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Archive of 2000-01 Entries in
Reflection on the Magic Mirror of Life
In October 2001 the guestbook has been suspended bacuase of an increase
in inapropriate links that must be edited out each day. We have moved
the 2000 and 2001 entries to this archive. If you have comments or questions
please send them to us by e-mail while we investigate a system for easier
maintaince of the guestbook.
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Mirror of Life home page
Send us comments and questions at:studio@brightbytes.com
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Reply to Josef's entry below:
No, this is not an error. The camera obscura effect can exist in nature
and there are references to the phenomenon long before Ibnu-al-Haytham, for
example Mo-Ti (5th century BC) in China and Aristotle (384-322 BC). It is also
very difficult to assign "invention" to early references since many discoveries
were made over and over again. Please look at the page What
is a Camera Obscura? on this site.
Regards,
Beverly
USA - Friday, October 05, 2001 at 19:41:57 (EDT)
ERROR IN F.A.Q: Nobody invented the camera obscura? Why, that's obscure! They
were made by muslim scholar Ibnu-al-Haytham based on his book of astronomy, math,
optical, and biology studies: Kitab al-Manazir (book of perspective), almost 1000
years ago!!! Yes, 1000 years ago.
Josef
USA - Friday, October 05, 2001 at 11:38:41 (EDT)
Nice place. Thanks!
Nice place. Thanks!ritamiller@terra.es>
United States - Monday, October 01, 2001 at 23:40:09 (EDT)
I have recently found a camera that belonged to my Grandmother. It is a Brownie
Junior six-20 in excellent shape. I also have the box that it was packaged in.
The postmark is from Mason City Iowa the stamp date is 1932. Can anyone send information
for this camera
Pamela E. Ickes <pamelai@parlorcityi.com>
Montpelier, IN USA - Friday, September 21, 2001 at 16:46:18 (EDT)
Hi, I am a college student who wishes to build a camera obscura for the purposes
of drawing. I need to know more about mirror placement and lenses. I've only ever
encountered a pinhole-style camera obscura. Thanks
Erin de Zwart <blackzwart>
Kamloops, BC Canada - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 18:59:23 (EDT)
Excellent website. I often have LOTS of camerawork when taking pictures of
jewelry for the store...This stuff IS history!
Jewelry Store
USA - Monday, September 10, 2001 at 16:16:47 (EDT)
can anyone help? I'm in the process of building a camera obscura and would
like to use lenses in the construction. The size of the 'box' is approx 1.2m square
and i'd like to form a sharp image which covers a good proportion of one of the
boxes sides. Could anyone tell me what sort of lens arrangement I would need to
do this? best regards andy
andy <alock@humber.ac.uk>
hull, Yorks UK - Monday, September 10, 2001 at 10:26:37 (EDT)
Liked the site. Thanks!
<tex2309@cfl.rr.com>
Toronto, ON Canada - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 17:11:26 (EDT)
Thanks for all your information.You are help to make a better world.
edgar martin ovares <emartin@congreso.aleg.go.cr>
San José, costa rica - Wednesday, September 05, 2001 at 17:51:11 (EDT)
I am in an 8th grade Art class and my teacher told us to make a pinhole camara
out of a shoe box...how ever I am not sure how to make this,and he said that if
I looked on the internet I would see pictures or notes on how to make one,but
found nothing.Then i saw your website,and saw that you take questions so here
i am.I would greatly apprieciate it if you E-mailed me telling me a way how to
make one.I know i need other matierals other then card board shoe boxs and my
teacher already told me the matierals so you dont have to tell me that info.Thanks
for the help.Please E-mail me!!
Erin <Rottweiler152583>
yorba Linda, ca USA - Tuesday, September 04, 2001 at 19:27:21 (EDT)
Dear Madam, Dear Sir, I am having a problem trying to figure out if it is save
to point the mirror of a camera obscura (e.g an f10 lens) towards the sun so that
an image of the sun is projected onto the table. Wouldn't the table start burning
or a visitor who has his hands in the path be burned? Do you know why or why not?
Thanks for your help. Klaus Hoyer
Edwina Vincent
USA - Friday, August 31, 2001 at 20:25:23 (EDT)
Hi from france !
France - Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 08:50:40 (EDT)
You have a very informative site. Thank you.
<joebambarg@umiami.edu>
Denver, CO USA - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 02:36:02 (EDT)
Thank you, Jack and Beverly. Your site is wonderful and I will go through it
with a fine toothed comb beccause I'd hate to miss anything here. I have been
creating photographs with a 10x10 foot camera obscura, through the wall type,
for the past 5 years. I just recently hearded about the S.F. camera and look forward
to visiting it one day. October, here in Atlanta, is celebrate photography month
and I will be demonstrating my techniques and exhibiting my work. I welcome you
and any other camera obscura enthusists to attend. I hope you will get an opportunity
to visit my website with samples of my work. It will be updated in September with
recent Black and White Photography. Please feel free to contact me further if
you would like additional information about my work. Thanks again.
Richard Gaskins <rgaskins@mindspring.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 12:49:12 (EDT)
EXCELLENT SITE!
Jack <jack@hotmail.com>
USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 21:07:06 (EDT)
Great site!
Lenka
USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 16:51:32 (EDT)
Enjoyed the site. Thankx!
Kansas City
MO USA - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 00:55:13 (EDT)
I went to Edingburgh a few years ago and thought that they mentioned that at
one time Ashburton Devon had a camera obscura ? I can find no record of this,
can you shed any lihgt on this problem ? michael Harriott@tesco,net
harriott <harriott@tesco.net>
ashburton devon, England - Friday, August 10, 2001 at 05:47:04 (EDT)
Cool!!! Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great
Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site
Great Site Great Site Great Site Great Site
Brenda Washington
Leewood, KS USA - Monday, August 06, 2001 at 00:37:08 (EDT)
Can't believe two people from Bristol checking you out the same day! I'm doing
a dissertation on Bristol's cinemas so I'm researching our Camera for some early
historical stuff you've just saved me a few hours down the library. Thanks and
excellent site. Hope you enjoyed our city, the camera is located in a rather fine
position with the bridge and all.
Graham Staples <graham@gstaples.fsnet.co.uk>
Bristol, UK - Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 15:59:06 (EDT)
Excellent site. You've got more information than the Bristol City Official
site has about the Bristol Camera Obscura. Well done. I'm running a Summer School
for Gifted & Talented children over these two weeks and we visited the Camera
Obscura and I've been searching for use ful information and your site provides
just about everything. Thanks.
John Rosewell <rosewellj@tesco.net>
Bristol, England - Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 15:10:33 (EDT)
There is a working camera obscura,which I visited yesterday, in J.M.Barrie's
cricket pavilion. Kirriemuir Scotland.
Andy Yule <andyule@hotmail.com>
Aberdeen, Scotland - Thursday, August 02, 2001 at 05:31:18 (EDT)
Dear Madam, Dear Sir, I am having a problem trying to figure out if it is save
to point the mirror of a camera obscura (e.g an f10 lens) towards the sun so that
an image of the sun is projected onto the table. Wouldn't the table start burning
or a visitor who has his hands in the path be burned? Do you know why or why not?
Thanks for your help. Klaus Hoyer
K. Hoyer <klaushoyer@yahoo.com>
USA - Monday, July 30, 2001 at 14:34:21 (EDT)
you have increased my curiosity. I have a book called 'Camera Obscura' by an
author named 'Hildebrand'. The first edition was 1839 and I have perhaps the 11th
edition. The book is in Dutch and gives fascinating pictures of people living
in Holland in the 1800's. Can you find any further information about the author?
Marguerite Ciolkosz <mkc11@scasd.k12.pa.us>
USA - Friday, July 27, 2001 at 16:06:45 (EDT)
Thanks for all the valuable information! I will be refrencing your site in
my english paper.
chad <chaderh@hotmail.com>
scosttsdale, az USA - Monday, July 23, 2001 at 18:53:31 (EDT)
great site!
ajith <heroajith@multimania.com>
USA - Sunday, July 15, 2001 at 13:35:52 (EDT)
Our beloved San Francisco Camera Obscura now has Historical Landmark status!
