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Make Your Own Coffee Can Camera 2igk

Dec 27, 2006

Look out Juan Valdez, we've got our sights set on your can - your coffee can, that is! All you need is an empty java tin, a few supplies and a little patience and you can make your own state-of-the-art camera. Okay, maybe not state-of-the-art but it's still pretty darn cool. Check it out!

What You Need 6186d

  • A two-pound coffee can (or similar sized can) with its lid
  • Black matte (not glossy) spray paint
  • Black electrical tape
  • A thumbtack
  • A safelight (available at photography supply stores)
  • Resin-coated black and white photographic paper (also available at experiment with different exposures - try between 20 seconds and two minutes depending on how bright it is outside. Now replace the tape and you've taken your first photo.

    Pinhole Photo-Taking Tips 68723q

  • Pinhole Photography is all about trial and error so don't be discouraged if things don't automatically look the way you want them to. Besides, the fun of pinhole photography is that the pictures look a lot more cool and arty than regular pics.
  • Make sure that both the camera and the subject don't move the whole time you're taking the picture. If you're taking a picture of a person, tell them to hold still or they'll turn out super fuzzy.
  • Relax and have fun - it's just art!
  • Developing Your Pinhole Pictures 3y4q47

    Since you're not using your average camera - or film - you can't just take your coffee can to the nearest one-hour photo hut and ask them to develop your picture. The easiest thing to do is to call around to your local photo labs and see who will develop the photo paper for you. Someone will do it and it trip. Happy Snapping!

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