Small Format Cameras
The modern small camera can function as an extension of the eye in “reaching out” into the world. The flow of life, the rapidly changing relationships of objects and realities, seem to come into an embrace with the photographer’s eye and imagination. This view of the world is far more fluent than is possible with a view camera. Yet it is this very fluency that is the greatest challenge of small-format photography, for the photographer is called upon to assess the moving elements of a scene and integrate then into an effective still photograph in fractions of a second. – Ansel Adams, The Camera
There are three major types of cameras: small (35mm), medium and large format. As the name implies the size of the camera increases with each category.
Today, the 35mm is the most popular among the general public. You get the portability of a small, light weight camera and the flexibility of various settings. These cameras can be broken down into two further categories:
Viewfinder
Viewfinders have a viewing system completely separate from the picture-making lens. They usually contain a range-finder optical system (see illustration at left) that enables the lens to be focused. What you see in a viewfinder is an approximation of the final image. Because the viewing window is offset from the lens, what the lens captures and what the viewing window sees are different. Aside from picture border, you get no other information from the viewing window. The lens is what handles focus.
This version of a 35 mm is not popular any more for many reasons the biggest of which is the distortion inherent in using these cameras. Precisely because the lens and viewing window are separated, sometimes by inches, what you see is not what you get. This distortion is called parallax and can be easily adjusted for by shifting the camera up by the number of inches the viewfinder is above the lens. They have been replaced by digital point-and-shoot cameras but if you are curious I am sure you can find one used easily, especially on Craig’s List.
SLR Camera
Next in line is the SLR camera. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, a workhorse that provides a good balance of portability and functionality. In Ansel’s day, he would have to use a pack mule to transport his large format cameras, lens, film, etc. Today all that can be avoided by using an SLR with accompanying lenses and ancillary equipment. An SLR separates the lens from the camera body
There are various interchangeable lenses available. Because the shutter is located in the camera body just in front of the film, it is easy to switch lenses. In older cameras the shutter was located sometimes in the lens body, making switching out lenses a bit tricky. The shutter would have to be calibrated with each additional lens.
When you contrast a viewfinder and slr camera’s basic operations, you can see that an SLR viewing window shows you exactly what the lens sees. This is done through the combination of a mirror and a prism that inverts the image to appear right side up. When the shutter is ready to be released, the mirror will swing upward to enable the picture to be taken then swings back down into place. This will cause the viewing window to appear black briefly. The path the light travels is indicated by the straight line. The prism at the top of camera body causes the image to appear right side up.
The controls range from completely automatic to manual. In between there may be options to use shutter priority or aperture priority. re are a few that contain semi-manual modes but are still essentially automated. Because of this they are intended for average situations, especially those within your control. For example, they are great when you can control the subject’s movement. But if you cannot control movememt, like a running toddler, then images are blurred because these cameras are just not fast enough to freeze movement. The speed or ability to control the speed just is not there. On the other hand because they are so compact, they are the easiest to carry and do not require special bags. They fit into a pocket or purse easily and are ready to be used quickly. The convenience cannot be beat.
Next Article: Medium Format
