Beginner pinhole question: which format to start

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Nick Dvoracek

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I'm going to weigh in on this and advocate 35mm as a good format for learning pinhole.

First of all, quality is not only based on some vague idea called "sharpness." 35mm has a more impressionistic quality and grain usually can't be denied (you know how film works, right?), but I wouldn't call it "not focused" (which is a really inappropriate term to use for pinhole in the first place.) It has a quality of its own. It also requires a little more discipline in removing dust and other film flaws, but that's another necessary learning experience.)

To its advantage, it requires the same previsualization and discipline in support and exposure as large formats. Composition is the same deal as it is with larger negatives. Learning is often enhanced by repeated experimentation. I realize a $20 exposure on 8x10 might be a significant learning experience, but 48 exposures on a roll ( https://pinholica.blogspot.com/2019/06/manic-expression-cubed.html ) of the cheapest 35mm film you can find could give a little more variety and breadth to your learning.

It's really easy to make a camera that's reliable for 35mm film. https://pinholica.blogspot.com/2017/03/10th-anniversary-edition-populist-plans.html

I use everything from these little negatives to 4x5 and love them all.
 
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blee1996

blee1996

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Thank you @Nick Dvoracek suggestion. I will certainly try out 35mm pinhole in the future as well. It will be quite easy to convert any of my 35mm cameras with a body cap: I will probably start with rangefinder body for shorter flange focal distance and matching pinholes.
 

Donald Qualls

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I will probably start with rangefinder body for shorter flange focal distance and matching pinholes.

Sensible. I've got a body cap for Kiev/Contax that I should look at putting a pinhole into...
 
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