[dropcap]M[/dropcap]odular shutters enable instant conversions of boxes and containers into cool pinhole cameras. This shutter is an extraction of the extremely popular and reliable Flyer and Clipper II shutter mechanism. Mounting ears allow you to screw or glue the shutter onto just about any enclosure you can imagine. The pinhole is held in with an O-ring and can be easily popped out and swapped for a zone plate, mega pinhole, slit, another size pinhole, or neutral density filters can be added for suntrack (solargraph) exposures. A pack of modular shutters is perfect for classroom use as it shifts the focus from trying to get the pinhole and shutter right to thinking about the focal distance and imaging plane. Printed in black plastic, it is strong, robust, and light – perfect for professional, amateur, or educational use.
(scroll down for support information)

Recent Community Photos
Flyer – square
Stereo Flyer – pair or anaglyph (red/blue)
Clipper – long
Modular Shutter
- 3D printed – body, shutter
- Maximum horizontal field of view – 140 degrees
- Maximum vertical field of view – 130 degrees
- Pinhole disc diameter – 20mm (also 3/4″ or 19mm)
- Mounting Size – Approx. 40mm x 40mm x 12mm (WxDxH)
- Modular Shutter
- One pinhole (various size options)
Standard Package includes
- 0.20mm pinhole – use for 20-35mm focal length (22mm optimal)
- 0.25mm pinhole – use for 35-45mm focal length (35mm optimal)
- 0.30mm pinhole – use for 45-65mm focal length (50mm optimal)
- 0.35mm pinhole – use for 65-85mm focal length (70mm optimal)
- 0.40mm pinhole – use for 85-105mm focal length (90mm optimal)
- 0.45mm pinhole – use for 105-130mm focal length (115mm optimal)
- 0.50mm pinhole – use for 130-160mm focal length (140mm optimal)
- 0.55mm pinhole – use for 160-200mm focal length (170mm optimal)
Editions
- A1 model – PP on front. Designed by Clint O’Connor, made by Tim Page of Eastern Camera and Supply
Operation
Use 2-56 or M2 screws or bolts to fasten shutter to a light tight box or can, with black felt or sealant between the mount and the mounting surface.
The minimalist guide to operation:
- Load film or paper
- Open shutter
- Close shutter
- Advance or process film or paper
- Repeat
Exposure Table
Measuring Exposure Time
I recommend using one of the phone apps listed below. If you will be using a light meter, you will need to create your own exposure tables depending on your pinhole size and focal length.
There are many ways to do this, but one is to use the calculator at http://www.mrpinhole.com/exposure.php.
You will first need to calculate your f/stop by dividing your focal length by your pinhole diameter (in the same units – in or mm).
Recommended Apps
- Android
- Please suggest what works best for Android (email at bottom of page)
- IOS (I use both of these when I don’t have my tables with me)
- Pinhole Assist by le bord de la piscine – $2.99
(includes reciprocity failure compensation)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pinhole-assist/id466757473?mt=8 - Pinhole Meter by electrico elefante – FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pinholemeter/id501893760?mt=8
- Pinhole Assist by le bord de la piscine – $2.99