Friends of the Camera Obscura worked very hard to save it and special thanks goes
to Joe Durrance for initiating the effort.
Peggy Vincent <playland@sonic.net>
Santa Rosa, CA USA - Monday, July 02, 2001 at 15:39:32 (EDT)
I enjoyed this sight tremendously. I was wondering if you may have some referances
as to a sight or sights that discusses the construction of a simple camera obscura
in detail. If you do, please send this to me, if possible. Thank you!
Hesti van Huyssteen <amvh@mweb.co.za>
Cape Town, Western Cape South Africa - Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 16:34:28 (EDT)
We are trying to locate a camera obscurer to include in a arts and community
centre in Looe, Cornwall, England. Can anyone help please 44 (0)1503 264160
Edwina Arkell <edwina@theartworks.demon.co.uk>
Looe, England - Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 15:44:11 (EDT)
great site!
kamal <kamal@tripod.cl>
USA - Monday, June 25, 2001 at 14:01:31 (EDT)
cool page
hemanth <dthworld@hotmail.com>
USA - Monday, June 18, 2001 at 05:05:46 (EDT)
verry nice.,
redmer de groot
belgie, USA - Monday, June 11, 2001 at 13:43:56 (EDT)
great site!
rajini <rajini@tripod.de>
USA - Friday, June 08, 2001 at 11:36:09 (EDT)
This device is mentioned often in the fictional but factually based 'Girl With
a Pearl Earring' about the artist Vermeer.Thank you for the information - I can't
wait to try to make one in a simple manner, ie cardboard box.
Erma Gimbel <siggyg@connix.com>
Old Saybrook, CT USA - Friday, June 08, 2001 at 08:56:12 (EDT)
Hi! Love your site. I am a long-time admirer of the Giant Camera in SF, but
also a professor of history at Union College (Schenectady, NY) and currently writing
an article on camera obscuras in the nineteenth century. I'm of course interested
in the details of their location, construction, longevity, etc., but am especially
concerned with the way in which they were marketed (advertisements, stereocards,
cartoons etc.), particularly as it relates to voyeurism and "see-and-be-seen culture."
Anyone willing to share specific information or useful citations (e.g. references
in literature, advertisements) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help,
and keep up the good work...Jon Sterngass
Jon Sterngass <sterngaj@union.edu>
Schenectady, NY USA - Monday, June 04, 2001 at 11:47:40 (EDT)
i am interested in modern handheld camera obscuras. Are there any clubs or
institutions you could refer me to? Thank you
oliver vit <pork22@hotmail.com>
Basel, Switzerland - Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 04:13:25 (EDT)
This site is very interesting and well done, but there is not enough research
information. I cannot use this in the work cited so it is completely useless.
Ahhhhhhh!
Trisha Conway
USA - Friday, May 18, 2001 at 10:46:33 (EDT)
VERY INTERESTING!!!!! COOL!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!
Erica
USA - Monday, May 14, 2001 at 13:33:21 (EDT)
What a lovely site - I really enjoyed it. I am an Architect interested in designing
a camera obscura. I notice, from the comments, that that a lot of people are interested
in the history of the camera obscura. There is an excellent book called "Vermeer's
Camera" by Philip Steadman (Oxford University Press 2001) which demonstrates that
Johannes Vermeer used camera obscura to paint his pictures in Holland in the 17th
century. it gives a lot of history of the origins and types of cameras.
John Mc Laughlin <john-mclaughlin@lineone.net>
London W9, UK - Friday, May 11, 2001 at 19:41:55 (EDT)
great site
jaya
USA - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 02:24:13 (EDT)
Do you give tours of the camera obscura?
Jodee <Stellaarts@aol.com>
Sacto, CA USA - Friday, May 04, 2001 at 22:18:57 (EDT)
I am planning to extend the loft of our house in Cambridge, England, to create
a new room. I had been pondering the possibility of installing a Camera Obscura.
Your websie has encouraged me! Lovely website - R
Robert Laws <laws@cambridge.scr.slb.com>
Cambridge, UK - Thursday, May 03, 2001 at 10:04:58 (EDT)
invitation! on may 27th i will open a new camera obscura room in the center
of m½nster, a town in northern germany. it is an art project that will exist for
about one month. the room is a 5x16 metre big pavillon, with glas on all sites,
located on a sea in the midddle of the town. just like the old ones. with lots
of folks just passing by. I'm planning to use about 20 big white ballons to receive
the images. that sounds strange, and so it is. anyway i would really like to invite
you and your guests, cause i like this page very much. if you can sent me a post
adress i will sent you an invitation card or somne pictures of the exhibition.
if you need further informations yust sent a mail. stefan
Stefan Silies <stefan@fylmklasse.de>
USA - Friday, April 27, 2001 at 13:37:06 (EDT)
great site
natrajd
USA - Friday, April 27, 2001 at 07:52:19 (EDT)
I am interested in learning more about building a camera obscura room.Are there
any good plans available? TIA-F
Frederick Ellenberger <fellenberger@cinci.rr.com>
USA - Friday, April 20, 2001 at 08:32:01 (EDT)
Well, i have a project for school. And my topic is on photography. I am making
a 20 page time line right now and in my information it mentions obscura's alot
and i dont really know what they are. I really would appreciate it if you could
explain it to me. Thanks.... please E-mail it to me my E-mail in Mfno9@hotmail.com
Julian Rondello <mfno9@hotmail.com>
USA - Tuesday, April 17, 2001 at 23:54:51 (EDT)
great site
seenu
USA - Sunday, April 08, 2001 at 23:18:01 (EDT)
thank you for this wonderful and useful information. I am planning to construct
a studio camera obscura and will be grateful for any insights, suggestions for
material sources that anyone can provide.
Mark Rabinowitz <markrabinowitz@conservationandsculpture.com>
New York, New York USA - Sunday, April 08, 2001 at 13:28:02 (EDT)
I don't remeber where it is, but the California architect Stanley Saitowitz
designed a photography museum about 10 years ago that incorporated a camera obscura
in the facade. Check the Avery Index of Architectural Periodicals and I'm sure
you'll find it. Great site!
Jim Koester
USA - Saturday, April 07, 2001 at 15:27:48 (EDT)
it's a good site but it would be really good and informative especialy for
students like me if there was some info on the early scientists of it.
Mark Lacy
Australia - Monday, April 02, 2001 at 03:37:35 (EDT)
I URGENTLY NEED SOME HELP!! I AM CONSTRUCTING A CAMERA OBSCURA ROOM AS PART
OF MY FINE ART DEGREE SHOW, AND I NEED THE IMAGE FOCUSED CRISPLY AT APPROX. 3METRES--WHAT
LENS DO I NEED FOR THIS PROCESS?? I HAVE ASKED OPTICIANS AND CAMERA SPECIALISTS
WITHOUT ANY LUCK, PLEASE HELP!!! THANKYOU.
MELVILLE THOMAS <melvillez@hotmail.com>
CARDIFF, WALES, U.K. - Friday, March 23, 2001 at 05:32:48 (EST)
I am very interested in the "camera obscura" adn i loved exploring your site.We
are doing pinhole photography at school at the moment and it intrigues me the
images you can create its amazing.No one will believe me that my tin is taking
photos they say "but how does the camera fit in the tin" i cant explain to them
that all a camera is is a light proof box they wont believe me i guess they think
some things are to good to be true!!!!!!!!!!!!
katarina maree
nz, USA - Saturday, March 17, 2001 at 20:19:41 (EST)
The correct web site address is privatewww.essex.ac.uk~pinwhole This will be
up from the end of March
Ann Hayhoe
USA - Wednesday, March 14, 2001 at 05:24:38 (EST)
The exhibition PIN:WHOLE, displaying contemporary pinhole photographs, will
also have a camera obscura booth constructed by Tony Willet to complement the
exhibition. This exhibition is open from 23 April - 19 May 2001 at the University
Gallery, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, UK. Please contact the
organisers at this e-mail address for more details, or look at privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~pinhole
Ann Hayhoe <pin.hole@excite.co.uk>
Colchester, Essex England - Monday, March 12, 2001 at 10:11:59 (EST)
I am an architect, and I am very interested in constructing a small camera
obscura room. Do you have any suggested resources for directions and/or plans?
