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Make A Pinhole 'Camera'

What to Do

1. Cut a window (5 cm x 5 cm) in each end of a shoebox, as in the photograph above.

2. Use one window as a viewing window.

3. Cover the other window with aluminum foil. When the foil is taped in place, punch a small pinhole in the middle the foil, using a hatpin.

4. Prepare a ‘screen’ (film) for your ‘camera by cutting a cardboard frame that fits tightly inside the shoe box. frame, tape some wax paper, as in the photograph.

5. Tape the screen into place in the middle of the shoebox.

6. Place the lid on the shoebox. You now have a pinhole ‘camera’.

7. Dim the lights in your room, and aim your ‘camera’ at a window. Look for an image of whatever is outside window. If it is dark outside, aim your ‘camera’ at a lamp inside the room. Look for an image of the lamp.

Questions

1. Is the image you see on the screen colour or black and white?
2. Is the image right side up or inverted?
3. Is the image laterally inverted (turned sideways)?
4. What changes would you have to make to your ‘camera’ if you wished to actually take photographs with it?
5. Upon what property of light does your ‘camera’ depend?

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Make A Pinhole 'Camera'