Q & A
Questions about pinhole photography:

Is it really possible to take pictures without a lens?

What is a pinhole camera?

 
Questions about film:

What is 120 roll film?

Why use 120 format?

I have never use 120 roll film before. How can I get a take-up spool? Is that I have to waste a new roll of film? [From our Hong Kong Friends, 12/3/99]

Where can I buy the 120 roll film?-From our Hong Kong Friends [24 Nov. 1999]

What is 135 roll film?

Can I take transparencies or slides?

Can I use paper film?

Can I take Polaroid snapshots with Zero camera?

Do the Polaroid 550 and 405 backs fit well onto your Zero45 cameras? I\'ve been using a 545i on a different make of pinhole camera and am now switching to the 550 (since Fuji is still making film for it). I\'m finding that the back does not fit as well as the 545i, so I\'m thinking of switching over to ZeroImage. However, I want to be sure the 550 will make a good fit.

 

Questions about ordering and shipping:

How much is the Zero Image cameras?

Do you accept credit cards?

How long does it take to receive my camera after order confirmation?

What kind of money order you accept or we can buy? [Special thanks to Rob McElroy from United States-12/4/99]

What will be the shipping to Germany, or Italy or France?

I live in hk and i would like to buy zero 612b , how can i pay and i will pick up in your office?

I living in Hong Kong and bought a Zero 612B Pinhole camera on 9 Nov. 2010 you charge me shipping fee US35.00. But actual when I received the 612B ship by you in Hong Kong, the shipping fee only HKD29.4, it is 9.2 times you charge me, could you explain to me ASAP. Thanks?

 
Questions about our cameras (operation, modification and maintenance):

I have lost the instruction manual that came with my pinhole camera. Do you have a .pdf version?

I bought a used Zero camera which don't have a manual, how can I acquire one?

Can I take multi-exposures with this camera?

Can I take a flash photo with this camera?

Do you produce cameras in other formats?

Por favor, necesitaría que la respuesta a esto y las instrucciones sean en español, para una mejor
comprensión. ¿Cómo sería la forma de pago?. Para mí sería muy útil hacerlo por contrarreembolso.-Mario, Spain [24, Nov. 1999]

I wanted to know if the brass shim for the "pinhole" could be repaired or replaced by myself if damaged ?
Does the "shutter" system get loose after using the camera for a while?
How thick is the wood that is used to make the camera? What type wood is it exactly? [Tom Lindsay, Dec. 1, 99]

a. What is the horizontal and vertical angle of view?
b. Zero2000 has focal length of 25mm on 6x6 format. So what is its equivalent focal length on 35mm format? [Mr Lee Wei-Shuan from Singapore, 12/27/99]

Regarding the 25mm focal length of the Zero 2000 camera, what size image appears on one 6x6cm frame? Does it cover the full 6x6 frame or is the image circular? - [Mr. Brad Barnes from Australia, 12/30/99]

Is it possible to out fit your camera with photographic filters placed on the inside of the camera. If so how if not why? [Mr. Nanzetta Merriman, 1/15/2000]

One question: I'm having trouble seeing the frame numbers through the red window. Any suggestions? Thanks.
[Mr. Steve KaganStill, 1/26/2000]

Is it possible to mount a zone plate to your pinhole camera?
Can the brass shim be easily accessed and replaced by the owner?
The zone plate opening is about 2.5 mm in diameter.
Also how does one compose with your camera?
[Rick Murai, California, 2/8/00]

I have received the camera today, but I have not as yet taken it out of the box. I am going to wait a few minutes until I have quiet time alone to exam it well. I have bought black and white, and color, slide and print film. What do you suggest I start with first? I have no idea how many seconds I should try at first......Would you suggest a time for me? Maybe 5 seconds in bright sunlight or 8 seconds in shade? What do you think? Hope you are doing well. I am very happy to have the camera. Hear from you soon.

