1. Cameras and Lenses

2. Eye/Camera Similarities

3. Lens-LensRetina-FilmEyeball-BodyEyelid-ShutterPupil-Aperture Iris-Iris Diaphragm

4. Eye/Camera Differences The eye sees selectively, while the camera sees indiscriminately. The eye adjusts automatically to high and low light conditions. Adjustable cameras have to be set manually for the light conditions.

5. Basic Camera Types - Pinhole A light-tight box with a pinhole in one end. At the opposite end is the film. A flap controls the light entering the pinhole.

6. Box Camera Is equipped with a simple lens and a shutter. Shutter is set for stationary or slow-moving objects. Settings can be varied only slightly with a minimum number of adjustments.

7. Folding Camera A box camera with an accordian-pleated bellows in place of the rigid box. The lens, diaphragm, and shutter assembly can be folded back into the camera body to make the camera smaller for carrying.

8. 35mm Camera The 35mm camera uses film that is 35mm wide, uses lenses that can be adjusted to focus on either near or distant objects, provides adjustable aperture and shutter settings, and is suited to a wide variety of photographic situations.

9. Single-Lens Reflex, Rangefinder Cameras In the SLR, both viewing and picture taking are performed by the camera lens. Rangefinder is distinguished by its separate optical system, which focuses on objects at various distances from the camera and is built into the camera.

10. Twin-Lens Reflex Camera The TLR is distinguished by two separate but similar lenses that are mounted on the lens board at the front of the camera – one to take the picture, and the other to view it. It is designed for use with 120 film and produces 2 ¼-inch by 2 ¼-inch negatives.

11. View and Studio Cameras These are used on a tripod because of their bulky size, large bellows, and many adjustments.

12. Polaroid Cameras This equipment produces a finished print immediately after the picture is taken and without darkroom processing. A major disadvantage in its earlier years was that duplicates and enlargements of the finished picture could not be made easily.

13. Digital Cameras These are now the most popular cameras because of their capabilities of producing instant pictures that can easily be printed and copied. They are relatively inexpensive and make good, quality prints. Many come in the 35mm format.

14. Types of Lenses Normal Wide-Angle – shorter-than-normal focal length that will reduce the image size on the negative Telephoto – longer-than-normal focal length that will increase the image size on the negative.

16. Camera “Housekeeping” Practices Keep the lens clean and protect it from chips, scratches, dampness, and heat. Keep your camera clean and protect it from heat, shocks, and dampness. Relax all mechanical tensions during inactive periods. Load film in subdued light and store it in a cool, dry place.

17. “Housekeeping” continued Have your camera inspected regularly. Never attempt to repair or service your camera yourself.

18. Good Habits of Camera Use Where applicable, label your camera with the kind of film in it and the expiration date. In adjustable cameras, advance the film after each exposure. Carry extra film, batteries, and/or memory cards with you. Use your viewfinder.

19. Good Habits continued Correct for parallax when shooting close-ups.

20. Good Habits continued Know your camera’s capabilities. Get the range. Avoid camera shake. Wait before you load up with accessories.