Julian Baxendale

"Who would believe that so small a space could

contain the images of all the universe? O mighty

process! What talent can avail to penetrate a

nature such as these? What tongue will it be

that can unfold so great a wonder? Verily none!

This it is that guides the human discourse to

the considering of divine things. Here the

forms, here the colours, here all the images of

every part of the universe are contracted to a

point. What point is so marvelous? O wonderful,

O stupendous necessity—by thy law thou

constrainest every effect to be the direct

result of its cause by the shortest path."

Leonardo Da Vinci

Cam Kit is an invitation to take on the creative

and curious spirit of one of the greatest minds

in history. This is your opportunity to explore

3

and enjoy the process of crafting and

photography.

THE BUILD
Materials

- Cardboard sheet
- Black tape
- Super glue
- White glue
- Polyurethane black adhesive
- Foam
- Pinhole
- Camera Frame
- Camera Cartridges (4)
- Camera Sliders (4)
- Sandpaper (rough, medium, and fine grit)
4

Guideline

1) The blind:
Trace the contour of the blind on the
cardboard sheet and cut it out according to the
following dimensions.
5

Place it on the camera frame and see if it

fits. If not, adjust accordingly. Do not be
alarmed if it’s not a perfect fit. This is where
artistry and creative craftsmanship comes into
play. You will need to shave off a half a
millimetre here and a millimetre there off of a
side or two so the whole thing fits into the
indent. Take it slow and cut off less as opposed
to more. Do not glue the blind to the frame yet.

2) The pinhole:
Centre the pinhole over the 4x4 mm cut-out-
square in the center of the blind, and, using
6

black tape, stick it onto the side of the blind

which will face the inside of the camera.

3) The shutter:
Trace and then cut out the three components of
the shutter from the cardboard sheet. After,
assemble the shutter following the drawn
instructions. Super-glue the shutter to the
front side of blind so that the 4x4 square cut-
outs of line up with each other.
7

4) Sanding:
This is the most laborious step of them all.
Since the pieces are 3D printed, they are not
exactly the same size as in the designs due the
imprecision of the extruder and the process of
“warping” which happens when the 3D print cools
(Redwood et al. 2017). As a result, you must
sand the grooves of the cartridges, make the
sliders thinner and sand anything else that
doesn’t fit properly.

5) Blocking the light:

Using the sponge, the fabric, or a combination
of the two, seal the gaps between cartridge and
frame, and between the slider and cartridge.
Free style it.
Tip: to check if you sealed everything
properly, press the frame (with slotted
cartridge and slider) to your eye while
underneath a bright downlight. If you see any
light slip through the back, keep making
modifications.
8

6) Sealing the blind to the frame:

Using the white glue, stick the front of the
blind to its indent in the camera frame while
leaving the sides, top and bottom parts of the
blind loose. Let the front dry, then glue the
rest of the blind to the frame. Fasten
everything with elastic bands and let dry.
After, use the polyurethane to seal the blind to
the camera frame and wait 24 hours for the
sealant to cure.

Congratulations on finishing the build

PHOTOGRAPHY
Now that you made the camera, all you need to
do is set up the cartridges. Once in the
darkroom do the following to prepare your shots:

1) Unravel 195mm of film and split it up

into five equal rectangles (each 39mm wide).
9

2) Insert the film with tape lip into the

slit in the cartridge.
10

3) Pack the prepped cartridges in a light-

proof bag and pop one in the camera when
ready to take a pic.

4) To take a picture do the following in the

order displayed:

Et voilà, you made a functional camera!

THE PHYSICS OF LIGHT
Let’s start with a recap about the most
fundamental element of photography: light. Light
is electromagnetic radiation made up of photons
which are particles that exhibit both wave-like
and particle-like properties. When acting as a
wave, a photon moves through space at the speed
of light and has a specific frequency, which
determines its energy and classification on the
electromagnetic spectrum. Our eyes can only
perceive a narrow scope of frequencies within
11

this range, known as the visible spectrum

(ROYGBIV). When acting as a particle, the number
of photons present determines the amount of
light emitted or reflected by an object, its
brightness (Knight, 2017). For example, if there
are twice as many photons coming off an object,
the object will appear twice as bright.
A pinhole camera is a light-tight container
apart from a small hole on one side that allows
light to pass through it and to strike the
opposite wall of the container. On the wall
opposite the pinhole, a light-sensitive material
such as photographic film captures the image.
The resulting image is inverted, as is typical
with cameras, but is also in focus due to the
lack of interference between light rays as
intersection is averted because of how small the
pinhole is (“How Does a Pinhole Camera Work?”
2000). When light shines on an object, it
reflects in all directions. However, because the
size of the aperture is so small on a pinhole
camera, only one of these rays is able to pass
through (in reality it's never exactly one ray,
but more a “bundle of light rays or photons”
12

making up a very narrow beam of light (“How a

Pinhole Camera Works Part 1,” 2023). Therefore,
the smaller the pinhole, the sharper the image.

