This series focuses on those who take the making of pictures a step or two further, creating their own photographic tools.

Ethan Moses (Cameradactyl), Albuquerque, NM

Motivated by the Homemade Camera Podcast’s Self Developing Camera Challenge, Ethan Moses of Cameradactyl created an adorable cube pinhole camera that doubles as a developing tank.

The pinhole camera uses 2 ¼ inch square paper for paper negatives, or, as demonstrated in the video below, positive paper reversal. The 3D printed camera comes with a colored pinhole cap with precision drilled 0.2mm pinhole (f/250) for a focal length of 50mm. While most pinhole cameras have the shutter on the outside, this camera’s shutter is more like a dark slide. Once the paper has been exposed, the pinhole cap detaches from the body allowing it to be swapped for a developing tank light baffle so that the chemistry can be poured directly into the camera, developing the paper internally in daylight—no darkroom required.

The success of the project inspired Cameradactyl to make the camera available for sale so that others can develop pinhole photographs without a darkroom. Learn more in the demonstration video below.  

Learn more about Cameradactyl’s work on their website.

Have you made or modified your own photographic equipment? Let us know at info@donttakepictures.com