How Do Film Cameras Work? – An Analog Guide
Nowadays, almost everybody uses digital cameras and smartphones because they are easy to use. They have automatic settings, and you can grab the images fast and edit them as you wish. In the past, cameras have manual settings and made use of films. It makes you wonder about how the images are captured. Read on to know more and learn how do film cameras work in this article.
Types of Film Cameras
Film cameras may have been phased out because of digicams. But film cameras continue to upgrade even these days because some professional photographers still prefer them. Various types of film cameras have been invented in the past, and each type has its unique characteristics and usage. Before knowing how do film cameras work, here are, some of the film cameras invented that maybe you don't know existed:
Single-Lens Reflex Cameras
This type of camera allows you to swap lenses, enabling you to put greater control over your shots. It utilizes a mirror and prism system for precise capturing with excellent viewing and focusing techniques through its lens.
Twin-Lens Reflex Cameras
This is a bulky type of camera with a fixed-mirror reflex body and top screen. It has two objective lenses: the photographic objective and the other one is intended for the viewfinder system.
Rangefinder Cameras
A rangefinder camera is a type of camera fitted with a rangefinder, typically a split-image rangefinder. It works the same way with SLR except for its mechanism, which involves a compact revolving mirror and two windows used to focus. It also does not allow you to look through the lens, but through a small window on the upper right side, unlike the SLR.
Folding Cameras
Folding cameras has bellows that make it distinct from others. Bellows is situated between the lens and camera body that looks similar to what you see on an accordion instrument. This part can alter both in-camera effects and image focus and fix distortion in some cases. You can also have different effects for your image by adjusting the lens position and angle at the bellows' edge and the film back. This type can be folded compactly for storage.
Toy Cameras
Toy cameras are very suitable for children because it is usually made of plastic and very easy to use. It can also provide decent images regardless of the various defects in its lenses. In photography, a toy camera is a simple and inexpensive one. Despite the name, they are always fully functional and capable of taking photos, although with optical variation due to the simple lenses' limitations.
Film Camera Mechanism
Simple knowledge about film cameras relates that it has a lightproof box. The image is created once the light enters it at the precise moment and causes a chemical reaction to the film. This answers the basic question of how do film cameras work.
Imagine taking a photo of a moving object such as your pet. As it runs towards your direction, an outdoor light reflects off and bounces into the camera. That particular light will bounce off the mirror and eyepiece. Lastly, the light will pass through the eyepiece and into your eye. Typically, you will see the image as it appears in the film. As you hold the camera, you'll wait for the perfect moment. When your cat stops for a moment, then snap! You got the perfect shot. The specific process of how do film cameras work is stated on the following:
- Upon pressing the camera button, the mirror flips away. The light will pass and hit the film that will also cause chemical response.
- Upon clicking the button, the reflected light of your subject is recorded. The crystals in the film serve as a light reactor that passes through the camera and film.
- Afterimage capturing, the images will be developed in a photographer's darkroom. The developing process involves particular chemicals where the film will be dipped.
- The developed film gives you a negative image, which means the light objects will look dark and dark objects look light.
- Lightroom must shine through the negative film when it's time to print your photo. It involves creating a shadow on a photo paper and giving you a positive print. You will then finally have your photograph.
Conclusion
For most camera enthusiasts, film cameras remain the best way to capture certain subjects and precious moments. They have an incredible ability to record and produce the tiniest detail in a very stable form, and they challenge your skill and creativity. It is interesting to know how do film cameras work. It’s not quite complicated to learn, and maybe, you might end up with a new hobby! Here's how to learn more about film cameras.
