qanda

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.

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.

Yes, but you have to cut the paper into size and load it to the camera before you take the photo. This camera works best with 120 roll film. You can expose as many as you wish without carrying a changing bag or tent.

We are working on this... At present, due to the dimensions of the camera, a Polaroid back is not attachable.

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.

We have already incorporated 6 x 7 and 6 x 9 formats, and are available in different focal lengths. If you are interested in these formats, please e-mail us and let us know. We are also designing a 4 x 5 and 135 format pinhole camera, and a wooden mini tripod.

We have been set-up to accept credit cards since January of 2000. For details, please go to Credit Card Payment.

We ship items immediately via registered air parcel when we receive your payment. It takes about 7 to 15 days for the items to reach to you.

For Hong Kong customers, it is much easier. Just email us or call us. You may get it immediately if you can pick it up at our office.

14. 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.

15. If possible other format? which?, I have only one problem, my enlarge is for 35mm but is not big problem.-Mario, Spain [24, Nov. 1999]
135 format is coming soon. May be by the end of 2002 but we can't promise, as we need more time to tackle all the technical problems that may arise.

It's easy for those who have an enlarger for 35mm, as you can simply cut the top and the bottom of the exposed film so that it is adaptable to your 35 mm enlarger.
What you got is a 35mm x 55mm format, and a Panoramic Camera.
[back]

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

You can buy it from the well-known shops and labs at Central, Robert Lam, Color Six. 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. You can give me a call or e-mail and I can tell you the details if you still have problem getting the film.

17. 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 Thailand. 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..
[back]

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

Just wanted to share a bit of information regarding money orders here in the States. The most popular money orders in the US are the one's we can buy at any United States Post Office and there are two kinds; Domestic and International. The interesting quirk is that when you go in to the post office to purchase one, they ask you what country you are sending it to. Low and behold they wouldn't sell me an International Money Order, so I could send payment to you, because Hong Kong isn't on their list of accepted countries.
Well, I solved the problem by going and getting a Western Union money order which I was told was international and should be able to be cashed anywhere. They didn't care what country I was going to send it to.
[back]

19. 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]

We will provide you with a take-up spool so when you get the camera, you can use it immediately with your fresh roll of film.

20. 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 135 format. The overall effect, however is different.

21. 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.
[back]

22. 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.

23. 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.
[back]

24. 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]

25. 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.

[back]

26. 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.

[back]

27.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

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.
[back]


	Q & A
	1. Is it really possible to take pictures without a lens? 2. What is a pinhole camera? 3. What is 120 roll film? 4. Why use 120 format? 5. Can I take transparencies or slides? 6. Can I use paper film? 7. Can I take Polaroid snapshots with this camera? 8. Can I take multi-exposures with this camera? 9. Can I take a flash photo with this camera? 10. Do you produce cameras in other formats? 11. How much is this camera? 12. Do you accept credit cards? 13. How long does it take to receive my camera after order confirmation? 14. 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] 15. If possible other format? which?, I have only one problem, my enlarge is for 35mm but is not big problem.-Mario, Spain [24, Nov. 1999] 16. Where can I buy the 120 roll film?-From our Hong Kong Friends [24 Nov. 1999] 17. 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] 18. What kind of money order you accept or we can buy? [Special thanks to Rob McElroy from United States-12/4/99] 19. 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] 20. 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] 21. 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] 22. 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] 23. One question: I'm having trouble seeing the frame numbers through the red window. Any suggestions? Thanks. [Mr. Steve KaganStill, 1/26/2000] 24. 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] 25. 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] 26. 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] 27. 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] Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail if you have any more questions. Thanks
	1. 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. [back] 2. 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. [back] 3. What is 120 roll film? 120 roll film is an international standard size for medium format photography used by professional photographers and artists. [back] 4. 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. [back] 5. Can I take transparencies/slides? Yes, You can take transparencies, in color or b&w. [back] 6. Can I use paper film? Yes, but you have to cut the paper into size and load it to the camera before you take the photo. This camera works best with 120 roll film. You can expose as many as you wish without carrying a changing bag or tent. [back] 7. Can I take Polaroid snapshots with this camera? We are working on this... At present, due to the dimensions of the camera, a Polaroid back is not attachable. [back] 8. Can I take multi-exposures with this camera? Yes, you can take as many exposure as you want. Simply don't advance the film. [back] 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. [back] 10. Do you produce cameras in other formats? We have already incorporated 6 x 7 and 6 x 9 formats, and are available in different focal lengths. If you are interested in these formats, please e-mail us and let us know. We are also designing a 4 x 5 and 135 format pinhole camera, and a wooden mini tripod. [back] 11. How much is this camera? Please visit our Price List page. [back] 12. Do you accept credit card? We have been set-up to accept credit cards since January of 2000. For details, please go to Credit Card Payment. [back] 13. How long does it take to receive my camera after order confirmation? We ship items immediately via registered air parcel when we receive your payment. It takes about 7 to 15 days for the items to reach to you. For Hong Kong customers, it is much easier. Just email us or call us. You may get it immediately if you can pick it up at our office. [back] 14. 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. [back] 15. If possible other format? which?, I have only one problem, my enlarge is for 35mm but is not big problem.-Mario, Spain [24, Nov. 1999] 135 format is coming soon. May be by the end of 2002 but we can't promise, as we need more time to tackle all the technical problems that may arise. It's easy for those who have an enlarger for 35mm, as you can simply cut the top and the bottom of the exposed film so that it is adaptable to your 35 mm enlarger. What you got is a 35mm x 55mm format, and a Panoramic Camera. [back] 16. Where can I buy the 120 roll film?-From our Hong Kong Friends [24 Nov. 1999] You can buy it from the well-known shops and labs at Central, Robert Lam, Color Six. 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. You can give me a call or e-mail and I can tell you the details if you still have problem getting the film. [back] 17. 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 Thailand. 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.. [back] 18. What kind of money order you accept or we can buy? [Special thanks to Rob McElroy from United States-12/4/99] Just wanted to share a bit of information regarding money orders here in the States. The most popular money orders in the US are the one's we can buy at any United States Post Office and there are two kinds; Domestic and International. The interesting quirk is that when you go in to the post office to purchase one, they ask you what country you are sending it to. Low and behold they wouldn't sell me an International Money Order, so I could send payment to you, because Hong Kong isn't on their list of accepted countries. Well, I solved the problem by going and getting a Western Union money order which I was told was international and should be able to be cashed anywhere. They didn't care what country I was going to send it to. [back] 19. 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] We will provide you with a take-up spool so when you get the camera, you can use it immediately with your fresh roll of film. [back] 20. 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 135 format. The overall effect, however is different. [back] 21. 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. [back] 22. 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. [back] 23. 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. [back] 24. 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. 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) [back] 25. 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] 26. 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. [back] 27.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. [back] Have more questions? Don't hesitate to send us an e-mail. Thanks


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