Although you won’t have to worry about your

photograph being out of focus, a significant
disadvantage of the pinhole camera is the time
it takes to expose the film. The smaller the
pinhole, the longer the time that the shutter
needs to be left open. Since the aperture (the
size of the hole) is small, so is the amount of
light passing through the hole and making an
impression on the film (Fisher & Novati, 2009).
It takes longer for an image to form since the
film at the back of the camera requires a
13

certain amount of light to strike it to create a

proper photograph.
Determining the proper exposure time for
pinhole camera is tricky business and requires a
few calculations as well as the understanding of
the failure of the reciprocity law and the use
of a light meter.
First, you must calculate the f number of
your camera. This is the ratio of the camera’s
focal length (the distance between the pinhole
and the projected image at the back of the
camera) to the diameter of the pinhole (“Perfect
Pinhole Exposure Times,” 2020). The diameter of
your pinhole is approximately .25mm and the
distance from the film to the pinhole is 57.5mm.
You’ll find that the f number of camera is 230.
14

Exposure time will be different depending on

how much light is coming from the scene we want
to capture. The more photons being emitted from
or bouncing off the surfaces of the objects in
our shot, the less time it will take for the
image to be made on the film (Knight, 2017). It
will also vary depending on the light
sensitivity of the film (ISO).
This manual won’t go into the actual
calculations of how exposure time is derived
since light-meters do it automatically. Also,
you already need to do a bit of math to adjust
the reading of the light meter for the high f
number of the pinhole. That said, I encourage
15

you to discover it on your own if you’re

interested!
To figure out the proper exposure time in a
given setting, you must use a light meter which
can installed on your smartphone. I recommend
Lghtmtr. The light meter on your phone won’t be
able to detect the amount of light needed for
your pinhole camera because it can’t replicate
the f number of your pinhole camera (think about
how small the focal length of your phone is and
how much bigger its aperture is compared to Cam
Kit’s).
Consider the relationship between the f
number of the camera and the f number where you
meter the scene. The conversion is done by
dividing the f number of the pinhole camera by
the f number set on the light meter; this number
is squared, and the result is used to multiply
the measured exposure time that the light meter
suggests (“Perfect Pinhole Exposure Times”,
2020).

For example:
16

You’re not done! You need to consider another

important factor in film photography which is
the failure of the reciprocity law. Essentially,
the law establishes the proportion between light
intensity and exposure time. For instance, if we
halve the aperture (halving the amount of light
hitting the film), the required exposure time
will double. However, this so-called law makes
sense in theory but in real life, when using
17

film and various chemicals that make up the

light sensitive emulsion, reciprocity fails.
Film becomes less and less sensitive to light as
it is exposed to it over time. Consequently, you
have to increase the theoretical exposure time
to compensate for the degradation of the film’s
ability to capture light.

On another note, since the film is exposed

for some time while taking the picture, it’s
important that the camera stay completely still
lest the image become blurry. If it moves even
slightly, it will be taking a picture from a
different angle, and the original image will
clash with the new one resulting in a blurred
18

photograph. In order to avoid this trouble, use

a tripod and fasten the camera to it with some
tape. That said, if you’re looking to capture a
different look and play with the medium that is
film, then using your hands is the way to go.

Now you’re ready to take pictures!

Side Note:

If you want to achieve a zoom effect and are

interested in taking the camera beyond its
standard design, just make the focal length
larger by modifying the camera body! Keep in
mind that you will have to modify exposure time
because of the new f number (no longer 230). But
have no fear. You now know how to calculate
everything yourself! The ray diagrams below
demonstrate how this zoom effect is achieved
without the use of lenses (“The Pinhole Camera,”
2018).
19
20

MENTAL HEALTH:
If you haven’t noticed yourself feeling
energized by this exercise in creativity and
scientific skill; or the excitement and
gratitude that bubbles up inside you when you
find the perfect shot; or the pride that you
feel when using a fully functioning camera that
you made yourself; if you haven’t noticed any of
these wonderful ways this project impacted you,
then let me highlight them and open your eyes to
the gift that you have given your mental health.
Taking on a personal project like Cam Kit is
not only an opportunity to develop your skills
and interests but also an exceptional way to
improve your mental health.
Pursuing things that you are passionate
about, especially of your own volition, can be a
powerful form of self-care. When immersing
yourself in an activity that you enjoy and that
challenges you to hone your skills or develop
altogether new ones, you can experience a state
of consciousness where attention and effort are
freely invested without distractions; a state
Csikszentmihalyi calls “flow” (1990). While
21

