Reader Question: Coke Can Camera?

Reader Questionsoda can camera

A reader recently ran across a really cool photo of a toy camera made from reclaimed coke cans, and she’s looking for a tutorial so that she can make her own soda can camera! Kris asks:

“I would like to know if anyone has a clue on how to make a camera out of pop cans like the one here. It doesn’t have to be functional as a camera, just as a decoration.”

I have searched high and low for a tutorial, but so far no dice, so I’m turning to you guys! The only information I’ve found about these soda can cameras is that folks seem to pick them up when they’re on vacation. I saw people mention getting them while visiting The Bahamas and Cuba on holiday.

Parts of this look simple enough: the “lens” is just the top of the can, and they made the strap by crocheting a long strand of pop tops together. If you don’t crochet, you could probably use jump rings or wire to make the pop top strap instead. Even the camera body isn’t tricky to figure out in terms of components. You’d just need tin snips to open up the can, but I couldn’t quite figure out how they got the shape of the body or how they connected the parts together.

What do you guys think? Have any of you created a camera like this? Or, if you work with metal a lot, do you have any insights on how Kris can make one?

Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Ian Muttoo

5 thoughts on “Reader Question: Coke Can Camera?”

  1. Hugh Castellanos

    They’re made in Cuba. My son got one from girlfriend who traveled there a year ago. 2 pieces of wood pieces are used to give body to the structure. The wood is then covered with pieces of can that are either stapled or nailed with very small nails. The “lens” itself does not need any wood support

  2. I JUST returned from Cuba and saw a lot of varieties of these. The cutest part is that they have a wire “shutter release” – when triggered the front of the “lens” pops open and there’s a little character mounted on a spring inside.
    I saw a lot of them on my first day there and didn’t buy one. I never saw another one and am kicking myself.
    I am going to try my hand at making one. If I find success I’ll come back and let you know. 😉

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