Eightbanners Chinese Pinhole Cameras?

[nsurit]

Other than eBay, does anyone have any ideas about how to get in touch with either the manufacturer or a distributor of this line of cameras? They are similar to the Zero Image cameras, of which I have both a 2000 and the 4X5. I've Googled and Dog Piled it and can't come up with an answer. Any ideas? Bill Barber

[Paul Sorensen]

Wow, those are some nice looking cameras. I ended up looking at all of their listings and sample photos and now I have to get one (acute GAS, it would appear).

Here is an email address from the eBay auctions: fotogadget.ebay@gmail.com. They also have a web site at fotogadget.com, but there isn't much there at this point. I did run across this page with a listing of current models and a couple of pictures of them:http://www.fotogadget.com/pinhole/faq_products.html.

If you get one, post your impressions, I am really curious.

[Greg_E]

Those are nice looking cameras! You might try asking in the pinhole forums at http://www.f295.org , maybe someone can help you find them.

[Greg_E]

http://www.f295.org/Pinholeforum/for...?m-1150135163/

The 120BB66 Sky looks kind of nice, I might have to look into that a little more.

[Donald Qualls]

Somewhere, they have a web site with example photos from different models; I've seen it and the images are very good indeed. Search on f295 for "chinese pinhole" and you'll likely find it. The actual pinholes they supply in the cameras seem a little small (0.2 mm), but it's hard to argue with the results.

[Greg_E]

Over all they have a very finished outside look, much better than my woodworking skills allow. I did send and email to the guy asking about unassembled kits, and also about a 35mm version.

[Greg_E]

Just checked my email and here ia what it said:

Hi Greg,

Thanks for your enquiry. I need to ask my supplier if he can supply me the "kits". For the 35mm one, I know that he has made a prototype some time ago, but never put into production. Recently I heard from him that he is considering picking it up again, but I guess this would be the plan of next year. This year 4 more models are coming, a metal 66 & a metal 612 in July, then a 8x10 and a ploaroid ones. I wonder if he has time / energy to pick up the 35mm again this year.

Regards,

Oliver

I replied that I would be interested in the kit and that the 35mm might be nice for the next World Wide Pinhole Day, since that film is easier for a lot of people to get developed.

[reellis67]

Man, the metalwork on that 4x5 is really something. There is a lot to be said for hand craftsmanship in a camera like that.

- Randy

[nsurit]

If you get one, post your impressions, I am really curious.

Paul, to say the least I am both curious and interested. I've expressed my interest to Oliver and I am assuming he is the distributor. If I didn't already have the Zero Image 2000, I'd be real tempted to buy one of his bamboo pinhole cameras.

If I am successful in obtaining one, I may just stop by the Denver Darkroom and let you take a look at it or perhaps even run a roll of film through it. Although I'm in the Houston area, I have a daughter in Golden and visit her family often. Given that she is having a baby in December, I imagine I'll be up there a bit more than usual over the next year or so. Bill Barber

[Paul Sorensen]

Paul, to say the least I am both curious and interested. I've expressed my interest to Oliver and I am assuming he is the distributor. If I didn't already have the Zero Image 2000, I'd be real tempted to buy one of his bamboo pinhole cameras.

If I am successful in obtaining one, I may just stop by the Denver Darkroom and let you take a look at it or perhaps even run a roll of film through it. Although I'm in the Houston area, I have a daughter in Golden and visit her family often. Given that she is having a baby in December, I imagine I'll be up there a bit more than usual over the next year or so. Bill Barber

Awesome Bill, let me know when you are in town, whether or not you get the camera.

Paul.