If you want sharp edges and exquisite detail, there are plenty of high-resolution lenses available to choose from. But there is another way of looking at the world that presents a ‘dreamier’ view, captured using either pinholes or zone plates.
Pinholes are nothing more than tiny apertures that can be made by creating a small and perfectly circular hole in a thin sheet of metal. Zone plates have patterns of tiny concentric black circles with clear space in between and are created using high-contrast film. In both cases, as the lensless label suggests, images are captured without the use of any glass elements.
Provided that your camera will function with just a body cap in place, you will be able to explore the world of pinholes and zone plates.
Pre-fabricated pinhole apertures and zone plates are available both as loose items and installed on a body cap to fit whichever camera system you are using, from Micro Four Thirds up to full frame and beyond (see Kit List, left).
Having a live-view facility will make lensless photography much easier, but you don’t need
