I have a nice Nikon Digital SLR and it has a lot of buttons, lots and lots of buttons combined with so many menu settings that I am still finding new options. This camera takes an amazing technically stunning photograph. There are two questions that I ponder on. Do I take a stunning photograph? Is that particular photograph improved with all the technological wonders of my digital camera?

Holgas are known for their optical shortcomings and the interesting effects those shortcomings produce; Light leaks, plastic lenses, shutters that can only be called such by the greatest possible stretch of the imagination – all part of the Holga experience. This though – this takes the cake. The Holga stereo pinhole camera omits the lens(es) entirely, opting instead for a teeny tiny aperture (f 80 or so, if memory serves). I’m thinking a tripod is pretty much a must for this. I’m also thinking the trademark holga imprecision may work against this fascinating little machine. Light leaks may lead to interesting effects, but in 3D photography you really can’t have inconsistencies between the two images. Still, it’s a fascinating idea, executed in typically minimalist style, and I’m aching to get my hands on one.

(Holga 120PC-3D Stereo Pinhole Camera)

That follow focus hack form last week? I got that. I mocked it, but I got it. This though – words fail me. It would appear that the inventor used a hand drill to make this thing. I’ve always loved the spirit of invention that permeates photography. People make diffusers out of milk packs, barn doors out of cardboard, monopods out of string. Some of these hacks have been so elegant that they’ve become viable commercial products. Somehow I don’t think that the hand drill focus crank will be joining those hallowed ranks any time soon.

(Focus Drill)

DSLRs can record video these days, so it pretty much follows that people will want to do video things with it, like smoothly adjusting the focus on the fly. Hence this Frankenstein mod.

(DIY follow-focus)

Macro photography is hard enough without having to worry about insanely expensive lighting solutions. And when you do decide to start worrying about lighting solutions, you realize that your best option is a ring light. Insanely expensive and insanely bland. This thing though lets you light only part of the ring, allowing you to have some actual, honest to god contrast.

Of course, the price is absolutely, completely, batshit. . .oh. . .it’s only sixty bucks.

(Brando Ring Light)