Review: Ilford-Harman Titan 4×5 pinhole camera by David Tatnall
This review is the third looking at the pinhole cameras made by Mike Walker of Walker Cameras for Ilford-Harman in the UK. The Titan 8×10 was reviewed in 2017 and the Obscura 4×5 in 2018.
Like the Titan 8×10 the Titan 4×5 is made from moulded ABS. It has two built in spirit levels, two tripod mounts and an accessory shoe. The camera is extremely light weighing only 250 grams (a 4×5 film holder weighs around 160 grams).
The camera has a focal length of 72mm – wide angle for 4×5. The 0.35mm pinhole is chemically etched giving a field of view of 97 degrees (the equivalent of 20mm on 35mm film camera) this equates to an aperture of f206.
The front cone of the camera is interchangeable and is detached with two metal brackets.
Two additional interchangeable cones can be purchased for this camera:
110mm – 0.44mm pinhole, f250 angle of view 73 degrees (the equivalent of 30mm on 35mm film camera).
150mm – 0.52mm pinhole, f290 angle of view 57 degrees (the equivalent of 47mm on 35mm film camera).
Blank pinhole attachments can also be purchased for those who prefer to make their own pinholes.
The camera uses standard 4×5 film holders that are securely held in place by two brackets. A pinhole cover that is held to the camera by a cord is first loosened before the dark slide is removed. The pinhole cover is then removed to expose the film. It is very simple to use. There are two tripod mounts for horizontal or vertical. The camera is so lightweight that it can be used in either orientation by using the ball head of the tripod if you prefer.
The materials used in this camera make it very tough. Mine has been covered in salt-water spray and used in rain and shows no ill effect. It can also withstand the occasional collision with rocks, this however is not recommended.
The lightweight nature of camera means it can also be used on tabletop tripods.
The negatives produced are, for a pinhole camera very sharp with no corner drop off. It is a delight to use.
This camera system with its three interchangeable cones makes for a very versatile lightweight pinhole camera system. Easy to carry in a small camera bag and light enough not to be a burden on long trips looking for images, it is ideal for photographers wanting a simple quality camera. Very high quality negatives are possible and its very tough construction make for a practical and functional pinhole camera.
Example photographs made on the Titan 4×5 pinhole camera with 72 mm cone. Silver gelatin prints 20 x 25cm.
David Tatnall’s pinhole photographs have been exhibited at the Monash Gallery of Art in Victoria, as well as in a number of solo exhibitions in Australia. His pinhole work has also been exhibited at Cologne, Germany. Florence and Rovereto, Italy and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He has conducted workshops and masterclasses in pinhole photography for the past fifteen years.
David Tatnall is represented by Chrysalis Gallery.
Reviews of other pinhole cameras:
Lensless Camera Manufacturing Co. 4×5
Main photograph above: Titan 4×5 pinhole camera, Cape Schanck, Victoria. All photographs by David Tatnall. Except pinhole cone image: Walker Cameras.
wow David these are just amazing – you are truly the master of the pinhole
Thank you very much Ellie, very kind.
I’ve never used a pinhole camera but that does look interesting and clearly produces good images. Certainly light enough as well.
Rob it’s a very good pinhole camera. It will last a life time.
David, you Sir are a legend. Great images mate.Cheers Danny
Thank you Danny.