Camera is usually considered as tight box,
and browsing Obscura will show you that it has too much from a field of box
design. The question is why that only makes camera be old-fashioned, or camera
itself is really interesting following old fashion? Hope that I can help you
understand that.
Note that if you are not used to 5x4-film,
you can find some information from our previous comments about Harman Titan
camera.
Ilford Obscura 5x4 Pinhole
Outstanding features
We have shared you that it is cube and
close, so what else to share? The box is divided into 2 parts including front
part slides into back part closely, that protects camera from being pervaded by
light, in addition to these two parts are kept certainly by magnets on the side
which you almost cannot recognize. In front side, there is a 0.3 mm hole carved
metal equal to number f 248 on focal length of 87 mm, about 26 mm on 35-mm
camera. Small hole is covered with a surprising shape, held by two magnets, and
that is simple to open pedestal and then switch on final point of exposure. It
has three-pin socket on the pedestal but no plan ruler, although its pedestal
is wide enough to put such a ruler on plan of camera. We are not totally sure
about its material, but it is strong sufficiency.
Obscura
darkroom
Processor
Pinhole photography means that time of
exposure exceeds period of holding camera by hand and supporting chain is
necessary. While one leg is more favorite choice, the great thing about box is
that it is quite stable when you put it on something. However, it is pretty
light, so if you do not put it on the rack, you will need keep it stably while
you turn the lid and then close it, or Obscura will move.
Ardvreck
castle
Up to now, really simple, the most
important part of Obscura exchange is that it is one-time capturing device; we
have to uninstall and reload between times of taking photos. That is not easy
to take it with you when going for a walk. Meanwhile it is able to use a bag of
changing films which can be folded in many features; the size of Obscura when
it is divided does not have much space in changing bag for a 3-part film box to
put expose panel into. The bag, at that time, needs to open, and film box is
changed with new one; therefore, it’s a little bother, and we need a jumping
bag as showing in the picture instead of changing bag. Strong point of that is
film or paper is only put directly in outside/ behind part of Obscura, and then
be kept in right position by inside/ front part when sliding it into place; as
a result, loading more easily than usual film-holders.
Clachnaharry
Another thing need to be warned is
scientific effective which is known as failure of reciprocity law meaning that
you have to put much more exposure in a film when the speed is over ½ second.
IIford supplies a diagram for this problem in their capability of film data, so
it is able to be printed out and carried along. For example, say that you have
measured light at 1/15th @f22, and then transfer them to Exposure
Calculator, recording into kit; on that case, time of exposure in f248 is about
8 seconds. If you check up film data then, you will see failure of reciprocity
law, meaning that 8 seconds of exposure are actually need 25 seconds for each
exact degree of exposure; therefore, carelessness can be settled down at 2
stopping points below exposure if only using Calculator.
Inverness
Marina
Performance
Our experiment is limited in Ilford 100
Delta film, so our comments are, too. The first thing to discuss is the lack of
turning down lights in the corners of film, although that can still be an
impact in paper correctly and directly if used. Film is scanned as soft as
expected, but it is more sharpening to give final detailed results, though
there are not mistakes for photos taken by normal camera. You can see the
picture right here and yourselves decide if its appearance can attract your
attention or not. Filter can be hold through pinhole during period of exposure,
and neutral density is also useful on a sunny day when time of exposure can
shorten uncomfortably.
As the previous explanation, time of
exposure have a little of problem, they can be easy in 25 seconds or more, you must
consider light and wait until it is stable at that time. The sun appears and is
shaded by clouds during exposure will cancel everything. This is a serious
binding for a solo camera.
Obscura
by riverside
Value
Obscura kit is retailed in price of $107
including film and paper; therefore, it means that the camera itself may cost
$77 or around, and I recommend that it be worth to try such a type of
photography. However, it is a tactful device, and the only change you can create
is with the sticker coming with that kit in order that you can decorate it to
look funnier.
Conclusion
It’s obvious that Obscura has an especial
design brief, and I are judging it on that basic, not what it could be to
become. Thanks to that foundation, we think it is suitable for its design
definitions really well, and it is made well. However, whenever starting using
it, choice is a single shot carrying with changing tent and film box, so we
find out that it is really limited and reduce funny for me.
For Harman Titan, I have assessed previous
standard 5x4 film-holders, so you can choose as many things as you want when
going out. It also has a 120 mm pinhole camera which can set up 6x6, 6x9, or
6x12 for 12, 8, and 6 photos respectively. In addition to, film may be changed
outside without problems or changing tent, so there is a choice permitting you
to take more photos in whole day. These options also mean that you do not waste
one day when light changes in an exposure because you just transfer to new
film.
Strong
points
·
That is an exact device matching together well
and still close by magnets
·
It’s light and portable so you can carry it all
day
·
No decrease of light on film
·
Its design is unique and has clear purpose
Weak points
·
Each shot is really limit the ability of using
of camera
·
Its nature is no change, and you cannot change
anything for the future
·
Carrying with changing tent and film box is a
big weakness
·
It is not as fun as you can expect
Verdict
·
Function 2/5
·
Control 2/5
·
Performance 4,5/5
·
Value 3/5
·
General assessment 3.5/5
|
Technical
specs
·
87mm focal length
·
Magnetic lock design
·
Front rotates for left or right hand use
·
Holds paper in position for white border
·
0.3mm chemical etched pinhole
·
Tripod converter bush
·
Can be used with 4x5 film or paper
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