Tracy Rogers Short <tshorts@earthlink.net>
New York, NY USA - Sunday, March 11, 2001 at 14:47:00 (EST)
who created the camera obscura, I have to do an assignment on it. Please help
Sarah <12865@caloundrshs.qld.edu.au>
Caloundra, AUSR - Wednesday, March 07, 2001 at 18:10:53 (EST)
great to see so much interest in such a cool thing! I currently have turned
my bedroom into a camera obscura, with a view of Mt Emmons and Kebler Pass. I
have drawn the view (upside down) on the wall, and am planning to tape a pinhole
over the dime-sized hole in order to expose some b&w photos.
fred <fredorndorff@rmi.net>
crested butte, co USA - Thursday, March 01, 2001 at 00:08:22 (EST)
I used to live in San Francisco. That's where I grew up, and that's in fact
where I left my soul. I am now impatient to return to my dear memories left behind
in tears. Many of my memories are attached to the Cliff House which had always
been for me a magical place. I still do remember visiting the Camera although
I was six by then. I was fascinated as to how it worked, and marvelled by it's
splendor. I do hope someone will read this message of mine and keep in his mind
that my childhood remains in this place, giving it a sensitive touch.
Old friend <sorry.wontgiveitout.com>
paris, france - Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at 16:43:04 (EST)
On looking furthur at your site I noticed that you have in fact been to foredown
tower I would just like to add that I am keen to build more Camera Obscura, If
you should get any enquiries in England I would be happy to help
Tony willett <antony_willett@hotmail.com>
lewes, Uk - Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at 02:29:37 (EST)
Nice site! Its good to see a well represented Camera Obscura site. I spent
a lot of time last year touring with a tent Camera Obscura in England, This year
I plan to make a booth so that I can head into towns without being confined to
setting up on grass alone. If you can E-mail me your address I will send you some
more information. You may also wish to contact the Foredown Tower in Brighton
They have an exhaustive list of all the Camera Obscura in the world.
Tony Willett <antony_willett@hotmail.com>
Lewes, uk - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 17:05:15 (EST)
U started out a nice page here, but I was hoping if u post up infomations and
resources about camera obscura, so people who comes into this site can find some
infos for their school work.
Hallie W <blue-moon@evahaven.com>
Toronto, Ontario - Saturday, February 24, 2001 at 20:53:28 (EST)
totally tyte site
Trudy
seattle, wa USA - Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 13:21:33 (EST)
The best part of my childhood was taking the train with all my cousins to Playland
and spending the day. What wonderful memories of days gone by.
Ginger Dyer <meowmixdyer@yahoo.com>
Florence, OR USA - Sunday, February 18, 2001 at 17:52:47 (EST)
I have recently found a camera that belonged to my Grandmother. It is a Brownie
Junior six-20 in excellent shape. I also have the box that it was packaged in.
The postmark is from Mason City Iowa the stamp date is 1932. Can anyone send information
for this camera
Pamela E. Ickes <pamelai@parlorcityi.com>
Montpelier, In USA - Thursday, February 15, 2001 at 15:35:52 (EST)
Wonderful site!!! As a child I saw a t.v program here in the U.K where a group
of teenagers had a camera obscura in their attic where they observed the goings
on in their town (and had adventures related to them). I became fascinated there
and then. How wonderful to visit your site and find that there is a camera obscura
right here where I now live in Greenwich, London. Guess where I will be going
today???? Thank you. Your site is very informative and interesting.
Bev Castle-Barnes <GSB@oznot.fsnet.co.uk>
London, u.k - Monday, February 12, 2001 at 02:47:50 (EST)
Great web sight, very inspiring and informative. keep up the good work.
Jane Linders <zapspark@cs.com>
maryland heights,, mo USA - Sunday, February 11, 2001 at 23:27:11 (EST)
I am a specialist at the Cinergy Children's Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. We
would love to construct a camera obscura in the children's museum, but are having
a hard time finding detailed information on how to start this project. I would
be very grateful for any helpful information so we could begin the project. Thank
You
Jonelle Kapsa Wehrman <jkwehrman@fuse.net>
Cincinnati, OH USA - Thursday, February 08, 2001 at 12:40:56 (EST)
I would be very grateful for any plans or blueprints of how to build a large
"portable" camera obscura room.
andy hiscoe
Rochester, kent England - Wednesday, February 07, 2001 at 05:51:06 (EST)
I am the Arts Initiative Coordinator for the Arts Schools at USC. We are holding
our annual Spring Festival on March 20. The theme of the festival is Lost and
Found: Technologies of the Arts. We would like to construct a camera obscura and
I need to find blue prints and specifications. Can anyone help. Many Thanks
Lisa Cavanaugh <lcavanau@usc.edu>
Los Angeles, CA USA - Thursday, February 01, 2001 at 16:01:22 (EST)
What a terrific web site! My wife and I stayed in Portmeirion and had the thrill
of operating the Camera Obscura there. Most people walk right by it and never
know that it's there. It's hidden in a SMALL building (We squeezed in four people)
along the beach and can only be used by guests who are staying at the hotel or
in one of the cottages on the grounds. You have to go to the reception desk and
borrow the key to get access. It's wonderful viewing the beauty of Portmeirion
from such a perspective. We have also had the pleasure of visiting the Camera
Obscura in both Edinburgh (They make a real show out of it.)and in Dumfries(It's
done in a smaller and quieter environment). We also found and bought a copy of
the Pocket Guide... We had no idea how many Camera Obscura's existed. Next time
we're in the UK who knows??? Keep up the good work! Lee
Lee Pekter <smyjoflash@adelphia.net>
Lansdale, Pa USA - Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 21:23:01 (EST)
I'm a volunteer (but a full time educator at a state school) at a
the new MTN SCIENCENTRE in Cape Town, we have a brand new camera obscura and wanted
to learn more about it (and am trying to find out how many there are in SA).You
site is out of this world and has been of great help.I would love to hear from
you guys and invite you to visit us some time. regards Michael
MICHAEL HAGER <lynnehh@cape.nashua.co.za>
CAPE TOWN, W.C. SOUTH AFRICA - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 13:46:38 (EST)
I think your site should be more intersting and understandable for kids. Sure
it might be iantersring to adults but it boring for most kids.
Kloks <moongrill@hotmail.com>
madison, USA - Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 12:20:50 (EST)
Wow I am amazed at all of the comments! You have truly inspired and helped
so many people. I am very interested to know more about other peoples projects.
Perhaps people who ask you for help could send you images of their results with
some pictures and text. You could then add another page to your site including
current projects. This would be a great way of keeping track of Camera Obscura
activity and development. Camera Obscuras are so magical, I can't beleive they
will ever go out of existance. Keep up the good work! Jackie Griggs P.S If their
are any artists who would like to let me know about their C/O projects I would
love to recieve an email from them.
Jackie Griggs <jack @zoetrope.fsnet.co.uk>
Stockport, England Uk - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 17:33:13 (EST)
Dear John I'm sorry that I haven't been in touch for a long time. Your web
site is brilliant. I am so inspired now that I have sampled some of your enthusism.
