I'm thinking about trying a few new things. I want to give the Rockland Tintype Parlor kit a shot, but I don't currently have a 4x5 camera to use with it. Could I get acceptable results using the kit with a 4x5 pinhole camera (found plans for one online)?

Chris

theyd likely be LLOOONNNNNGGGGG exposure times...
but cant see why it wouldnt work.
Imagine pinhole shooting would fit the medium of tintypes quite well.

there are a number of people using modified brownies or holgas to make tintypes, maybe try that? i think pinhole would be very long... you might also try making a basic box camera and lens using Alan Greene's manual 'Primitive Photography'

Actually, I have an old folding brownie from the 20s and a newer bakelite box brownie. I could try those.

Chris

The first wet plates I made were done in an old Brownie box camera. Tape over the back of the film holder so the metal doesn't react with the chemicals--so old chemistry doesn't foul the new. They work great for learning and how else are you going to get a $10 tintype camera. Just make sure you have a Brownie that allows the shutter to be set to the open position.

John Coffer's cd's has an indepth demo on how to convert a brownie to wet-plate.

I make wet plate photos with a pinhole camera and it works just fine.

Have fun!

i bought a pinhole toy camera and it's DIY. it says half a second in well lighted or a sunny day? i'm still having second thoughts tho. :)