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

Scott Yu-Jan, Seattle, WA

Pinhole cameras can be made from many everyday objects. We have featured pinhole cameras made from Russian stacking dolls to sardine cans to luggage trolleys. But some photographers, like Scott Yu-Jan, are so interested in every aspect of the camera’s design that they build one from scratch. During his freshmen year at Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Yu-Jan embarked on an ambitious project to design and craft a wide-angle 8x10 pinhole camera from wood.

With no prior woodworking experience, Yu-Jan relied heavily on sketches and prototypes from scrap materials before attempting construction. Once he had a prototype he was proud of, Yu-Jan used half-inch plywood for the camera’s frame which he glued and clamped together. Because 8x10 sheet film can be unwieldy to load, especially in the dark, he built a guide inside the camera for precise loading.

To achieve the curved front, insulation foam boards acted as a positive mold for forming the oak veneer. To make the camera light tight, Yu-Jan stapled black paper between the curved laminate front and the wooden frame. The elegant shutter mechanism is made from scrap pieces of veneer. The lens is the only non-wood element of the camera and is made from a sanded-down aluminum coke can. Using a thin needle to punch the .47mm pinhole created an aperture of f/280.

The resulting photographs are large and clear with lovely wide-angle distortion for a dreamy effect. Yu-Jan generously shares his design with the public. The full how-to can be found on Instructables.

View the full tutorial on Instructables.

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