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Ilford Obscura Pinhole Camera

BH #ILOPC • MFR #1175415
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Ilford Obscura Pinhole Camera
Key Features
  • Accepts 4 x 5" Film or Paper
  • Wide-Angle 87mm Focal Length
  • Chemically-Etched 0.3mm Pinhole
  • Magnetic Locking Rotating Shutter
The Ilford Obscura Pinhole Camera is a 4 x 5" format camera that accepts either sheet film or photo paper to create unique imagery that exhibits nearly limitless depth of field and requires no focusing. The camera's design holds film or paper in position in the rear of the body and positions it as such to create a small border surrounding the image.
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Ilford Obscura Overview

The Ilford Obscura Pinhole Camera is a 4 x 5" format camera that accepts either sheet film or photo paper to create unique imagery that exhibits nearly limitless depth of field and requires no focusing. The camera's design holds film or paper in position in the rear of the body and positions it as such to create a small border surrounding the image.

It features an 87mm focal length to provide a wide-angle perspective similar to that of a 26.1mm lens on a 35mm-format camera. The 0.3mm chemically-etched pinhole provides an approximate aperture of f/290 and a magnetic locking shutter allows for controlled exposures. The shutter rotates either clockwise or counter-clockwise for right or left-handed operation, and a tripod bushing is incorporated into the camera body for use with any standard tripod.

UPC: 019498175411

Ilford Obscura Specs

Film Format
4 x 5"
Focal Length
87mm
Working F-Stop
f/290
Pinhole Size
0.01" / 0.3 mm
Bubble Level
No
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.35 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.1 x 5.6 x 5.1"

Ilford Obscura Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

Does the camera come with the exposure calculator and the black box to hold exposed film , or it's just the camera ? I saw the kit here on B&H but I wouldn't use the film anyway , just the photo paper .
Asked by: Maira
the Iford Obscura Pinhole Camera does not include an exposure calculator, or a black box to hold exposed media.
Answered by: Leonard E
Date published: 2019-08-18

question

Does it take 4 x 5 Film Holders?
Asked by: Piero P.
No it does not take 4X5 holders. So far I have used it to make paper negatives by cutting RC paper into 4X5 sheets. The camera separates into two halves with the paper layed into the bottom halve. When closed the paper is held securely in place. Now that Ilford is again making direct positive papers I plan to try them soon.
Answered by: Richard F.
Date published: 2021-06-21

question

I am familiar with using RC paper in a dark room... but never used 4x5 film.. How is the film/paper removed and developed... do you need your own darkroom?
Asked by: Joe A.
Hi Joe:Perhaps the easiest and most straightforward way to process 4x5 film is to process it exactly the same as you would RC paper with the following exceptions:1. Processing must be done in complete darkness (no safelight). 2. Have the same three trays: developer, stop bath, and fixer. Use a film developer instead of a paper developer.3. Mixing a quart of developer for an 8x10 tray should be ample.4. Use a timer with fluorescent glow to time development. Follow the instructions for time listed for your particular developer/film combination. A website containing The Massive Development Chart online (do a search) might be helpful here.5. Wearing protective gloves, gently push the film around in the developer for the allotted time and then transfer to the stop bath, and then to the fixer. Remember to keep the lights off and be in complete darkness until you complete the fixer stage.As a suggestion, you might want to place the 8 x 10 developer tray into a 16 x 20 tray filled with water at 68 degrees. That will help to maintain the temp in the developer tray throughout the length of the process.Hope that helps you get started. All the best to you!
Answered by: Peter B.
Date published: 2022-12-13
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