First trip out with the Mia 6x12 medium format pinhole camera

I recently had the privilege of experiencing the Mia 6x12 pinhole camera – an extraordinary creation born from the mind of designer Andrea (Mia Pinholes). This particular unit, a prototype served as a testing ground for light leaks and overall functionality. What sets the Mia pinhole cameras apart, is its beautiful  3D-printed construction, elevating the art of photography to new heights.

The Mia 6x12 is a multi-format pinhole camera being able to shoot 6x6, 6x9 and 6x12

A few Specifications

• Focal length 35 mm
• Pinhole diameter 0.2 mm
• F-stop 175
• Angle of view 124 deg (6×12), 110 deg (6×9), 97 deg (6×6)
• Standard 1/4″ tripod thread on the base
• Cokin A filter holder
• Rear red window frame counter
• Film window reminder on the back
• Double knobs to manage double exposures
• Magnetic knobs/shutter/film holder

The top of the camera features viewing angles for each format, bubble to keep the camera centred and level and 2 nice and easy to use film turning knobs

The front features the magnetic filter holder for Coking A filter sizes, and nice shutter system (both which I think have been changed on the final design) also the make and f-stop of the camera printed on the front.

The back of the camera has 2 red film counter viewing windows, now for 6x6 and 6x12 the other for 6x9. The back of the camera is also held on with 4 really strong magnets, 

The change the different formats you need to do this before loading your film, you use these dividers which you inserts in the back of the camera.

Set up for 6x6

6x9

And keep them out completely for 6x12

Once the film was loaded, it was time to head out. Opting for my preferred 6x12 format, I embarked on my photographic journey with a spontaneous spirit (basically no plan of where to go).

I set off allowing the landscapes to reveal themselves along the way. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon my first photo opportunity—a stunning church nestled in Beddingham. Although a familiar subject I had captured numerous times before, today it basked in the gentle glow of the low winter sun, casting a fresh and enchanting perspective on a place.

I set up my first composition, one of the things I had to keep in mind was the low sun was behind me which would cast mine and the cameras shadow out towards the church if directly in front, so I came to the side using the path to lead you up to the church entrance amd through the image.

Exposure time 7 seconds

Red filter 

My second photo was just down the road and was this bridge I visited just the other month with my Zero Image 4x5 and Yashica D (they can be seen here), both photos are similar compositions to last time but honestly I feel they work better in 6x12. The first exposure on the bridge was two seconds, I spent some time setting up the camera so I didn't have the low sun casting flare across the pinhole using the shadow from the bridges barrier.

Exposure 2 seconds

The second image has come out a lot better than I had anticipated, I managed to keep the Sun just behind the bridge again to avoid the sun flare across the Pinhole, sometimes this is not a problem, but for these shots I just didn't feel it would work as well.

I feel the 6x12 has worked really well for this, and has turned out to be one of my favourite photos from the morning.

Exposure time 4 seconds 

After this I headed down to Newhaven which is a busy Port town, my first photo opportunity was this, what appears to be a Victorian style beach hut, but actually houses a light for the ships coming into the port. I liked the old fence leading you into this photo with the hut in the centre of the image, the mast just to the right had a windsock which I had hoped I would keep some detail but due to the strong winds and the seven second exposure it completely blurred itself out.

Exposure time 7 seconds

Red filter

A short walk down I came across this, A shellfish & fish shed, obviously closed for the winter but looked like a nice photo opportunity. I have a soft spot for straightforward square shots. There's something about the simplicity of a direct, no-frills composition that resonates with me. While it might not always be considered the most creative choice, there's a personal satisfaction I find in capturing moments through this clean and balanced frame. It's a preference that, for some reason, just feels right to me. 

This shot had a nice side light, casting a glow on the cliffs behind and across the front decking. The random abandoned plastic chair seemed like a nice touch.

Exposure 7 seconds

Red filter

As I was heading back with another shot in mind I came across this, something seemed quite appealing to it, the beams stretching out, the shape of the barriers to stop people climbing over and the water flowing by, or, it may be the fact that the shot I had in mind was quite a walk up a big hill and this was my last shot, meaning I wouldn't need to walk up the big hill. Even so it was one of them shots which I thought may, or may not work, so I thought I would give it a try and experiment a bit.

Exposure 4 seconds

In conclusion, my excursion with the Mia 6x12 was a delightful experience. The camera delivered consistently impressive results, maintaining a pleasing balance without succumbing to the common pitfalls of excessive vignetting on the sides, typical in the 6x12 format. 

As I roamed through Newhaven, a familiar terrain with its rich history, I couldn't help but appreciate the countless photo opportunities that unfolded. Despite having explored the area on multiple occasions, its intrigue endures, and each visit presents a renewed perspective. The Mia not only captured the essence of this well-trodden locale but reignited my appreciation for the endless possibilities concealed within familiar landscapes.

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Make sure you check out my video from this trip