Collection: Vienna "Viennette" Pinhole series

Why ‘Viennette’? A Tribute to Pinhole Precision

The Viennette series is more than just a name—it’s a tribute to the origins of mathematical optics and the pursuit of perfect image formation. It was in Vienna that the renowned mathematician Joseph Petzval first formulated the equation that defines the optimal pinhole diameter for sharpness:

Where:

• $d$ is the ideal pinhole diameter,
• $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light (typically around 550 nm for visible light),
• $f$ is the focal length.

Petzval’s work laid the foundation for lens design, but his insights also refined pinhole photography—a seemingly simple technique that balances diffraction and resolution. Without this formula, pinhole photography would be a game of chance rather than the calculated art it is today.

By naming our pinhole lensboards Viennette, we honor this legacy. Every pinhole in the series is engineered with precision, staying true to the principles that originated in Vienna nearly two centuries ago. This is more than a product—it’s a continuation of the science and craftsmanship that make pinhole photography an enduring art form.