My camera obscura is still in existance. Last year I exhibited it as part of Manchester's
Streets Ahead Festival, on Albert square, next to a huge Luminarium. The Camera
Obscura then went to the new Zion (Arts Centre) in Manmchester, where is was exhibited
until now. This week I will either be taking it back to my parents home in Essex,
or installing it at a local college. I have recenly perchaced a computer of my
own and am now inspired to try and remeber some HTML, or buy some software, so
that I can set up my own web site, as I sarted to do so many years ago. I started
to plan a tour of Camera Obscuras in GB when I was Artist in residence at Bury
Art Gallery, but never could afford to go. Now that I have your helpful map, I
will get my act together and start saving my pennies. I am currently working for
a short film festival in Manchester, as a part time Education Officer. It is a
brilliant job but takes up a lot of time and dosen't pay very well.I am also teaching
photography as a freelancer, so as you can imagine I don't get much time to futher
my reseach or practice as an artist. I have to go now but will contact you soon
and I will let you know when I have a site for you to visit. Great to see that
you and your partner are as active as ever! Best wishes Jackie Griggs (Owner of
Camera Obscura "Uniquley by perception of the mind" - England)
Jackie Griggs <jack@zoetrope.co.uk>
Stockport, England UK - Sunday, January 14, 2001 at 17:07:48 (EST)
Awesome site! Thank you for all your work...I know how long it takes to do
this stuff. After reading your info I think I can turn my classroom, which is
a windowless basement room, into the perfect camera obscura. The elementary kids
will be amazed!!!! I just have to get permission to remove a cinderblock in a
bricked up window to install the pin hole material. Is there a formula for calculating
the angle the light takes when produced by a certain size hole? Maybe we can drill
a large hole through the block and install the thin metal for the pinhole on the
outside... Don't bother to answer if the info is on your site as I will get to
it eventually. Thanks again for all your work! Emma
Emma Craib
CT USA - Wednesday, December 27, 2000 at 07:00:10 (EST)
Nice site. I hope you don't mind, I have a history of photography page included
on our genealogical web site and I have created a link to your camera obscura
page for those that wish to view your photos. Please feel free to visit our web
site, Genealogy Planet, at http://home.earthlink.net/~genealogyplanet/. The photo
history page may be accessed on any page by clicking the Galleries button. The
photos you have are interesting but I would like to see more of the historical
connection between the obscuras and photography. Regards, Michael
Michael <mwilson32@earthlink.net>
USA - Friday, December 15, 2000 at 00:43:02 (EST)
You should have more information on your site about the camera obscura like
what it's first uses were and the history of the camera obscura! I'm only 13 years
old but my EEE class had an assignment to find all of that information on your
site, and we all had a dificult time! So I just tought it was a suggestion!!!
Jackie <ZackieForJackie@aol.com>
Grand Junction, CO USA - Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 14:51:20 (EST)
hi... I am looking for more informations about 'camera obsura' where can we
go to learn how to find instructions, history etc. on constructing one. thank
you in advance...
Juan Trejo <juan-trejo@correoweb.com>
Cd Juarez, Chihuahua mexico - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 14:56:14 (EST)
Please can you let me have the name and address of the U.K. instrument makers
who would supply a camera obscura?
Rachel Clarke <rachelclarke@kenelmscottage.freeserve.co.uk>
USA - Tuesday, December 12, 2000 at 11:04:14 (EST)
I love this site. Thank you so much. I am interested in building a very large
PORTABLE, camera obscura (big enough to have 15-20 people inside at a time). I
am looking to commission (pay) someone to design and build such a camera (or just
design it, with precise building specifications etc). If you are interested, please
contact me. Thanks... Steve
Steve Koplowitz <skoplowitz@hotmail.com>
USA - Tuesday, December 05, 2000 at 20:58:42 (EST)
I enjoyed your page very much. I'm looking forward to visiting my first camera
obscura. Are you aware that a camera obscura was featured in the movie" Music
lovers" by Ken Russel, starring Richard Chamberlain & Glenda Jackson?
Tom Milton
Lansing, IL USA - Tuesday, November 28, 2000 at 10:27:22 (EST)
I am an artist using the technique of the camera obscura in some of my installations.
I have made one in a disused watchtower on the site of the Berlin Wall in 1997.
Another in a disused school in Dordrecht in Holland (this year) as well as in
gallery and museum spaces in Paris (eg. the Ecole Nationale Sup»rieure des Beaux-Arts,
Galerie Piltzer). Although none of them are at present open to the public (they
have all been part of temporary exhibitions) I continue to work with this medium.
I use the camera obscura (without lenses) in a metaphorical way sometimes in conjunction
with other elements (sound, objects) and often the viewer does not even realise
it is a camera obscura. I do not have a website but my work features on some other
websites (eg www.ensba.fr). If you are interested I can keep you up to date on
anything I am doing. If so, please communicate to me an email address so that
I can put you on my list.
Rebecca Young <rebeccayoungfr@yahoo.com>
Paris, France - Monday, November 27, 2000 at 09:27:06 (EST)
I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH BLUEPRINT PROOFING PAPER WHICH IS A TYPE OF CYANOTYPE.
I'VE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE DRAWINGS AT THEIR ORIGINAL SCALE, BUT I'M WONDERING
IF THERE WOULD BE A WAY TO REDUCE AN IMAGE, SAY 24" X 36" TO 12" X 18" BY SOMEHOW
PROJECTING THE IMAGE WITH THE AID OF A VERY BASIC CAMERA OBSCURA. IF SO, HOW?
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE. MILISSA
MILISSA <THRINAXINC@AOL.COM>
USA - Friday, November 24, 2000 at 17:12:33 (EST)
I am a Camera Obscura Operator at the all New MTN ScienCentre in Century City,
Cape Town - South Africa. It has a 3m focal length and it's the biggest in SA,
beats the one in Grahams Town. Any people want images of this one, mail me. Great
Site! Fond Regards - Pieter jnr
Pieter Beukes <pieter_jnr@hotmail.com>
Cape Town, South Africa - Wednesday, November 22, 2000 at 06:10:23 (EST)
Hi Jack, I was glad to be your student some time ago. I found reasons to view
and explore the world through your encouragement of my work. My employment for
the last 6 years utilizes critical visual skills for medical diagnoses.
Bob Schwartz <bloodbankbob@yahoo.com>
Aurora, CO USA - Tuesday, November 21, 2000 at 12:28:00 (EST)
historical places
shezad ahmed <alhamra qartaba masque
>
qartaba, as spain - Saturday, November 18, 2000 at 05:37:45 (EST)
I am currently researching the possiblity of turning an old cinema into a camera
obscura for a temporary exhibition with the British Council. Big Questions: 1.
Is it possible to project an image over a 20 metre focal length onto a screen
of 6 by 16 metres, or is this a inpheasable? If not whats the biggest focal length
& projected area possible without enlisting NASA.. 2.If it is pheasable to do
this, then if one was to bounce it thru 3 mirrors (like an SLR camera prism),
would this reduce the image too much? Ideally we want to project horizontally.
The cinema is a unique building, 6 metres above ground with a panoramic view from
behind the projector booth ( which has been demolished and is currently open).
If you could provide some answares asap I would really realy appreciate it.
Thor Mc.Burn <retrovert@pavilion.co.uk>
Brighton, england - Thursday, November 09, 2000 at 16:23:27 (EST)
Your website is a Godsend! I work for a tourism and leisure consultancy. We
are looking at the possibility of installing camera obsuras in two sites with
which we are currently working. Excuse the naive question, but are there actually
commercial operations in Britain who manufacture such things? If so, can you provide
some leads? With many thanks in anticipation of your help. Vicki J
Vicki James <vicki@stevensassoc.co.uk>
Swansea, Wales - Tuesday, October 31, 2000 at 04:29:12 (EST)
Greetings from the Friends of the Giant Camera Committee, Even though the Giant
Camera is on its first leg to being saved and a nomination is curently being written
to put the Camera on the National Register of Historic Places, read the latest
at http://savethegiantcamera.westphila.net about the Giant camera's nomination
schedual. The Giant Camera still needs our suppport in order to survive and stay
in bussiness, which has dropped off since it was no longer being threatened with
distruction, so if you know someone coming to San Francisco remind them to visit
the Jenning's Giant Camera / Camera Obscura. The Camera opens daily at 11:00 am.