Best Wishes. Elyse

[Elyse, USA, 8/29/00]

 

hi zernike--i opened thecamera today. it is very beautiful... thank you so much for the information on exposure times.  i did't realize that the pinhole would be so small. at first i thought that you forgot to put the hole in the camera. then i realized that it was there just very very small. when i look through it ,it looks kind of like one is looking through a screen. is that the way it is supposed to look like?  is there a way i should keep the camera clean?  should i clean the pinhole lens with something to keep the dust and dirt out? what kind of oil is best for preserving the finish..?  thank you again for all of your help, and kindness.  hope to hear from you soon. thank you . best wishes,  elyse

[Elyse, USA, 8/29/00]

First of all, I want to thank you for making such a fine product. I
have now used the camera in abandoned factories in California and
pathology museums in Bangkok. Very fun and well-made little item. I do have a question, though. I ordered my camera with a zone plate, and consequently have short exposure times in sunlight. Do you have any suggestions for triggered shutters for this camera, since many times my fingers are not quick enough opening and closing, especially if not on a tripod?
thanks,
Blake Maniquis- a satisfied customer
[Blake Maniquis, USA, 9/4/00]

I\'ve bought a 6x9 camera in the past and I\'m really happy with it! Now I\'m considering to get a Zero 6x12F but I wonder why is this cameras so priced? My question is, what the diference between this model and the economic version besides shutter and bubble lever? Even if I buy de economic version + bubble + shutter is cheaper than the deluxe. Why do I supose to buy this one? Please convince me!! I want one of this!! =D

[18/3/10]

 

 

Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail if you have any more questions. Thanks

 

Is it really possible to take pictures without a lens?

Yes, our pinhole cameras can take excellent pictures, which tend not to be quite as sharp as pictures taken with a conventional lens camera. The results will generally be better with a tripod. Or you can hand hold the camera for special motional effects.

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What is a pinhole camera?

It is a simple light-tight box with a tiny hole (usually made of brass shim), placed in front of the box. For more about pinhole photography, please go to our interest link page.

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What is 120 roll film?

120 roll film is an international standard size for medium format photography used by professional photographers and artists. 

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Why use 120 format?

There are several reasons why we chose 120 format:

 

1. Better quality than that of 135 format.

2. Much easier to change the film: if you use 135, you have to wind the film back to the beginning once you have exposed all frames. If you use 4 x 5 format and take more photos in the field, you have to carry a lot of cut film holders, or you need a changing bag. If you use paper film or special format, e.g. 8 x 10, you have to load the film or paper negative every time after each shot.

3. If you don't want to process the film and make the print, you can just send it to the lab . If you want to do it yourself, just add a processing can that accepts 120 is o.k. You can also enlarge your image with your enlarger by adding a 120 film holder.

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I have never use 120 roll film before. How can I get a take-up spool? Is that I have to waste a new roll of film? [From our Hong Kong Friends, 12/3/99]

Please visit here for more information.

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What is 135 roll film?

It is the same as 35mm roll film.

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Where can I buy the 120 roll film in Hong Kong?-From our Hong Kong Friends [24 Nov. 1999]

You can buy it from the well-known shops and labs at Color Six, Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong. What we can buy in Hong Kong is only Kodak and Fuji. (There may be other brands available, so if anybody knows please tell me). You can also get other brands via mail order.

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Can I take transparencies/slides?

Yes, You can take transparencies, in color or b&w.

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Can I use paper film?

Yes, but you have to cut the paper film into size and load it to the camera before you take the photo.You may need to carry a changing bag or tent for load and unload the paper film.

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Can I take Polaroid snapshots with this camera?

You can only use Polaroid back with our Zero 4 x 5 system, it's a regret that now the Polaroid film is discounted. You can try Fuji instance film.

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Do the Polaroid 550 and 405 backs fit well onto your Zero45 cameras? I\'ve been using a 545i on a different make of pinhole camera and am now switching to the 550 (since Fuji is still making film for it). I\'m finding that the back does not fit as well as the 545i, so I\'m thinking of switching over to ZeroImage. However, I want to be sure the 550 will make a good fit.
You can use the 550 film back with our camera but this film back is a bit different from the other standard polaroid film back so the final image may shift (up and down position).
i..e. the final image is not located at the middle of your film, you may need to do some adjustment when framing the image.
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How much is the Zero Image camera?

Please visit our Price List page. You may need to pay for the import tax (or VAT) if the custom of your countries need to charge you for such tax.

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Do you accept credit card?

Yes, we accept Paypal or CCnow since January of 2000. For details, please go to Credit Card Payment.

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How long does it take to receive my camera after order confirmation?

Normally we can ship your order within 72 hours after the order is send to us by Paypal or CCnow. We ship by Speed Post (EMS) and the normal delivery time is just 2-3 business days. It may need more time for the parcel to reach to your door depends on your custom.

