What is a Camera Obscura?:
The camera obscura is an ancient precursor to photography. The concept is simple: In a dark room, create a small hole to the bright world outside. An inverted image will be projected through the hole, to the opposite flat surface or wall.
The camera obscura uses that principle to project an image from the outside, via a lens, to a special surface in a dark room.
This principle was known in ancient China, Greece and the Islamic world. In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci sketched designs of the camera obscura.
Read a more detailed history of the camera obscura.
San Francisco's Camera Obscura - Giant Camera:
The Camera Obscura at the Cliff House in San Francisco (Giant Camera) is one of about 20 existing camera obscuras in the world. It was built in the 1940s as part of Playland at the Beach -- which closed in 1972.
Although Giant Camera had some close calls in terms of destruction or closure, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places and now draws visitors to the platform below the Cliff House in the Outer Richmond.
What You'll See at the Camera Obscura:
Pay your admission ($3 in 2007/2008) and you'll enter a completely dark room, lined with some holographic images. The guide at the Camera Obscura will turn on the device and give a demonstration of the technology.
You'll see a circular plate with amazing live images projected from seal rock and the area around the Cliff House. The quality of the image is difficult to describe, but it has the texture of a painting with different contrasts depending on the weather.
On cloudy days, the image appears as a desaturated photograph. Highlights and shadows are completely different with sunny skies.
Visiting the Camera Obscura:
Map of Outer Richmond showing Camera Obscura and other attractions.
The Camera Obscura is located at the Cliff House, in the Outer Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco. Descend the stairs on either side of the Cliff House to reach the platform where you'll see the Giant Camera/Camera Obscura booth. You can't miss it. It's painted yellow.
Camera Obscura is open everyday, weather permitting. You can phone for more information (415) 750-0415.
Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94121
Parking & Public Transit:
There is parking along Point Lobos Avenue but it's extremely difficult to get a spot on weekends. Weekdays and off-season are the best time to visit.
Note: The parking lot on Merrie Way, above the Cliff House is closed through late 2008 for construction and trail improvements.
By public transit: Take the #18 or #38 bus to Geary and 48th. The #1 California bus will get you to Geary and 33rd where you can transfer to the #18 or #38 . . . or walk the extra distance.
More About the Outer Richmond:
See a Map of Outer Richmond Attractions for additional landmarks in the area.
More Outer Richmond Resources: