Q & A |
Questions about pinhole photography: |
Questions about film: |
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] Can I take transparencies or slides? 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? 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 I wanted to know if the brass shim for the "pinhole" could be repaired or replaced by myself if damaged ? a. What is the horizontal and vertical angle of view? 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. Is it possible to mount a zone plate to your pinhole camera? 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.
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 First of all, I want to thank you for making such a fine product. I 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
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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.
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.
120 roll film is an international standard size for medium format photography used by professional photographers and artists.
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.
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. It is the same as 35mm roll film. 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. Can I take transparencies/slides? Yes, You can take transparencies, in color or b&w.
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.
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. 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. 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. Yes, we accept Paypal or CCnow since January of 2000. For details, please go to Credit Card Payment.
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. 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. Sze Man Hon Email: pilotsss@yahoo.com [21/11/10] 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. 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. 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? Yes, you can take as many exposure as you want. Simply don't advance the film.
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.
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.
.
Por favor, necesitaría que la respuesta a esto y las instrucciones
sean en español, para una mejor I
am so sorry that I cannot under your language, it's Spanish? I wanted to know if the brass shim for the "pinhole" could be
repaired or replaced by myself if damaged ?
a. What is the horizontal and vertical angle of view?
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.
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.
One question: I'm having trouble seeing the frame numbers through
the red window. Any suggestions? Thanks. 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.
Is it possible to mount a zone plate to your pinhole camera? 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)
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.
[back]
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 [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. 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,
Have more questions? Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail. Thanks
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