IMG_3520_pinhole_tools

Here's my first pinhole image.

 

What I used to make my dSLR pinhole bodycap. See notes on image for more info.

 

I made a paper template in AutoCad to locate center easily. I cut the brass square, just the right size so the corners would contact the edge inside the body cap. This made it self centering!

 

I cut the .001" thick brass shim stock using the utility knife. I have a handle for holding things like small drills, deburring tools, and needles. I placed a new sewing needle into that handle.

 

I placed the needle in the center of the brass (using paper template) and dimpled the brass. I removed the template, put the needle back on the brass, and then spun the brass under the needle, applying a small amount of pressure.

 

I checked occasionally if a hole had started. The first one I did, I cut the hole using the knife point which made a .015-.020 inch hole. The resulting image was TOO soft!

 

Using the needle, I stopped as soon as the hole appeared. It appears to be about .005-.008 thick, measuring as well as I can using the calipers and the loupe.

 

I used the sandpaper to smooth the burr on the hole after I "drilled it".

 

I used a 3/8" drill to make a hole int he center of the bodycap, well, near the center at least. I wanted to use a 1/2" hole, but that would have meant dragging out the 1/2" corded drill...and I am lazy.

 

I used electrical tap to tape the brass shim pinhole into the cap after cleaning upthe hole in the cap. All done except taking a picture!

 

Shown:

brass shim stock

dial calipers (not really needed)

finished cap

pinhole brass and tape, cut to size

loupe

utility knife

very fine sandpaper

drill with 3/8" drill bit

paper template

sewing needle with handle

Done