Beginner pinhole question: which format to start

[Nick Dvoracek]

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.

 

[blee1996]

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]

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...

 

[Roger Thoms]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. And it seems the opinions converge on larger formats, and good quality pinholes with optimal focal distance.

So far I have

- bought the Eric Renner book, and bookmarked the pinhole calculators
- ordered a Vermere 6x17 curved plane camera (I like to support artisan camera builders)
- ordered five pinholes of different sizes from RealitySoSubtle to experiment with my 6x6/6x9 parts bodies as well as 4x5/8x10 camera

It will be fun!

Sounds like you are well on your way. I have a number of pinhole cameras but generally gravitate to either my 8x10 Harman Titan or my Reality So Subtle 617 curved plane camera. I like the contact prints from the big negative and the 617 is fun with the effects you get with the curved film plane and the super wide view. I’m not familiar with the Vermeer, but with the Reality So Subtle I do have to be careful not too get my finger in the shot when tripping the shutter.

Also don’t forget that Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day is the last Sunday of this month.

Roger