experiencing “flow”, one can forget one’s

worries and fully engage with the present
moment.
According to Csikszentmihalyi, achieving flow
can improve quality of life through
“differentiation and integration of the self”
(1990). Differentiation refers to the process of
becoming more capable and skilled after
experiencing flow, which promotes individuality
and self-esteem. Integration refers to the
process of focusing thoughts, intentions,
feelings, and senses on the same goal during
flow, which facilitates focus and security and
limits stress (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).
In 2006, a study conducted by Pöllänen in
Finland surveyed 60 women aged between 19-84
years who had been engaging in crafting as a
leisure activity for years. The objective was to
determine the role of craft in their overall
well-being. The results showed that crafting,
regardless of whether it involved following
instructions or creative self-expression, had a
positive impact on the participants' mental
health.
22

The women who took part in the study

described their creative hobbies as "rewarding"
and "satisfying" (Pöllänen, 2006). They took
pride in both the finished product and the
process of production, viewing their work as an
expression of their skills and interests, and an
extension of themselves. Thus, they felt
empowered by their hobby and noted that it
helped them develop a "sense of personal
integrity" (Pöllänen, 2006). Crafting is a means
of self-expression and allows individuals to
learn about themselves and gain a sense of
personal worth and autonomy.
23

In addition to building up your self-

confidence, engaging in an engrossing creative
activity can prevent you from falling prey to
stress related afflictions. For example,
crafting lessens stress through distraction and
reinforces a positive image of oneself as
skilled and productive, giving one the sense of
having control one’s life and future (Pöllänen,
2006). Such positive outlooks and regular breaks
from mental turmoil can carry a person through a
difficult period in their life and prevent them
from dipping into depression and self-pity.
Additionally, and with regards to this
project, there are other mental health benefits
that extend beyond the building process of your
camera. For instance, much of your photography
will be done outside since taking a picture in
broad daylight often yields the best results,
not to mention how much shorter exposure times
become when in the sunshine (*see page 13 for
explanation). In their study of the connection
between going outdoors and people’s mental
24

health and wellbeing during the first national

lockdown (March–May 2020) in the UK, Stock et
al. found that “increases in days spent outside
were associated with increased levels of life
satisfaction” as well as “decreased number of
depressive [and anxiety] symptoms” (2022).
Furthermore, you need to exercise your
artistic imagination to take a picture. In this
way you are forced to appreciate your
surroundings and to consider your environment
more carefully than you might otherwise. This
newfound appreciation can foster feelings of
gratitude which are associated with increased
happiness and lower stress (Chowdhury 2019).
Engaging in a creative personal project,
especially one like Cam Kit, is a tool that you
can use to improve your self-confidence,
resilience, and your perspective on life. So,
craft on!
25

Works Cited:
Cameron, R. Horvath, J. (2015). 3D Printing with
MatterControl. Apress.
Chowdhury, M. R. (2023). The Neuroscience of
Gratitude and Effects on the Brain.
PositivePsychology.com.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1991). Flow. The
Psychology of Optimal Experience. Research Gate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
224927532_Flow_The_Psychology_of_Optimal_Expe
rience
Fisher, D. K., & Novati, A. (2009). Make a
Pinhole Camera. Technology Teacher, 69(3), 15–
19.
Garret, B., Schöffer, F., & Redwood, B.
(2017). The 3D Printing Handbook: Technologies,
design and applications. 3D Hubs.
Huotilainen, M. (2018). Why our brains love arts
and crafts: Implications of creative practices
on
psychophysical well-being. FORMakademisk.
11(2). 1-17.
26

Knight, R. D. (2017). Physics for Scientists and

Engineers: A Strategic Approach (4th ed).
Pearson.
Pöllänen, S. (2006). Crafts as a way to
functional mental health. Research Gate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
235955024_Crafts_as_a_way_to_functional_menta
l_health
Stock, S., Bu, F., Fancourt, D. et al. (2022).
Longitudinal associations between going outdoors
and mental health and wellbeing during a
COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. Sci Rep. 12,
10580. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-
15004-0
The Science of Photography. (April 10, 2020).
Perfect Pinhole Exposure Times [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=eN613GM3xAQ&t=954s
The Science of Photography. (April 29, 2018).
The Pinhole Camera [Video]. Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=VPzAAzEb1wE&t=662s
Woodruff, S. L. (1998). Oatmeal Box Pinhole
Photo Gallery. Oatmeal Box Pinhole
27

Photography.
http://users.rcn.com/stewoody/pupil.htm
(2000, April 1). How Does a Pinhole Camera Work?
HowStuffWorks.com.
https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/
question131.htm
(2023, January 30). How a Pinhole Camera Works
Part 1. Scratchapixel 3.0
https://www.scratchapixel.com