How to Assemble a Microfilm Camera
Microfilm cameras came into existence because they were small and could take pictures surreptitiously. You can assemble your own microfilm camera from a few household items. You will need a roll of microfilm, which could require ordering from a photographic store if not in stock. Your microfilm camera will take pictures in the same fashion as the ones that used to be commercially made, although using it won't make you a spy.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Black spray paint
- Microfilm film cartridge
- Utility knife
- Empty pill bottle
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Black construction paper
- Duct tape
- Paperclip
Instructions
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Assembling The Microfilm Camera
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1
Put a sheet of newspaper on a work surface. Place the empty pill bottle on the newspaper with the lid facing up. Remove the lid from the empty pill bottle. Put the lid on the newspaper.
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2
Spray the lid and the empty pill bottle with the black spray paint. Let the black spray paint dry for three hours.
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3
Turn the empty pill bottle over. Turn the lid over. Spray the lid and the bottom of the empty pill bottle with the black spray paint. Let the black spray paint dry for three hours.
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4
Put the black construction paper on the newspaper.
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5
Cut a 1 inch by 1 inch square out of the black construction paper with the utility knife.
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6
Put the lid back onto the empty pill bottle. Place the empty pill bottle on the newspaper with the lid facing up.
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7
Cut a 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch square out of the center of the lid with the utility knife.
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8
Turn the empty pill bottle over. Cut a 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch square out of the center of the bottom of the empty pill bottle with the utility knife.
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9
Put the cut piece of black construction paper over the hole in the bottom of the empty pill bottle. Tape one side of the black construction paper to the bottom of the empty pill bottle with duct tape.
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10
Remove the lid from the empty pill bottle.
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11
Place the open film slot that is at the center of the microfilm film cartridge against the lid of the empty pill bottle.
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12
Tape the back of the microfilm film cartridge against the lid. Put the lid back onto the empty pill bottle.
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13
Straighten out one end of the paperclip with your fingers.
Using The Microfilm Camera
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14
Hold the microfilm camera you have assembled in your left hand, while outdoors.
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15
Insert the straightened end of the paperclip into the spindle hole at the right side of the microfilm film cartridge. Rotate the straightened end of the paperclip a quarter turn clockwise to advance the microfilm inside of the microfilm film cartridge.
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16
Place your microfilm camera on its side on the ground or on a bench or rock with the bottom facing towards a building or scenic view.
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17
Move the black construction paper out from the bottom of your microfilm camera to expose the microfilm. Push the black construction paper back onto the bottom of your microfilm camera after a minute has elapsed.
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18
Wind the microfilm film cartridge with the straightened end of the paperclip to advance to an unexposed frame of microfilm.
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19
Continue taking pictures until you can no longer wind the microfilm film cartridge.
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20
Remove the duct tape holding the microfilm film cartridge to the lid. Take the microfilm film cartridge to a photographic store for developing.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Your microfilm camera will need a lot of light so aim a bright light at what you will shooting if using it inside.
Make sure you have adequate ventilation when using the black spray paint as the fumes can cause headaches.
Practice turning the microfilm film cartridge with the paperclip so that you can do it quickly.
Adult supervision is necessary if the one making the microfilm camera is underage since scissors are used.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit film image by PaulPaladin from Fotolia.com
