy shooting!

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Watch our helpful instructional video

Martin recorded a full process video that shows how easy it is to shoot analog 4x5" photos, onto Harman Direct Positive paper.

FAQs

Can you develop colour photos using a pinhole camera, or is it only for black and white?

Yes, you can develop colour photos using a pinhole camera. To develop color photos, you will need to use color film and it is important to consider the effects of color shifts and exposure times.

Should I pre-flash my photographic paper?

Preflashing is not necessary and is always a creative choice. You can preflash the paper by moving the diffuser spot over the pinhole and placing a 1.000 lumen LED torch over the diffuser spot (Pinsta Pro only) for 20-30 seconds. Preflashing will extend the tonal range of the paper (resulting in a much less contrasty photo) and drastically reduce exposure times.

Find out more about pre-flashing by clicking here.

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