The basic idea behind a photographic camera has not changed much since its invention, although new advancements such as digital technology have changed the art form. Knowing the mechanism behind a camera gives the photographer a better understanding of the craft of photography.
Casing and Viewfinder
The camera casing is the solid outer shell that provides protection for the inner parts. The casing also helps keep light out of the camera, preventing light from exposing the film. The viewfinder is used by the camera operator to aim and focus the image and adjust the settings.
Lens and Mirror
The lens allows light to enter the camera and focuses the light on the film. It also allows light to reflect off the mirror, allowing the operator to see the image to be photographed in the viewfinder. An image that is not focused in the viewfinder will appear blurry when printed. The mirror is only in use when the shutter is closed. It allows the operator to see the image in the viewfinder to prepare the image to be photographed. When the shutter is opened, the mirror moves up, allowing light to enter the camera and exposing the film to the lighted image.
Prism
The prism refracts light, allowing the operator to see the image in the viewfinder when the shutter is closed.
Aperture and Shutter Speed Dial
The opening in the lens that controls the amount of light allowed into the camera and the length of time the film is exposed to light is called the aperture. The shutter speed dial is set by the camera operator and regulates how long the aperture stays open. The slower the shutter speed, the more light the aperture allows into the camera; a slow shutter speed would be set around 60.
F-Stop Ring and ASA Dial
The F-Stop ring has settings from 2 to 22, with 2 being the largest and 22 the smallest. These settings are for the size of the aperture opening when the picture is taken; the smaller the setting, the less light is allowed into the camera to expose the film. The ASA dial is set according to the speed of the film used in the camera. Faster film is used for fast-moving action and low light levels; a film with a setting of 200 or above is classified as fast.
Film Advance Lever, Rewind Crank and Frame Advance Box
The film advance lever is used to advance the film through the camera. The frame advance box displays the number of pictures taken and helps the operator judge how many pictures are left on a roll of film. The rewind crank is used when a roll of film is finished and is used to rewind the exposed film back into the canister.
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