For Hong Kong customers or visitors to Hong Kong, please visit here for more information.
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What kind of money order you accept or we can buy? [Special thanks to Rob McElroy from United States-12/4/99]
Sorry we no longer able to accept money order since 2004, now we can accept credit card or money/bank transfer only (25/4/2007).
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What will be the shipping to Germany, or Italy or France?
We offer a flat shipping rate for all countries. The price is the same what we listed on our web site, for ordering, please visit here.
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I live in hk and i would like to buy zero 612b , how can i pay and i will pick up in your office?
For Hong Kong customers or visitors to Hong Kong, please visit here for more information.
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I living in Hong Kong and bought a Zero 612B Pinhole camera on 9 Nov. 2010 you charge me shipping fee US35.00. But actual when I received the 612B ship by you in Hong Kong, the shipping fee only HKD29.4, it is 9.2 times you charge me, could you explain to me ASAP. Thanks. Sze Man Hon Email: pilotsss@yahoo.com [21/11/10]
I don't find any emergency in your question and why I need to explain it ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before you send us your question, you even haven't check your CCnow account for the refund that we have isssued immiedately after we ship your item!!!

For Hong Kong customers or visitors to Hong Kong, please visit here for more information.
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I have lost the instruction manual that came with my pinhole camera. Do you have a .pdf version?

Please provide information about when and where you bought our camera, we also need the serial number of your camera. We will help you for the manual. If you bought a second hand camera without the manual, please pay for the manual.
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I bought a used Zero camera which don't have a manual, how can I acquire one?
Our manual is a part of our pinhole camera and it only comes with our cameras. All replacement manual cost US$10 including shipping. It is because we don't have a lot of spare manual and we will not sell the manual to non-Zero camera-owner, please provide the serial number of your camera before we can sell you the replacement manual.
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Can I take multi-exposures with this camera?

Yes, you can take as many exposure as you want. Simply don't advance the film.

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9. Can I take a flash photo with this camera?

Yes, flash photo is possible. Simply open the shutter and trigger your flash head or flash light. If the output of your flash is not enough for the exposure, trigger your flash several more times to achieve the proper exposure time and close the shutter when you have finished.

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Do you produce cameras in other formats?

We have already incorporated 35mm, 6 x 7, 6 x 9, 6 x 12 and 4 x 5 formats, and are available in different focal lengths. If you are interested in these formats, please e-mail us and let us know.

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. Por favor, necesitaría que la respuesta a esto y las instrucciones sean en español, para una mejor
comprensión. ¿Cómo sería la forma de pago?. Para mí sería muy útil hacerlo por contrarreembolso.-Mario, Spain [24, Nov. 1999]

I am so sorry that I cannot under your language, it's Spanish?
Let me hazard a guess: You want to have an instruction in Spanish?Please visit Manual in Spanish. We have our Spanish friend Carlos who has helped us to translate our manual into Spanish.
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I wanted to know if the brass shim for the "pinhole" could be repaired or replaced by myself if damaged ?
Does the "shutter" system get loose after using the camera for a while?
How thick is the wood that is used to make the camera? What type wood is it exactly? [Tom Lindsay, Dec. 1, 99]

The brass shim is not easy to damage if you are not intend to punch it with a sharp pen or other pointed object. When it is not in use, it is protect by the shutter and the brass ring (as you can see in the picture). You can remove the shim if you don't like the original one, in case you decide to make your own in a circular shape and replace ours. Our shim is in a tiny disk shape. We can send you one separately without installing it to the camera. So you can install your own into the camera. The pinhole is the heart of the camera. You can use one made by yourself. The shutter is just held by the two screws, and it will loosen after using the camera for a long time. You can adjust the screw to suit you.
We adjust the screw somewhere between not-so-tight (easy to slide) and not-so-loose (will not open by it's weight when carrying). Customers can adjust it to suit their own preferences. We have mentioned this topic in our instruction manual which accompanies the camera.
The wood is a Teak Wood imported from Mainland China. It's a rather high-price wood that we can get in our country. We tried many different woods, and have found this to be the best choice for the manufacturing of our cameras, from the standpoint of cost, quality, and durability.
The wood is rather heavy because it is very dense. It's harder than cherry.
We know many people like cherry but this wood in our country is very very expensive and it will triple the price of the camera. We aim to let more people enjoy pinhole photography by keeping our purchase prices very reasonable and affordable. The thickness of the wood is 6.5-7mm. The joints are rigid and light-tight. When you get the camera, you will find that we have considered every part of the camera, and have addressed any problems that might occur when taking photos, whether it be film advancing, exposure, film holding, format, reloading film, etc..
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a. What is the horizontal and vertical angle of view?
b. Zero2000 has focal length of 25mm on 6x6 format.  So what is its equivalent focal length on 35mm format?  (this question is somehow related to Question 1) [Mr.  Lee Wei-Shuan from Singapore, 12/27/99]
a. The horizontal and vertical angle of view for this camera is 95.45 deg. and 130 deg. diagonally.
b. The focal length for a pinhole camera is the distance between the film plane and the hole. It is different from that of a 'lens". We can say that an 80mm lens for medium format is equivalent to a 50mm lens for 135 format. But for a pinhole camera, the focal length is dependent on the design of the camera. For example, in the Zero 2000, the distance of the pinhole from the film plane is 25mm, so we call the focal length 25mm. We can make it in any format and it wil remain a 25mm of focal length. The only thing that changes with the format is the angle of view. The result in image is the smaller the format, the more normal perspective (like that of a tele-lens). The larger the format, the more distorted perspective (like that of super-wide angle lens).
We can tell you that images come out from the Zero 2000 is similar to the images result from a wide-angle 20MM lens for 35 format. The overall effect, however is different. We suggest you to visit our gallery to see the images took by our different Zero cameras.