To be sure you can call the Giant Camera at: (415)- 750-0415 for schedualing information.
On another note the Friends of the Giant Camera Committee Photo Album is now open
to non members and a Cliff House/Playland at the Beach Album has been started...You
can add photos after joining the Community. Right now there are 56 Giant Camera
related photos some from the Giant Camera re-paint this past June and 18 Cliff
House/Playland at the Beach photos....If you have any old Giant Camera or Playland
photos please join and submit them or send them to me and i will post them if
you do not wish to join the community. So take a moment to visit and click and
enjoy, Thank You, Tom Roop Friends of the Giant Camera Committee http://communities.msn.com/FriendsoftheGiantCameraCommittee
Save the Camera http://savethecamera.westphila.net
Tom Roop
<tomroop@earthlink.net>
Daly City, CA USA - Friday, October 27, 2000 at 03:17:56 (EDT)
Thank you so much for making this site! It helped me so mu ch with a school
project!
Alex K.
USA - Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 18:55:49 (EDT)
hello I am building some cameras and proyectors for an artist proyect of my
own . your page I founded extraordinary and very helpfull. but still I want to
know how these old cameras and proyectors where made and maybe save some time.
I enclouse my email so any body who needs any assistance in what I allready known
please contact;drzakarysmith@hotmail.com please help me with these.I `ve glad
to help others too
rafael couto <drzakarysmith@hotmail.com>
mexico - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 16:28:02 (EDT)
Thanks for your great page. I just visited Santa Monica's camera obscura for
the first time after living her ten years--pretty neat! I'm happy to report that
it is fully functional again. I'm a teaching assistant at UCLA for a course on
perception, and am glad to be able to link your site to our course website. We
were told that the camera obscura was seen as a model of the eye, with the projection
surface standing in for the retina. George Berkeley and Thomas Young both used
the camera obscura to develop their theories on vision. Perhaps you might like
to include some information on their use of the device on your page. Can you tell
me why you are so obsessed with camera obscuras?
Carol Wald <wald@humnet.ucla.edu>
Santa Monica, CA USA - Friday, October 20, 2000 at 01:36:11 (EDT)
I am doing a project on the Camera Obscura and your site provides good information.
I was wondering if I can use this information? Email: NoleFan1986@aol.com Thanks!
Lauren <nolefan1986@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at 15:33:31 (EDT)
Thank you for such a wonderful site. I was wondering if there are any specific
instructions on how to construct one's own camera obscura for drawing purposes.
I am fascinated by the paintings of Vermeer and understood that it is very possible
that he employed such a device for his masterpieces. I look forward to hearing
from you. Peace Matt
Matthew L. Christensen <anskov@yahoo.com>
St. Paul, MN USA - Monday, October 09, 2000 at 21:30:00 (EDT)
hey! The cool thing is, i have a pinhole camara of my own! I made it at school
and have already tokken 5 picktures and developed them myself! I really like my
photography class!
alice
USA - Wednesday, October 04, 2000 at 13:13:36 (EDT)
I share your disappointment that GEORGE EASTMAN HOUSE has changed their exhibit.
Perhaps if Jerry (MICA Fac.'70) was still there it would be different.
Bruce Wintjen <bwintjen@bellatlantic.net>
Villas, NJ USA - Monday, October 02, 2000 at 00:46:01 (EDT)
in the eighties i was getting books at the local library on the histories of
the camera eventually i picked up on the camera obscura which in turn took me
to a obscura lens maker in Cambridge he said he made a lens for a film director
in a paradise home i think the next passing whim will be the highly valued Leica
Rangefinder System which be converted with a quick return mirror. There is a Camera
Obscura in Edingburgh Scotland that is still open to the public at little cost
there also was one in Margate Kent, and Bristol years ago, there is a Camera Obscura
in the Movie "A Matter of Life and Death"
Peter C Harris <versachipch@aol.com>
Maidstone, Kent, UK - Sunday, October 01, 2000 at 12:07:11 (EDT)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORIT CAMRA
AMANDA
MARGATE, FL USA - Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 11:16:40 (EDT)
what is camera obscurer
esel bayam
london, uk - Monday, September 25, 2000 at 10:46:16 (EDT)
You should also add the novel "The Secrets of the Camera Obscura" to you bibliography,
and not just because I am the author.
David Knowles <dkjf@earthlink.net>
USA - Tuesday, September 12, 2000 at 16:20:29 (EDT)
Wow! Thank you! Especially for the listing of sites in the United Kingdom,
as that is my next trip.
Benjamin k Grossman <bkg@forest.net>
Seattle, WA USA - Monday, September 11, 2000 at 17:07:20 (EDT)
hi... thank you for being here. my daughter is a semi-finalist in the Discovery
Science Fair for her " Pinhole Camera vs 35 mm Camera ". she will compete this
year with 'camera obsura' OK where do we go to learn how to find instructions,
history etc. on constructing one. thank you in advance...
mike o'pace <opace48@hotmail.com>
sedona, az USA - Thursday, September 07, 2000 at 18:19:27 (EDT)
I looked up camera obscura on the web while listening to an episode of the
old radio show "Quiet Please" named "Camera Obscura" in which the old Santa Monica
camera plays a prominent role. The show is dated 10/13/47, before the camera was
moved from it's old site at the pier, and in the play it mentions that the building
was green. I enjoyed seeing the postcard of the old site to go along with the
radio story I was listening to.
Rowland Reed <roreed@tivoli.com>
Austin, TX USA - Wednesday, September 06, 2000 at 13:58:23 (EDT)
Thank you for the wealth of information on cameras obscura. I am a fifth grade
teacher and I've been making simple cameras obscuras with my classes now for a
number of years. My students are really fascinated by them and have a great time
making and using the cameras.
John F. Kulas <john@kulas.com>
Santa Monica, CA USA - Saturday, September 02, 2000 at 21:29:38 (EDT)
In case you haven't heard of it, there is a camera obscura built into the California
Museum of Photography in Riverside, California. Also, I have an old photograph
of a camera obscura and am wondering if you might help me identify it? Thank you.
Alberta Mayo <albertam@earthlink.net>
Boise, ID USA - Saturday, August 19, 2000 at 18:37:49 (EDT)
DearSir, I was searching for Camera Obscura site and I found your site,on going
through all pages I found it very useful. I am an Artist/Modeller/Hobby photographer,at
present I am building Pinhole Cameras and intend to build Camera Obscura in this
connection I have gone through your pages there are some photographs and sketches
of Camera however measurements and drawings are not niven.I wish to build two
pieces of Camera Obscura approx. one 24"and the other 12" in length, the width
will depend as may be given in measurments.I will be glad if you help me in building
camera. Thanking you for providind such a rare information Yours Sciceraly S.V.Deshpande
49/381Laxminagar Parvati PUNE, Maharashtra State INDIA
Shivaram Deshpande <ssdesh@vsnl.com>
PUNE, Maharashtra INDIA - Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 02:49:06 (EDT)
Very nice site. We have a very few items of pre-photographica in the collection,
including a tent-style camera obscura, a scioptic ball dating to about 1750, and
a wooden version of your tin magazine sales premium (actually an 1880s piece,
but nicely representative of those earlier). We also have a photograph dating
from mid-19th century of a small commercial camera obscura set up on what must
be the English coast; sign outside offers a view for 2p. We are in the midst of
unpacking the collection after a move, but will send you a copy of the photo if
you like when we get it located. Thanks for an interesting site.
