Lens Aperture Shutter Film Body     f16 Focal Plane - Closed     SLR     f5.6 Focal Plane - Open     SLR - take         Leaf - Closed     Viewfinder         Leaf - Open     Viewfinder - take

The lens focuses the light rays from the subject and creates a reversed, upside down image on the film at the back of the camera. The lens is moved back and forth to create a sharp image on the film. The focal length of the lens influences the Depth of Field and Perspective. Please refer to Focusing Light  for more information. 
 

Aperture

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The amount of light reaching the film plane is controlled by the aperture. Normally an iris diaphragm is used to vary the diameter of the aperture, the settings are called f stops. The aperture also influences the Depth of Field. Please refer to Controlling Image Exposure for more information. 
 

Shutter

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The shutter can be set at different speeds to determine the length of time the film is exposed. Focal plane shutters consist of two metal blinds that open progressively. Leaf shutters are located closer to the lens, the blades spring open. Please refer to Controlling the Image for more information.
 

Film	Back to the top

The film records the subject image on its light sensitive surface. The film can be either chemical or digital. A transport mechanism is required to replace exposed film with unexposed film. With digital cameras the image must be converted and stored before the next picture can be taken. Please refer to Chemical Image Processing and Digital Image Processing for more information.
 

Camera Body

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The light tight body houses the various components of the camera, the shape of the body is influenced by the type of viewing system. The single lens reflex (SLR) camera shows the scene through the viewing lens until the shutter is released. While the viewfinder camera has a separate viewing lens, the subject can be seen even when the shutter is released. Please refer to Camera Types for more information.