Pinhole photography is a wonderful way of recapturing the pioneer spirit of early photography while at the same time learning the photographic techniques that modern electronic cameras have helped us overlook. We want to give you the opportunity to join this fun hobby and to this end we are introducing an extended range of cameras, produced under the Pinhole Factory label and available exclusively through us.

Based in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, The Pinhole Factory is producing a complete range of top quality pinhole cameras and accessories with exclusive distribution through our mail order service.

Please visit www.cameraobscurabirmingham.co.uk for information about our camera obscura.


New Double Etched Pinhole Lenses made in the UK
We are very pleased to offer these new pinhole lenses as an alternative to laser cut lenses. I think these are a more "natural" type of manufactured pinhole as the etching process creates a saucer shaped depression around the pinhole on both sides of the shim so you do not have the tube effect that is made by the laser cutting process. These pinhole lenses are available in four different sizes in a 1cm disc: 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm and 0.5mm. Also included is a full instruction leaflet with a focal length/f-number chart and suggestions for alternative types of pinhole cameras.The exposure calculator which is enclosed is a great help for determining the exposure for any type of pinhole camera.

The cost of each is £10.00 inc. P & P (if you need advice on which size is best for you, please phone or e-mail and we will be happy to discuss which will be right for your pinhole camera design).

Silver Shims
For those of you who want the ultimate in pinhole lenses we can now offer silver shims for making your own pinhole lens. These are 1cm discs which are 5/1000th of an inch thick and make beautiful pinhole lenses.

For just £6.00 you get 10 shims (full instructions included).

 

The Keyring Classic is the latest version of the Pinhole Factory's Brass exposure calculator. This can be used with any pinhole camera and any exposure meter to calculate how long the exposure is with pinhole camera or lens - it's a must for all pinhole photographers. All you need to do is rotate the dial to your meter setting, then read off the exposure time by your pinhole aperture. The calculator also has a handy key ring so it can be attached to your camera case or a set of keys.

The Classic Pinhole Exposure Calculator, Key ring, is priced at £25 inc. VAT and P&P;.

New to our range is The Sunrise/Sunset Calculator and Compass.
As an aid to all photographers, house buyers and gardeners this handy device will help with the preparation and planning of all outdoor photography, house purchasing or conservatory installation and deciding where to place and get the most from your valuable new plants.

We all know that the sun should rise in the East and set in the West, but this is not very accurate as the tilt in the axis of the Earth means that sunrise and sunset varies throughout the year by as much as 70 degrees in six months. So if you are planning for a future landscape photograph or a major project it would help to know where and when the sun will be rising or setting in six months time.

Our price is only £25 including P&P;

 

The Pinhole Factory can give the owners of 35mm SLR cameras the opportunity to try pinhole photography with their existing equipment!

All this costs just £115

 

The Leather Travel Kit is newly added to our range of accessories and the perfect accompaniment to the Silver Jewel, is the This special offer kit comprises of a real leather gadget bag, Brass Exposure Calculator (with lanyard) and a mini tripod. This padded bag will keep your camera safe and secure but ready to use. There are also additional pockets for film and a shoulder strap.

JUST ADD GLUE! Two new inexpensive cameras are now available. These  5x4 Pinhole Camera DIY Kits are pre-cut by laser, so they are very easy to assemble and glue together.

The Watkins PC 50 and PC 90 camera kits are based on the Watkins Classic 50 and 90 cameras but in kit form and have reduced prices so they are very keenly priced. Accurately cut out of MDF, these cameras are easy to assemble and come complete with two tripod mounts, a shutter and a brass mounted double etched 0.3mm pinhole lens. Both cameras have etched sighting lines and are supplied with an exposure calculator, they will accept double dark slides and a Polaroid back for quick and easy results.

The PC 50 costs £55
The PC 90 is £60 inc. carriage in the UK.

 

The Watkins Classic 50 Super Wide Angle camera has a 50mm f/180 brass lens and two sets of sighting pins to help frame the subject in both the portrait and landscape format. It is also fitted with two tripod bushes to compliment the sighting pins. The camera has a roll locking system that securely holds most double dark slides or instant film backs. As with all of our cameras, it is crafted from mahogany and brass by skilled cabinet makers in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

 

The Watkins Classic 50 is priced at £135 including VAT and P&P;

 

 

The perfect way to complete your pinhole camera outfit is the Pinhole Factory Presentation Pack. This offers you the chance to buy an aluminium type case with foam interior, table-top tripod and a brass Universal Calculator for only an extra £37.50 (when purchased with one of the Pinhole Factory cameras).

 

Here, in summary, is a table listing the specifications of the Pinhole Factory range, but please don't hesitate to contact us for more information on these exciting products.