Based on the principles of the camera obscura effect, pinhole photography has a lengthy history that spans many decades, and is still an exciting practice in today’s modern world. One of the oldest forms of analog photography, shooting with a pinhole camera slows down your process and lets you focus purely on the mechanics of capturing an image. The joy of pinhole photography is found in the combination of the simplicity of techniques and the dreamy, ethereal qualities of the end results, giving you a different view of the world around you.
Nowadays it is very popular to build a pinhole camera out of almost anything, and it was this do-it-yourself ethic that inspired us to create the SCURA. Our aim was to design a perfectly functioning camera with the best image quality possible, while making it available as a DIY kit so that you can still experience the same excitement that comes from building your own camera.
The SCURA is a well-designed, tiny, and lightweight pinhole camera that is both easy and fun to use; an effective photography tool, this camera has been built to go everywhere you go. Whether a beginner or a professional, the SCURA is sure to delight, allowing you to focus on the process and pleasure of shooting, just as the pictorial masters did a century ago.
The SCURA 6×6 version uses 120 film to capture 60x60mm images. It can be purchased with an external viewfinder, or you can mount your smartphone to the top of the camera and use the Goodfinder app (only available for iOS, other options exist for Android users). The app essentially allows your screen to act as both a viewfinder and a lightmeter, giving you a perfect substitute for previewing your subjects.
One of our main goals when designing the SCURA was to achieve a clearer and sharper image, which was accomplished by curving the film plane. Since the film is always roughly the same distance from the pinhole, light “fall-off” (vignetting) does not occur like with other pinhole cameras, and the edges remain sharp. The angle of view is 69 degrees.
The cornerstone of a pinhole camera is a precisely drilled perforation; it must be perfectly round and exactly the right size in order to achieve the best image quality possible. Functioning on a high frequency and low energy beam, the laser-drilling technology we use results in a flawlessly even and smooth cut (0.3mm).
Pinhole cameras are often quite simple with very few moving parts. Our biggest challenge was to create a shutter that had smooth movements for precise control over the exposure and after testing several prototypes, we determined that by using magnetic force we could achieve just that.
Last, but not least, a frame counter has been added on the back for your convenience.
The camera itself is 3D printed in high quality resolution, and the choice is yours between a DIY kit or a pre-assembled version.
Our DIY kit is the perfect solution for those who enjoy tinkering and crafting with their hands. Fully-equipped with all the necessary hardware pieces, tools, and 3D printed camera parts, we eliminate the hassle of having to source your own materials; all you need is the kit, some time, and maybe a little patience. Designed to take you on an interesting journey, the SCURA is fun and easy to assemble following along with our detailed tutorials found on our YouTube channel. Experience the joy of building your own camera while forging an ever-lasting bond with it, securing its special place in your camera collection.
Knowing that the idea of building your own camera can seem like a daunting task to some, or you simply don’t have the time to devote to such a project, we also offer a pre-assembled version. All you need to do is load it with film, and away you go!
Included with every SCURA kit is a self-adhesive faux leather or carbon finish skin for you to choose from, but don’t let us stop you there! Using our pre-cut patterns and tutorial videos to help you create your own unique skins, you have the freedom to personalize your camera as you wish, the sky’s the limit. We highly encourage you challenge yourself, and to share your results with the community afterwards to help inspire others to do the same.
If you prefer, you can also purchase a high-quality wood veneer inlay kit, giving your camera a beautiful and natural finishing touch.
The SCURA is also available in a 35mm panoramic version. If you are interested, click here.
Sample images shot with the Scura 6×6 pinhole camera
BASIC KIT INCLUDES:
- 1 x 3D printed 6×6 pinhole camera
- 1 laser drilled pinhole plate
- 1 set of faux-leather or carbon finish self-adhesive skins
- 1 sanding paper
- 1 strap cord
- 1 piece of red transparent plastic for the frame counter window
- All the necessary hardware, tools, and screws for assembling the camera
- Zero-waste wrapping paper with cut-out pattern samples
You can also purchase a pre-assembled body, meaning your camera will come in one piece. Once loaded with film, you’re ready to go!
Viewfinder: 3D printed piece with a glass lens insert to help with composition.
Wood veneer inlay: Personalize your SCURA with a pre-cut genuine wood veneer inlay to give it a nice finishing touch.
Pro flash mount with bubble level and smartphone holder: A professional version of the original flash mount, this is an element that has been specially machined for its high durability, designed to carry heavier weights. It can be used to mount your smartphone as an external viewfinder and light meter through the Goodfinder app (available on iOS only).
- Size: 125 x 89 x 66mm (5 x 3.5 x 2,6 in)
- Weight: 0.27 kg = 9.5 oz
- Pinhole size: 0.3 mm
- F-stop: 168
- Angle of view: 69 degrees
- Focal lenght: 50 mm
- Image diameter: 96 mm
- Film dimension: 60 x 60 mm
- Film type: 120 film
- Assembly time: 1 hour
- Number of pieces: 12 x 3D printed parts, 41 x other parts
- Strap: Holes for mounting a strap on both sides.
- Tripod: Screw at the bottom for tripod
- 3D printing material: NGEN filament
Exposure chart:
FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE ABOVE $190 USD!
