Difference between revisions of "Plate camera"

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A '''plate camera''' is a camera whose light-sensitive elements are single pieces of glass coated with light-sensitive chemicals, or, later, single pieces of film, each one taking one photo.  
 
A '''plate camera''' is a camera whose light-sensitive elements are single pieces of glass coated with light-sensitive chemicals, or, later, single pieces of film, each one taking one photo.  
  
The earliest of cameras were loaded in this single-shot manner - and had to be loaded in the dark. Later cameras could be loaded using a [[dark slide]] - a box containing the plate which could be fitted into the camera, then the side of the slide facing the lens could be opened for the exposure, and closed for the slide's removal. This way cameras could be loaded away from the darkroom, and photographers could carry slides for more than one exposure.
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The earliest of cameras were loaded in this single-shot manner - and had to be loaded in the dark. Later cameras could be loaded using a ''plate holder'' (a [[dark slide]]) - a box containing the plate which could be fitted into the camera, then the side of the slide facing the lens could be opened for the exposure, and closed for the slide's removal. This way cameras could be loaded away from the darkroom, and photographers could carry slides for more than one exposure.  Many early plate cameras, and later [[large format]] cameras, are focused and the photo composed on a [[ground glass]] screen, fitted into  the plate position. When the camera is focused and pointing in the right direction, the focus screen is replaced by the plate, and the exposure made.
  
[Large format] cameras continue to be plate cameras, but smaller format plate cameras were superceded by [[roll film]] devices.
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[[Large format]] cameras continue to be plate cameras even today, but smaller format plate cameras were superceded by [[roll film]] devices.
  
 
Attempts were made to automate plate loading, resulting in [[magazine camera]]s containing a number of plates and a mechanism for using each in turn.
 
Attempts were made to automate plate loading, resulting in [[magazine camera]]s containing a number of plates and a mechanism for using each in turn.
 
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| image_text=Western Cyclone Jr., 1899<br />showing plate-holder and storage compartment
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[[Category:Camera architecture]]
 
[[Category:Camera architecture]]

Revision as of 05:18, 11 February 2012

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A plate camera is a camera whose light-sensitive elements are single pieces of glass coated with light-sensitive chemicals, or, later, single pieces of film, each one taking one photo.

The earliest of cameras were loaded in this single-shot manner - and had to be loaded in the dark. Later cameras could be loaded using a plate holder (a dark slide) - a box containing the plate which could be fitted into the camera, then the side of the slide facing the lens could be opened for the exposure, and closed for the slide's removal. This way cameras could be loaded away from the darkroom, and photographers could carry slides for more than one exposure. Many early plate cameras, and later large format cameras, are focused and the photo composed on a ground glass screen, fitted into the plate position. When the camera is focused and pointing in the right direction, the focus screen is replaced by the plate, and the exposure made.

Large format cameras continue to be plate cameras even today, but smaller format plate cameras were superceded by roll film devices.

Attempts were made to automate plate loading, resulting in magazine cameras containing a number of plates and a mechanism for using each in turn.


Glossary Terms