Michael Cleveland (Past Reflections) <luvantique@aol.com>
Omaha, NE USA - Tuesday, August 15, 2000 at 00:36:50 (EDT)
Dear Sir, I happened to visit this site on Camera Obscursa & pleased to see
the types of cameras were in use. and many placeses they are still in use. I am
an Artist/Modeller at present I am building Pinhole camera.I got sufficient information
on Web. similarly I would like to build Camera Obscura,I intend to build two pieces
of C,O up to 24" in lelgth and the other 12" in length whatever width will come
according to measurements.will it be possible for you to send me measuerment drawing/plan.
Thanking you Yours Sinceraly S. V. Deshpande Address- 49/381 Laxminagar,Parvati
Pune, 411009 Maharashtra INDIA
s.v.deshpande <ssdesh>
PUNE, Maharashtra INDIA - Monday, August 14, 2000 at 02:40:08 (EDT)
I have lived in Santa Monica for 12 years and just today visited the Camera
Obscura for the first time. It is fully operational and very fun. My favorite
Camera Obscura is in Edinburgh, Scotland, I highly recommend it. We were there
last summer and you are able to see the entire city from it!
Elizabeth Hornbeck
Santa Monica, CA USA - Thursday, August 10, 2000 at 15:15:04 (EDT)
I am trying to download some photos sent to me and am unable to do so.
Maureen Flynn
USA - Wednesday, August 09, 2000 at 16:26:49 (EDT)
I would like to know what's the camera obscura, how does it works, when was
invented, and a little of the history. Thank you
Lorena Mart¦nez <lorenam69@yahoo.com>
Guadalajara, JAL MEX - Tuesday, August 08, 2000 at 12:26:57 (EDT)
Yes your site is nice and I'm glad to have found it. I have been in communication
with another individual interested in building a camera obscura and he has sent
me some plans. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be much TECHNICAL information
regarding camera obscuras ie MECHANICAL DRAWINGS showing specific measurements
of boxes one could build. I'm also interested in PLANS along the same lines. I
would like to build a desktop size. I've built a smaller one before but it lacked
certain qualities. CAN ANYBODY OUT THERE HELP ME . . .US?????? Hope so. Thanks,
Reverend Johnny.
Reverend Johnny Barrett <reverendjohnny@hotmail.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Wednesday, August 02, 2000 at 20:20:40 (EDT)
where can we buy a camera lucida
Paul Taylor <Satizen@hotmail.com>
Dorset, UK - Wednesday, August 02, 2000 at 11:52:19 (EDT)
I visited the camera obscura in GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA at the Observatory
Museum there and is was incredible. No such thing can be demolished! It's an oldfasioned
way to look at the modern world!!
sandra <san_d11@hotmailcom>
netherlands - Tuesday, August 01, 2000 at 19:31:50 (EDT)
I have pourchased in Brussels a complete collection of great glass Camera obscura
views (12 glasses with 4 round images each) of "History of America". Infortunately,
they are very dusty. How could I best clean them?
G‡nter Giesenfeld <giesenfe@mailer.uni-marburg.de>
Marburg, Germany - Monday, July 31, 2000 at 09:36:50 (EDT)
Thank you for the Camera Obscura information. I often pass the camera in Santa
Monica with my students. I teach a group of adolecents from a special education
center in west Los Angeles. I would like to show the pictures of the Santa Monica
camera and the postcard you have on page 2. Thank you in advance for permission
to use these images with my students. Sincerely, Patricia Young, Teacher at James
J. Mc Bride School, 3960 Centinela Ave. L.A. 90066
Patricia Young <eggfuyou@hotmail.com>
USA - Thursday, July 27, 2000 at 01:19:46 (EDT)
I am desperately searching for plans or mechanical drawings so that I may build
my own small camera obscura. I saw one years ago a man had built himself. He travelled
around to fairs and musical gatherings and used it to first sketch and then to
cut out beautiful little sillouettes (sp?) for children. Please email me with
any information you may have. If no information for building my own then where
might I purchase one for a reasonable price? Feel free to call me at home: (615)
279-5370 Best Regards, John Barrett
John Barrett <reverendjohnny@hotmail.com>
Nashville, TN USA - Tuesday, July 25, 2000 at 20:11:46 (EDT)
I am currently researching a 19th century Observatory in Brightling East Sussex,
England. It was built by legendary local Squire, John "Mad Jack" Fuller and is
said to have housed the most sophisticated equipment of the day including a camera-obscura.
I am wondering if anyone could shed any light on the subject (pardon the pun).
Where might this camera-obscura have been manufactured? Did one have to be technically
trained to operate it? What would have motivated Fuller to install one in his
Observatory? Thanks for any leads that you can provide.
Annette Farquharson <annette_f_100@yahoo.com>
Toronto, ON Canada - Wednesday, July 05, 2000 at 20:02:01 (EDT)
There is a working camera obscura in Llandudno, on the coast of North Wales,
in the UK. Also, the National Museum of Photography Film & Television here in
Bradford, England, has an excellent display of working camera obscura devices
of different sorts. Thanks for your site. I am a passionate photographer, and
a media academic. On both grounds I have a consuming passion for subject matter
such as this! Now a question for anyone who reads this- I am interested in tracking
down the origins of the saying "The camera cannot lie". Can anyone shed light
on this?
Dr. Jim Cross <iamacamera@hotmail.com>
Bradford, UK - Tuesday, July 04, 2000 at 15:06:34 (EDT)
hello! i love your website! i've been to the camera obscura in san francisco
and the camera in jerez, spain and i found both to be quite enchanting! i am wondering
if you know of a resource where i could find a list of all camera obscura sights
in the world...so far i've only been able to find england. also, a resource to
build my own camera obscura, which would be about the size of a port-o-potty bathroom.
thank you very much! anna
anna natt <nattanna71@hotmail.com>
minneapolis, mn USA - Monday, July 03, 2000 at 11:54:22 (EDT)
I recall seeing a Camera Obscura, perhaps 25 years ago or so, in the museum
of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, CA. The image room was little more
than a darkened alcove in one corner of the museum. I remember the viewing table
(a mirror?) being nearly vertical, yet the azimuth viewing angle was fully adjustable.
There must have been some tricky optics to achieve that! I wonder if this CO still
exists? I also seem to recall an episode of Rod Serling's TV show 'The Twilight
Zone' named 'Camera Obscura'. I haven't the faintest idea what it was about.
Dean <dlaurit@hotmail.com>
CO USA - Friday, June 30, 2000 at 16:34:16 (EDT)
Very good!!!
Pagliuca
Gioacchino Artesiano <artes@ci6.com>
Pescara, Italy Italy - Wednesday, June 28, 2000 at 16:12:19 (EDT)
I have recently become interested in the field of photography. I am interested
in how the images are portrayed through the camera obscura. I have never been
to one, and was wondering how worked(in Lamen'sterms). Please send any info that
will help me understand the technical aspects of photography. --thanks Justin--
Justin Orlowski <po@versusmedia.com>
ca USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 03:47:53 (EDT)
There is a camera obscura in Cadiz, Spain, which is on the Atlantic Coast,
and the oldest inhabited city in Europe. It's on top of an old 18th century watchtower,
and provides spectacular images. It's the last one left in Spain apparantly. So
if any of you C.O. freaks are in Europe, check it out. They don't have a website,
unfortunately. I was there this Spring working as a travel writer so I had the
opportuniy to see it, although at the time I didn't realize how unique it was.
Cool site by the way.
Brian Villenueva <bcf200@hotmail.com>
New York, USA - Tuesday, June 27, 2000 at 02:26:23 (EDT)
I am constructing a portable cam-ob, and would like to start a correspondence
w/ interested parties regarding lenses, contruction and materials. I have already
converted my apartment into a cam-ob using a +2.5 diopter lense, with fantastic
results. Next step for me is to design a variable angle lense,(using multiple
elements) for versatility of exposures, unless single lenses are affordable enough
to purchase one per angle desired. I'm looking for EV's equivelent to 35 mm commercial
lenses if they exist, if not than the largest diameter possible. Does anyone know
the best light proof and flexible material for constructing a tent like structure?