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Regarding the 25mm focal length of the Zero 2000 camera, what size image appears on one 6x6cm frame? Does it cover the full 6x6 frame or is the image circular? - [Mr.  Brad Barnes from Australia, 12/30/99]

It covers the full 6x6 format. The actual side of the image on the 120 film is 57mm x 57mm.
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Is it possible to out fit your camera with photographic filters placed on the inside of the camera. If so how if not why? [Mr.  Nanzetta Merriman, 1/15/2000]

Yes, it is possible to do that. The interior of the camera will hold a filter that conforms to a size 55mm x 55mm. You can simply find a filter with a diameter size smaller than 55mm. (Square filters cut into size make a good fit.) If the filter is too small and tends to shift about, just tape it with photography tape. Personally I don't use commercial filters. I prefer to use color acetate (color film about 0.8mm) and cut it in a size of 54 x 54mm, which I then put into the camera, with no tape needed. I have also cut a Cokin filter which fit well.
We could have added a filter holder, but we didn't because of the following points:
1. Not all people like to use filter for pinhole photography.
2. If we made the filter holder, the size of the filter becomes fixed, and the customer then has to find a filter with the right form factor. Now our customers can put their existing filter into the camera, so long as it is smaller that "55MM".
3. If we made the filter holder, the camera's size would increase, and one of our chief aims was to make a compact camera.
4. It would also make the camera a bit more complicated. The camera as it exists is simple to operate, and a joy to carry.
5. Many people can make their own pinhole cameras. We have left some space for the customer to convert the camera to fit their demands,
like the shutter, the lens, the filter, and also the finishing.
6. We wanted to design a camera with elegant simplicity and handy construction, so that every function can be enjoyed by every customer.

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One question:  I'm having trouble seeing the frame numbers through the red window.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.
[Mr. Steve KaganStill, 1/26/2000]

Move the camera at different angles so that the light can shine into the small window. Do not put your head too close to it or you will block the light. Keep it at least 12 inches from your eye. You should be able to see the number even in dim light.
If you still have problems seeing it, a mini torch may help.
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Is it possible to mount a zone plate to your pinhole camera?
Can the brass shim be easily accessed and replaced by the owner?
The zone plate opening is about 2.5 mm in diameter.
Also how does one compose with your camera?
[Rick Murai, California, 2/8/00]

Yes, it is possible to mount a zone plate to the Zero 2000 camera but we don't recommend our customers to work on it as it may cause damage to the camera.
You can buy the brass shim and stick it to the brass ring of this camera.
 To replace one, you have to punch out the original one (it will damage it) and then stick the one you drilled yourself, or the zone plate, to the brass ring of the camera.
Our camera has a brass ring with an opening of 3mm diameter. The brass shim is attached to the brass ring (on the inner side of the camera)

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dear zernike-i have received the camera today, but i have not as yet taken it out of the box.  i am going to wait a few minutes until i have quiet time alone to exam it well.  i have bought black and white, and color, slide and print film.   what do you suggest i start with first?  i was thinking of using the color slide film first.   i have no idea how many seconds i should try at first........would you suggest a time for me?  maybe 5 seconds in bright sunlight or 8 seconds in shade?  what do you think?   hope you are doing well.  i am very happy to have the camera.   hear from you soon.   best wishes.   elyse

[Elyse, USA, 8/29/00]

A clever decision is to use the color slide film first. Black and White will be the last one to use until you can "see" the tone and contrast of the scene.

