DIY Pinhole Lens Tutorial

DIY Photography  •  Photography Tips

Would you like to take images with a retro feel to them? And do you happen to have a spare camera body cap with you? If the answer to both of the questions is “Yes”, then you are in luck. Here’s a short DIY tutorial from Blue Mantle Films that show you how to make a pinhole lens from simple household items and a camera body cap:

Here’s what you’ll need for a DIY pinhole lens:

• soda can
• scissors
• camera body cap
• drill
• tape
• knife
• safety pin

How to Make a Pinhole Lens

1. Cut a small circle from the soda can and make a small pinhole in its center using a safety pin.
2. Make a hole on the center of the body cap using a drill, and smooth the surface using a knife.
3. Tape the circle that you cut out in the first step onto the body cap. Be sure not to cover the pinhole with the tape in the process.
4. Remove any dust and debris from the body cap and put it on the camera.

And there you have it, a DIY pinhole lens.

The process is simple and produces some classic looking images. Give this a try and let us know how it goes!