Shipping cost for the Scura cameras is $19 USD to anywhere in the world. Please note that these cameras are hand-crafted one at a time; after placing your order we will ship it within an estimated 30 days. Shipments are sent via DHL and a tracking code will be e-mailed to you for confirmation, packages typically arrive within 5-6 business days. Once expedited, we are not responsible for possible shipping delays, or hold-ups at customs, as these events occur independently of the company.
Expedited delivery is possible, please contact us by e-mail at info@doragoodman.com for more information.
In the case of mass orders arriving at once, such as during the holiday season, a delay in shipping can be expected. Should this occur, we will notify you by email.
A slight difference may exist between the image and the product itself. Such differences may be caused by the uniqueness of each element used in the production, as well as possible lighting changes when photographing each product.
Prices are net prices. EU orders will receive an additional 27% VAT on top of the listed prices.
What they’re saying about our cameras
Anna K.
“I am very happy with my 35mm Scura camera. First of all I love how tiny and light it is, it can fit even into the smallest bag, and it has literally no weight. The usage of the camera is easy, the shutter is very convenient. It took me a while to learn the secrets of pinhole photography, but if you follow the advices from Dora and her team you can get epic results, at least I love mines. Their customer service is pretty good, they’re always super nice and happy to help!”
Anna K.
Daniel P.
“I’ve been using my Zone for about a year now and I’m still as excited about it as the day I got it. Besides the cool design, the main feature for me was its size and weight that allows me to carry it everywhere. I also enjoyed that the camera slows you down a bit, offering a different shooting process. A great experience overall.”
Daniel P.
Marcel P.
“Using a Dora Goodman camera for me means; to tickling the maximum out of the simple. I like the feeling and the look so much, fusion old with new is just great. Everyone of these cameras will show its own look sooner or later. You are simply inclined to evolve your camera and adapt it to your needs, just as you push your output further. A camera that grows with you, not just by changing a lens.”
Marcel P.
Wendy C.
“The Scura is fun to build and fun to use this camera. It is simple, sturdy, and easy to work with once you get the hang of rotating the winder the correct amount. Also very affordable and well made for the price. I like the artistic style – my images had a soft dreamy look. And also it is small and light, so you can carry it in your pocket and use light tripods and clamps with ease.”
Wendy C.
Simone H.
“I always liked the special aesthetic all of the Goodman cameras have. Their lines are distinctively unique and each camera is a small piece of art. I took much time with my Zone, never having done zone focusing or any medium format work before, the results came as pleasant surprises from a much more lightweight camera than the non-printed alternatives, with the best part being I can still change it and adapt it to my needs. After a year into the journey of this camera, I am inclined to say it may never end!”
Simone H.
Nicolas G.
“Bought the Dora Goodman 6×12 in May 2021. I have to say that I was very pleased with my purchases, the camera is very easy to use and the fact that you can modulate it to accommodate another lens is really great, so far I tried the Schneider 47mm super angulon and a Nikon 90mm on it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a very light 6×12 camera, with the advantage to accommodate a fresnel glass to focus in case you want to be accurate.”
Nicolas G.
Mario V.
“I love my Goodman Zone, it is very light, aesthetically beautiful, very functional! I was surprised how durable it is, I hike and travel a lot and I always had a problem how to carry my heavy medium format cameras with which are also very expensive so I was a bit scared ot breaking them on my trips. The Zone solves my problems, it is super easy to carry and made of strong material. I am also happy with my image results, it perfectly does the job.”
Mario V.
Tobias S.
“Shooting with it the Zone is very smooth, and so was changing the rolls from the printed 6×6 magazine. Compared to my other medium format cameras, it is very light too! When I received the scans, I didn’t expect much, to be perfectly honest. I thought most of them would be out of focus anyway and have terrible light leaks, but I was pleasantly surprised to get extremely sharp images back with no artifacts at all. The Zone is so well designed that most props need to go to Dora Goodman for this. It’s a sure companion for future trips.”
Tobias S.
Po M.
“The Goodman Zone is compact and light as well as a replacement for the massive Mamiya Press camera body and 65mm lens…That heavy camera from the ’60s was designed for professional photojournalists.”
Po M.
David C.
“I really enjoyed building the Scura and the shooting experience is so much fun and relaxing! I like the shutter, the wide curved film plane is really clever solution, and I like my results, the dreamy pinhole world. Overall very nice design, highly recommend to everyone who would like to experiment with pinhole photography.”
David C.
Andres O.
“The Goodman Zone is an amazing camera that lets you take control of all the aspects of the creative process of photography. Meticulously selecting the composition, deciding the focus, setting the exposure parameters, and finally shooting; the process with the Goodman Zone is as simple as with any other mechanical film camera. However, unlike other cameras, you are using something you assembled and personalized to your liking.”
Andres O.
Zeb A.
“The Scura 120 has done a marvelous job of distinguishing itself from that crowd. I think it begins with the fact that you have to assemble it yourself. But there is more to the Scura than the DIY aspect of building it, the curved planes of the camera make it feel quite at home in the hands and the wood finish easily makes it one of the more beautiful cameras on the shelf when it gets a break from being out in the field with me.”
