Photography doesn’t have to be expensive, something that’s especially true in the realm of film photography, where the imperfections of the medium can be half the appeal. There are many DIY plans and kits available for analog cameras, but [bhiga143] had couple spare components and a pile of small, colorful bricks lying around, so he decided to build a functional 4×5″ film camera out of Lego.
Details are light for this build, but with a little knowledge about camera structure we can guess at what’s going on inside. Simplicity makes for robust design, and what we have here is in effect a box with a lens on one side and photographic film on the other. The center section of the front, which actually supports the lens, is capable of sliding in and out to adjust focus. On the far side (not pictured) is a slot just wide enough to insert a standard film holder.
The camera really is a hack. [bhiga143] stayed true to the “Lego” part of Lego camera, so there is no glue, no black paper lining, and no frills. The tripod is whatever stack of books lay underneath it. The lens is, quote, “barely functional”. There are light leaks galore, and it can’t focus beyond about 3 feet (1 meter). But every one of those points just makes us love it more. Every nugget of imperfection is a few words added to the story each picture tells. And we honestly can’t wait to see more pictures.
Other Lego cameras we’ve seen have been smaller and less colorful, but using a simple pinhole lens can reduce the overall cost. Of course, you’re not limited to Lego if you want to build your own pinhole camera. Although, the ubiquitous plastic bricks can also be useful in later stages of the film photography process.
LEGO
(always capitalized, never pluralized)
Used to think so too, But nope, in Finland it’s plural. Tried arguing with some Finns over this so they showed me a box.
Oh the hours, nay, days, that I would spend huddled over my LEGO pieces… The instructions nowhere to be found…
Oops! I lost the instructions…. Again. Definitely a winning strategy in my book.
Never tried with LEGO, but I did take a photograph with a toaster once.
On a bet.
I slid a 4×5 film holder into one slot, put a pinhole in the middle of the other side, sealed it all up with black gaffer tape, and took it out to the park.
Turned out kinda cool, the picture had shadows across it from the heater wires.
Nice one!! It would be great if you shared the photos (of and with the device)! I am really curious to see this.
I would love to see what developed..