 
If your slide film is ASA 100, use 1-2 seconds in bright sunlight, 6-10 seconds in shade. Try to shoot the same scene with different exposure times, and record the time for each frame. When the slide film is processed, you can find the correct exposure time for different light conditions. The advantage of using slide film is that you can know whether the exposure time is correct when you see the film. It is very difficult to judge this with a negative.
 
Use 10-20minutes when shot indoor under sufficient light, like that found in the office, or in a shopping mall, etc.
Use at least 30minutes when shooting indoors under dim light, like a moody restaurant.
 
Remember to record all the exposure times of each frame for each roll of film. You will find it very useful as a reference for your next roll of film. After several rolls of film, you will be able to take photos with correct exposures more easily.
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hi zernike--i opened the camera today.  it is very beautiful... thank you so much for the information on exposure times.   i did't realize that the pinhole would be so small. at first i thought that you forgot to put the hole in the camera.  then i realized that it was there just very very small.  when i look through it ,it looks kind of like one is looking through a screen.  is that the way it is supposed to look like?   is there a way i should keep the camera clean?   should i clean the pinhole lens with something to keep the dust and dirt out? what kind of oil is best for preserving the finish..?   thank you again for all of your help, and kindness.   hope to hear from you soon.  thank you .  best wishes,   elyse

[Elyse, USA, 8/29/00]

When you look through the tiny hole, it look like it is fogged. This is normal. Your eye and the small hole is 100% o.k. Since the shutter is always closed, the lens will not become dusty easily. You can blow the lens with an air blower TENDERLY. Too much pressure will blow out the lens.
You may use orange oil or lemon oil for wood (furniture) cleaning. I think you can buy it easily, or you may order it from internet. Beeswax for wood polishing, and also works well. If you are interested in learning more, you may visit www.constantines.com or type "wood polish" into your search engine.

First of all, I want to thank you for making such a fine product.  I
have now used the camera in abandoned factories in California and
pathology museums in Bangkok.  Very fun and well-made little item.  I do have a question, though.  I ordered my camera with a zone plate, and consequently have short exposure times in sunlight.  Do you have any suggestions for triggered shutters for this camera, since many times my fingers are not quick enough opening and closing, especially if not on a tripod?
thanks,
Blake Maniquis- a satisfied customer

[Blake Maniquis, USA, 9/4/00]

1. You may try the finger method. First open the shutter and cover the "lens" with your finger, remove and put it back to cover the "lens" as fast as you can. You may use your hat instead of your finger.
2. If fast speed film is not a must for your photography, try slower speed film.
3. We sell a cable release attachment (the new shutter mechanism for the 6 x 9 and 6 x 12 format, and also sold as accessory). This would make a perfect upgrade your camera, and a great way for you to deal with fast exposure times.
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I\'ve bought a 6x9 camera in the past and I\'m really happy with it! Now I\'m considering to get a Zero 6x12F but I wonder why is this cameras so priced? My question is, what the diference between this model and the economic version besides shutter and bubble lever? Even if I buy de economic version + bubble + shutter is cheaper than the deluxe. Why do I supose to buy this one? Please convince me!! I want one of this!! =D

[18/3/10]

Dear Gabe,
Thanks for interesting in our camera again.
The Zero 612F is our top of the line camera, if you look carefully to the detail of this camera, you will know the production time is many times longer than our other camera and all it's minor details are of very well-considered designed:
1. Special joint make it more complicate (in production), the back panel is made of 3 piece of wood glued together, this avoid serious wrap when the weather change;
2. previous marking for framing;
3. with film format indication at the back;
4. pressurized film back to avoid curvy film;
5. pinhole and zone plate interchangeable structure which is rather expensive and difficult to machine, but it is very handy if you like both pinhole and zone plate because you can switch them anytime you want;
6. Bubble level is not just on top of the top panel, there is a pocket hole machined so as to hold the bubble perfectly, this add difficult to production;
7. format indication on top of the divider;
8. for the finishing, it do have more layers;
9. other 612 pinhole camera available in the market are as high as US$900 (except the copy camera from China!!!) while our one are nearly half the price;
10. our basic 612 model cannot install the cable release adaptor because the design is different and it will include the cable release adaptor in every frame when the camera is set to 612 format.

To be honesty, you can be a basic version and you also get the same result (because the pinhole is the same!) but some customer may like to have top of the line item and treat this camera as a piece of art for their own collection, some also have their name engraved on the name plate of the camera.
Different goods for different customers, that's why we make a basic version later.

Hope now you know why the Zero 612F is far more expensive than our other models.
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Have more questions?

Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail. Thanks


 
 

Web page last updated April 18, 2008
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