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61
and the shutter is in the extended position with the optimum pinhole size, the exposure
time should be 1.3 seconds (1/100 x 130 = 1.3). Bear in mind that this calculation
assumes that the pinhole is exactly 0.0113 inches in diameter, perfectly round, the film is
without reciprocity, etc. These conditions are too ideal to consider realistic. If the hole is
larger, decrease the exposure time, if it is smaller, increase the exposure time. To ensure
that at least one good pinhole picture is made, try taking multiple photographs with
double and half of the calculated exposure time.
Shutter Position
Optimum
Hole
Diameter
Approx.
f-stop
Angle of
View in
degrees
f/16 Exposure
Factor on
100 ISO Film
Shutter in storage position 0.0113 162 41 100x
Shutter in extended position 0.0128 183 33 130x
Variable Shutter focused at 1.25 ft 0.0136 194 29 150x
Table 8-3: f-stop and exposure times for various shutter configurations
When you remove the aluminum foil after you are finished, hold it up to the light
to inspect it for tears. This will help determine whether your photographs may have been
ruined by a light leak rather than over-exposure.
Fig. 8-1: The Pinhole Argus during construction (left), and ready to use (right).
Amateur pinhole photography is, at best, an inexact science. The relatively tiny
35mm negative is also not the ideal format for this type of photography. If the results are
disappointing, don’t give up. Part of the fun of pinhole photography is the
experimentation and perfection of the technique.
Special Effects For The Proletariat
Some people enjoy experimenting with cameras that take fuzzy or otherwise
imperfect pictures. They use cameras like the Diana, the Holga, and the Lomo. When
cleaned and operating correctly, the Argus makes reasonably sharp pictures. With a