View Cameras

View Cameras

A view camera is much larger than a typical style of camera. It’s a very large, light-proof apparatus, not that much different from an ordinary camera, except for its size and range of motion. The film and lens of the camera are mounted on large metal frames called “standards” and connected by a flexible bellows. Although the View Camera still in use in the present day, albeit in a limited fashion, its unwieldy size and archaic design lead it to be thought of solely as a historical camera. This is compounded by the fact that it is an entirely manual camera, possesses no flash and, in order to even see the image of the picture, the photographer has to cover his head with a black cloth as he looks into the film standard.

A User’s Guide To The View Camera

The front standard is capable of being moved in any direction along the six axes of motion (Up, down, left, right, backwards and forwards), which allows the photographer to control many aspects of the finished photo. By moving the lens standard forward or backward, it’s possible to change the focus of the camera. By moving it up, down, left or right, the photographer can select the part of the image that he wishes to photograph. The film used in most view cameras is actually smaller than the image the lens takes in. So, in order to produce a decently framed photograph, the photographer needs to move the lens standard to select the subject of the picture. Finally, the lens standard can be tipped vertically and horizontally, thus shifting the perspective. For example, a photographer can shift the standard up and then tilt it downwards to give the impression that the photograph is being taken from a higher position. Although large, unwieldy and fragile, these movable standards allow it a field of motion comparable to smaller, more portable cameras.

View Camera Store

Although not available for purchase at most photography stores, view cameras are still available for purchase on the internet, most prominently at the View Camera Store. The View Camera Store offers everything for the View Camera enthusiast, including film, light meters, tripods, carrying cases and, of course, View Cameras. The cameras themselves, however, are prohibitively expensive, with prices ranging from six hundred to six thousand dollars. Owning such a camera is naturally limited to dedicated professionals.