Does anyone know proper lense formulas for multiple element lenses such as I am
looking for? Etc, etc..
jared f. hanscom <bkc-intl@msn.com>
NY, NY USA - Saturday, June 17, 2000 at 13:04:54 (EDT)
I could not resist writing to you about my experiance with the Camera Obscura
in Santa Monica. Back in 1952-1956 I was with the State of California Board of
Equalization (tax gathering agency) although I was with the Liquor Control Division
(now ABC Department) our office was located on 4th St. and we went by the old
original Camera many times, finally I could resist no longer and stopped by to
take a look at it. At that time it was operational and a person could operate
it personally, I remember panning up and down Ocean Ave. with the hotels and such
there, one in particular was called the Flamingo Hotel painted a light pink, at
that time the round image table was rather dirty but it worked OK. I have also
been to the one at the beach in San Francisco some years ago, as I was rased there
and in East Oakland where I finished high school at Castlemont in 1941. Hopefully
both will be fully operational so the young can see just what we had in those
dim, far away days...Norm
Norman A Ramos <norm@dport.com>
Camino, Ca USA - Wednesday, June 14, 2000 at 23:44:30 (EDT)
Hi Bev and Jack, We just saw our first camera obscura in Santa Monica over
the Memorial Day weekend. My sister-in-law said she remembered it. It was really
cool. They have your website on the information flyer. Glad they did. The camera
obscura was working and in good order the day we visited there. It was great and
no charge. The information on the website is wonderful. I will be checking back
more often now that I know you are there. God Bless, Happy Jack
jack schuster <schuster_jack@hotmail.com>
Oklahoma City, OK USA - Sunday, June 04, 2000 at 20:41:07 (EDT)
hey thank u sssoooo much for this site it helped me sooo much when i was looking
for stuff thx heaps i really appreciate the time u put into the site its been
very helpful
Claire
USA - Friday, June 02, 2000 at 03:01:54 (EDT)
There was a large camera obscura in the dome of the victorian amusment pier
at Eastbourne, Sussex which I visited some years ago. Don't know whether or not
it is still open. - Chris
Chris Fynn
London, England - Tuesday, May 16, 2000 at 20:18:27 (EDT)
Hi Beverley and Jack! Was just checking out your home page! Am looking forward
to your exhibit in our Gallery soon! Will be in touch! Mary Jacque
Mary Jacque Benner <mjbenner@qis.net>
Baltimore, MD USA - Sunday, May 14, 2000 at 18:12:21 (EDT)
The website of Sinden Optics mentions some COs that they have installed in
Cadiz & Jerez, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. See -- http://www.whirlpool.demon.co.uk/sinden/welcome.htm
lk <lk@myremarq.com>
NH USA - Friday, May 05, 2000 at 22:37:03 (EDT)
MOst interesting site. How and what material is used to construct the viewing
table? Thanks, Bill
bill wells <bill.wells@compaq.com>
Houston, tx USA - Thursday, May 04, 2000 at 15:07:47 (EDT)
Great site! Lots of information of pictures. Complete and updated. I wonder
if there is (or there was) a CO in Spain.
Julio Serna <fiopt01@sis.ucm.es>
Madrid, Spain - Tuesday, May 02, 2000 at 05:18:11 (EDT)
I loved your site, I was doing a research paper on cameras and your site really
helped me out. Thank You.
Katie Rush <katierush@hotmail.net>
El Dorado, KS USA - Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 20:38:01 (EDT)
I found your site extremely interesting. I am reasearching cameras in an attempt
to gather info for my 10 year old daughters report that she is doing in school.
I am finding much difficulty finding info that is suitable for her age group so
I'm accessing multiple sites and gathering bits and pieces. Thank...
Dorrie Myers <Doore2000@yahoo.com>
Hannacroix, ny USA - Thursday, April 27, 2000 at 20:15:01 (EDT)
Two more sources of information -- An article from an old issue of Sky & Telescope
(January 1997) about a camera obscura built above a garage by George Keene: http://www.britannica.com/bcom/magazine/article/0,5744,7871,00.html
There is also a book available from Edmund Scientific called "Popular Optics"
that has plans for a reflex camera obscura with a simple plano-convex lens and
a camera lucida that uses a semi- transparent mirror. It has 1950s style illustrations
and the plans use plywood and carriage bolts, etc. There are also some simple
formulas that show the relation between the distance from the lens to the subject,
the lens and its image, focal length, and magnification and diagrams of different
configurations of lenses, mirrors, and prisms. See -- http://www.edmundscientific.com/scientifics/scientifics.cfm
lk
<lk@myremarq.com>
USA - Friday, April 21, 2000 at 22:09:46 (EDT)
You may like to know that I built the Greenwich, Bristol and Serkin Camera
Obscurae. I have been building CO on and off for a few years now, and would be
delighted to meet you if you are in the UK again. Peter
Peter Drew <peter@astronomycentre.org.uk>
Todmorden, UK - Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 20:54:11 (EDT)
I have just done a job fitting an electronic controller to a CO in Bournemouth
UK. It was the first time I had actually seen a real CO before. The images were
stunning, even in what was really bad light. I don't know who did the optics,
but the whole arrangement of the optics and the rest of the viewing room was great.
Steve taylor <steve@thetaylorfamily.org.uk>
UK - Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 20:47:49 (EDT)
This is an amazing site. I'm an animation student at the Art Institute of Philadelphia.
I was assigned to write an essay about the camera obscura and how it pertained
to photography and motion pictures. After visiting three libraries and scrounging
through my encyclopedia, I found about a page's worth of info. I logged on to
your site and was bowled over by the images, information, and recountings of your
trips. I'm now developing an interactive portfolio to accompany my essay and just
wanted to thank you for creating this site and teaching a number of us young animators
a little more about our medium's history.
James Point Du Jour <pointlessbird@aol.com>
Philadelphia, PA USA - Wednesday, April 19, 2000 at 14:28:26 (EDT)
Fabulous site! I'm a photo teacher in the L.A. public schools and will be teaching
an educational workshop in a few weeks on the camera obscura at the UCLA Hammer
Museum. The purpose of the workshop is to educate about the history of the obscura
nad to have the students actually build their own camera obscuras and use them
as drawing aids. (The workshop is related to the current Hockney exhibit of drawings
he did with the lucida.) It's rather a tall task to do all this in a few hours.
I think they could easily build small obscuras. I've already build a few small
working models, but they're not the best for using as drawing aids since the screens
are made of translucent paper and inside telscoping boxes. I am, however, in the
process of building a larger model that would have a plex or glass screen on an
outside surface so as to be more effective as a drawing aid. Do you have any advice
on 1) the best type of lens to use; 2) how best to secure it to the side of the
box; 3) the optimum size of the box itself; 4) the best material for the screen.
I'd really appreciate your prompt response since the workshop is coming up soon
and I am on spring break this week. THANKS SO MUCH in advance for your help.
Joan Dooley <jgdooley@aol.com>
L.A., CA USA - Tuesday, April 18, 2000 at 17:36:28 (EDT)
I would like some plans for constructing a classic camera obscura. I visited
Edinburgh, and I want to recreate a similar device in an ideal location I have
on the Mississippi River. Can anyone help? Thanks very much, John
john finn <jf@dubuque.net>
dubuque, ia USA - Wednesday, April 12, 2000 at 15:52:55 (EDT)
We are considering building a 'mini' camera obscura and would be grateful for
any ideas and assistance you could provide us. It is for a college project, so
understand that budget is miniscule!! Ian and Chris
Ian Sutton & Chris Blake <drivebelt@hotmail.com
>
Fareham, Hants United Kingdom - Monday, April 03, 2000 at 07:54:44 (EDT)
Congrats on a wonderfull and informative site.I am originally from Devon.UK.hence
E-mail address.Visited Clifton often which wetted my appetite.Would like to hear
from other "Obscura-bods" in my neck of the woods,thanks.
