1. Basic Camera
The Anatomy of a Camera

2. Seven Basic Parts of Any Camera
Camera Body
Lens
Diaphragm
Shutter / Shutter Release
Film / Film Advance
Focus Control
Viewing System
HOME

3. Camera Body • Is a light tight enclosure
A simple light trap
Differences between light tight & water tight
• Prevents premature exposure of film
• Provides a base structure to attach all
accessories and/or control mechanisms.
• The smaller the body the fewer the
options
HOME

4. Light Trap
HOME

5. Light Trap • Light travels in straight lines
• Some Light is absorbed when it
hits a surface, while…
• Some Light is reflected….
HOME

6. Light Trap Light Tight ≠ Water Tight • Water has the ability to
flow or bend around
corners
Light Tight ≠ Water Tight
HOME

7. LENS - Polished glass or plastic - “Collects” or “Gathers” light
- Projects a reversed, upside down image on the film
- Adjustable to provide a clear or focused image
Several different styles available
Some basic lens characteristics.. click on links below
HOME

8. Lenses project a reversed or upside down image
LENS CHARACTERISTICS
Lenses project a reversed or upside down image
HOME

9. Focal point and length are determined by the size of the lens
LENS CHARACTERISTICS
Focal point and length are determined by the size of the lens
HOME

10. Modern compound lens with multiple elements
LENS CHARACTERISTICS
Modern compound lens with multiple elements
HOME

11. Diaphragm Light control device
Controls the AMOUNT of light entering the camera
- Usually made up of overlapping metal leaves
- Adjustable to form openings of different sizes
- APERTURE – Name of the hole formed by the
diaphragm
HOME

12. Shutter / Shutter Release
Light control device
Controls the TIME light
is allowed to enter the
camera
A light proof shield
between the lens & film
Speed of opening/closing
is adjustable
Shutter Release – A means
to trigger the opening
Fast Shutter / Slow Shutter
HOME

13. Shutter / Shutter Release
Light control device
Controls the TIME light
is allowed to enter the
camera
A light proof shield
between the lens & film
Speed of opening/closing
is adjustable
Shutter Release – A means
to trigger the opening
Fast Shutter / Slow Shutter
HOME

14. Shutter / Shutter Release
Light control device
Controls the TIME light
is allowed to enter the
camera
A light proof shield
between the lens & film
Speed of opening/closing
is adjustable
Shutter Release – A means
to trigger the opening
Fast Shutter / Slow Shutter
HOME

15. Film / Film Advance FILM A light sensitive material coated onto a base
Discovery of a method for recording images created
by light began photography as we know it.
Lenses and various forms of image technology
existed prior to the discovery/creation of film
FILM ADVANCE
Some type of system or device used to move
exposed film out of the way and replace it with an
unexposed piece. May be completely manual OR
fully automatic.
HOME

16. Film / Film Advance
HOME

17. Focus Control A system that physically moves the lens in order to
create a sharp image on the film
Cameras with NO apparent focus control utilize the
“Pinhole Principle” to obtain a focused image.
HOME

18. Pinhole Principle We see reflected light in all directions
A single ray of light can not be out of focus
We can eliminate all but a single ray of light with an
opening that is extremely small (a pinhole) resulting in a
focused image
HOME

19. Viewing System Method photographer uses to see approximate
scene which will be captured on film
May consist of one or more lenses
Criteria under which all cameras are classified
HOME