- 1). Spray paint your matchbox black on the inside and out. Let it sit to dry.
- 2). Cut out a 36 mm by 24 mm hole in the center of the matchbox tray. Next, poke a small pinhole through the face of your matchbox. Create a small flap to cover up the pinhole: Do this using the black electrical tape and black construction paper. The size of the black construction paper will depend on the size of your pinhole and the matchbox.
- 3). Cut the edge of the 35 mm film to make it straight, and then load the film by inserting its edge emulsion side up behind the tray on one side of the matchbox. Insert the edge of the film into the empty film canister on the other side of the matchbox. Wind the film into the empty canister until it seems secure.
- 4). Cover up any spots where light can leak in with black construction paper and the electrical tape. For example, you will want to cut small strips (about 3 inches wide by the length of the size of your matchbox), which will cover up the sides where the film meets the boxes.
- 5). Take your camera out, and lift the flap to expose the negative. Wind the film negatives using the top of the spool, and use your roll. See "Resources" for sites that will help you calculate exposure.
- 6). Develop a test roll of film, and see if there are any large black spots on your photo paper. This will indicate any light leaks. Re-tape the box, and try again. If your paper turns completely black, reduce the amount of time your paper is exposed.