Peter Rollitt <wistmans@yahoo.com>
Toledo, OH USA - Sunday, April 02, 2000 at 23:28:45 (EDT)
There is a camera obscura at the Montshire Museum in Norwich, Vermont. I'm
writing a story about it now, and stumbled over your web site while doing background
work. It's in a lovely building--a sort of potting shed with a case of the giggles.
I wasn't sure whether you knew about it or not.
Helen Husher <hhusher@sover.net>
Randolph, VT USA - Wednesday, March 22, 2000 at 13:18:12 (EST)
I am loking into building a camera obscura as part of a 17th century living
history event and would be most grateful for any hints and tips. The camera is
to be set up inside a suitably blacked out tent with internal dimensions of about
9' by 9'. I plan to use a lens if I can find a suitable copy for the period. Thanks
for any suggestions.
Gareth Wildman <gareth.wildman@virginnet.co.uk>
London, UK - Monday, March 13, 2000 at 08:23:03 (EST)
We are also looking for simple directions (upper elementary-level) for building
one for our science fair. Sites of help? Please forward to us. Thank you.
Sarah Schauer <vickyschauer@aol.com>
Gig Harbor, WA USA - Sunday, March 12, 2000 at 20:46:17 (EST)
Wow! I am reallyinterested in pinhole photography and have been asked to talk
to a yr8 science class that my friend teaches. I thought I would look up camera
obscuras and get a better idea of their history. I never expected to find such
a helpful site! thankyou!
Heather <heather.mills@jcu.edu.au>
Townsville, Qld Australia - Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 20:32:45 (EST)
Where can I get information on how my high school students could build a simple
camera obscura as part of an art project?
Susan A. Aysenne <saysenne@mobiletel.com>
Napoleonville, LA USA - Saturday, March 04, 2000 at 15:48:55 (EST)
If anyone has dimensions for building a camera lucida, including the lenses
used, I would appreciate them. A URL with the same information is also welcomed.
TIA.
Harry M. Kachline <hmk@mac.com>
USA - Thursday, March 02, 2000 at 16:49:08 (EST)
I am currently re-designing the camera lucida for a university project. I have
built several versions so-far, but am working on a version using half-silvered
mirrors. If you have any useful links / information available I would be really
grateful if you could get in touch. Thanks Mike.
Mike Chatterton <chattemj@aston.ac.uk>
Birmingham, UK - Wednesday, March 01, 2000 at 12:40:23 (EST)
This is a question and i would really appreciate if you would answer asap I
have this thing called history day and it is a competition to do with History.
My project is on Cameras and i would really appreciate it if you could e mail
me simple information such as first camera obscura or first photo but i got that
info but any you can send please do
Tj Anderson <t2pooh@go.com>
USA - Wednesday, February 16, 2000 at 18:41:06 (EST)
I would like to know how to build a camera, more complex than a pinhole. I
figure, I could use a magnifying glass for a lens, and to find the focal distance,
but I'd like to know how to construct shutters, apertures, etc. The camera would
most likely be a view camera. I also need to determine the format so I can use
film. If anyone has any useful information on how to construct this camera inexpensively
yet functionally, I'd be glad to hear it.
Armen Martirosian <amartiro@yahoo.com>
Honolulu, HI USA - Monday, February 14, 2000 at 16:32:52 (EST)
I am working on a photographic project for 50 innercity kids (8-10 years old)
and would love to take them to see a camera obscura or old-style diorama. Are
there such in the Southern US?
Gale <Mauk>
Chattanooga, TN USA - Friday, February 11, 2000 at 11:25:10 (EST)
This is a very informative site, and I really enjoyed looking at the cameras
obscura that you have cataloged here. Do you know of a simple process I could
use to make a camera obscura and/or camera lucida for a school science project?
Thanx. Will
Will M. Krueger <oakgrovewill@surfus.net>
Encinal, TX USA - Sunday, February 06, 2000 at 21:57:51 (EST)
I am also looking for a camera lucida, and would greatly appreciate information
about where to find one, particularly a new one. Thank you.
Peggy Wolff <ptwolff@earthlink.net>
USA - Monday, January 31, 2000 at 09:59:15 (EST)
I am trying to find information regarding the Chevalier lens that was used
for a camera obscura in the early 19th century. Thank you, \ Stephen
Stephen Berkman <sberkman@artcenter.edu>
Pasadena, CA USA - Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 23:43:56 (EST)
I wish to purchase a drawing-aid prism camera lucida or "lucy" as we always
called them. I am told they are still manufactured. Any help will be much apreciated.
thanks
tim maloney <chairs@att.net>
louisivlle, ky USA - Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 13:31:04 (EST)
Looking for a prismatic camera lucida drawing aid device, new or old.
Phil Safier <psafier@elixa.com>
Albuquerque, NM USA - Friday, January 28, 2000 at 17:01:35 (EST)
Having worked for an optical company for about five years, I have worked on
many cam-obs and have a set of working drawings avalable for the perusal of anyone
intrested. Intrested, then give me a call and I'll try to get back as soon as
possible.
Michael Lynch <tynegod@aol.com>
USA - Thursday, January 27, 2000 at 04:35:56 (EST)
Thank you for the informative web page. I really enjoyed it. I could not take
any pinhole pictures for a long time. Your page motivated me. Thanks.
Tuba Oztekin - Koymen <tubao@flash.net>
Arlington, TX USA - Monday, January 24, 2000 at 22:27:06 (EST)
Did that camera obscura ever get built in New York City? I am trying to find
one to visit in the area.
Sharon Gurber <Sharon@simorgh.org>
Brooklyn, NY USA - Sunday, January 16, 2000 at 00:43:16 (EST)
Your on-line site was great and very interesting. Some questions I have that
I do not have time to find are who invented the camera, where was it invented,
and how was it developed? If someone could answer these Questions I would be very
grateful. If possible I would like the answers to my questions sent to me at the
given e-mail address as soon as possible. Thanks, Sarah
Sarah <spoonbill_1999@yahoo.com>
USA - Friday, January 14, 2000 at 20:00:33 (EST)
I visited the Giant Camera at the beach in San Francisco this week, and it
was great. I am searching for a copy of the book, "The Camera Obscura-A Chronicle"
by John H. Hammond. If anyone has one to sell or knows a source, please email
me anytime!! Thanks, Tom Reier
Thomas W. Reier <breier@windsorwines.com>
Santa Rosa, Ca USA - Friday, January 07, 2000 at 13:50:33 (EST)
Hello Jack and Beverly I have been working with the Friends of the Giant Camera
and we plan on making a presentation at the Jan 18 GGNRA Advisory Commission meeting
at Building 201 at Fort Mason. I need some hard info on the Jennings Giant Camera
Obscura and is the Santa Monica Camera Obscura still operational and open to the
public. This question has to do with establishing the Giant Camera as the Premere
Camera Obscura and putting together more substanciated factual history on the
Giant Camera and any pictures from the early days of the Giant Camera. If you
can help with info or a letter it woulded be appreciated by all.....Joe may have
asked you already and we do have access to all info on the save the camera web
site.... Best Regards, Tom Roop Friends of the Giant Camera Committee, Save the
Camera
Thomas Roop <tomroop@earthlimk>
Daly City, CA USA - Thursday, January 06, 2000 at 03:56:15 (EST)
Congratulations on a wonderful website. I've visited it several times! 1. I
wonder if you could tell me the location of the camera obscura which is shown
in the (awful!) movie, "The Music Lovers" starring Richard Chamberlain. 2. I would
also be interested in receiving a set of plans or dimensions of John Serkin's
portable camera obscura. Also the source and focal length of his lens. Thank you!
Regards, Miff
Miff Crommelin <miffcro@apexmail.com>
Mission, BC Canada - Monday, January 03, 2000 at 16:16:53 (EST)
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