Glossary 101

Question 1

Abberration

Answer 1

Optical defect in a lens (sometimes unavoidable) causing distortion or loss of sharpness in the final image.

Question 2

Adapter ring

Answer 2

A ring used to attach one camera item to another; for example, to attach a lens to a camera in reverse position in order to increase image sharpness when focusing very close to the subject.

Question 3

Agitate

Answer 3

To move a solution over the surface of film or paper during the development process so that fresh liquid comes into contact with the surface.

Question 4

Angle of view

Answer 4

The amount of a scene that can be recorded by a particular lens from a given position; determined by the focal length of the lens.

Question 5

Aperture

Answer 5

The lens opening formed by the iris diaphragm inside the lens. The size is variable and adjusted by the aperture control.

Question 6

Aperture control

Answer 6

The ring on the camera lens (a push button on some models) that, when turned, adjusts the size of the opening in the iris diaphragm and changes the amount of light that reaches the film.

Question 7

Aperture-priority mode

Answer 7

An automatic exposure system in which the photographer sets the aperture (f-stop) and the camera selects a shutter speed for normal exposure.

Question 8

ASA

Answer 8

A film speed rating similar to an ISO rating.

Question 9

Automatic exposure

Answer 9

A mode of camera operation in which the camera automatically adjusts either the aperture, the shutter speed, or both for normal exposure.

Question 10

Automatic flash

Answer 10

An electronic flash unit with a light-sensitive cell that determines the duration of the flash for normal exposure by measuring the light reflected back from the subject.

Question 11

Auto winder

Answer 11

A camera device that automatically advances the film once it has been exposed. (Syn: Motor drive unit.)

Question 12

Available light

Answer 12

A general term implying relatively dim light that already exists where a photograph is to be made.

Question 13

Averaging meter

Answer 13

An exposure meter with a wide angle of view. The indicated exposure is based on an average of all the light values in the scene.

Question 14

B

Answer 14

A shutter-speed setting (marked B) at which the shutter stays open as long as the shutter release is held down. (Syn. Bulb.)

Question 15

Base

Answer 15

The supporting material that holds a photographic emulsion. For film, it is plastic or acetate. For prints, it is paper.