Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Photography

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This page provides some guidance on how to properly write about cameras and photography (especially "classical" or chemical film cameras, but more general terminology is also listed here).

General guidelines[edit]

Left-hand side and right-hand side describes those places on the camera, just as port and starboard are used on board a boat, from the viewpoint of the photographer
The camera lens (or finder or back - singular) is removable or interchangeable (if applicable).
The camera has not interchangeable lenses (or finders or backs) - unless more are at hand (if applicable).^{[clarification needed]}
The introduction or launch date may differ significantly from production start which seldom is published.
End of production is relevant, since end of sale is difficult to establish in most circumstances.
Film frame sizes: 24×36mm, but 6×6 because the latter is 56×56mm. The same goes for most roll film formats.
A name on a camera or lens is preferably written exactly as seen on the equipment itself or in the manufacturer's literature: Asahi Pentax; Minolta-35; „Спорт“; Nikon F2; Canon F-1; Canon F-1n; Canon New F-1; Industar И-10 1:3,5 f=5cm; Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 1:1.4 f=58mm; Angenieux Paris F. 50 1:1,8 (note comma, not dot). It is prudent to tell exactly what is written on lenses, manufacturer's specifications and relevant literature. ^[1]
Write dimensions related to optics and cameras with a non-breaking space ( ) between the numeral(s) and the unit of measure, per WP:Manual of Style (dates and numbers), except when reporting what appears on the equipment (see immediately previous point).

Terminology[edit]

Parts of the camera[edit]

Top plate - is the covering plate where several controls often are situated.
Bayonet (or screw) lens mount - the place the lens is mounted.
Carrying strap lugs - usually situated on each side on the camera body.
Tripod socket - a threaded hole on the camera base for securing it to a tripod etc.
Back door - opens for film changing.
Base plate, removable base plate - the bottom of the camera.
Film gate - the opening just in front of the film determining the frame size.
Sprocket wheel drum - the mechanism that engages in the film perforations and control film advance.
Bellows - prevents light from hitting the film by enclosing the space between the lens and the film on bellows cameras.
Take-up spool - the spool that the film is wound on to during photographing.
Reflex mirror - flips up and returns after exposure.
Pellicle mirror - is stationary and redirects part of the lightray to the finder.
Focal plane shutter - is situated just in front of the film gate.
Leaf shutter - is usually an integral part of the camera lens.^[2]

Controls on the camera or lens[edit]

Wind-on lever (or knob) - it usually cocks the shutter, winds on the film and increments the frame counter.
Rewind crank (or knob) - it is used to rewind the film after it is exposed.
Rewind release button (or lever) - it allows the film to be freely rewound into the cassette.
Focusing ring - the collar on the lens to be rotated for obtaining the desired focus.
Aperture ring - the collar on the lens to be rotated for obtaining the desired aperture.
Finder - either built-in or fixed in an accessory shoe on the camera top plate.
Rangefinder - device to assist focusing the lens, it is often mechanically coupled to the lens focusing mechanism.
Shutter speed dial - to be turned to the required shutter speed.
Synchronizing contact - closes to activate the flash.
Synchronizing socket - provide a place to connect the electrical lead from the flash.
PC socket - was introduced by Prontor-Compur for connecting flash to their shutters. ^[3]

Lens mounts[edit]

Canon R mount - Cononflex breech mount
Canon FL mount - Next generation Canon breech mount
Canon FD Mount - Third generation Canon breech mount
L39 - the 39mm Leica lens mount with 26 threads per inch (26 / 25.4 = 1.023622 threads per mm)
M39 - is the 39mm×1mm pitch lens mount that came into existence due to unawareness of the Germans using Imperial threads
M42 - the Pentacon screw mount, made universal by Praktica, Pentax etc.
Minolta SR mount - the Minolta SLR bayonet mount prior to autofocus
Nikon F mount - the Nikon SLR camera lens mount ^[4]

References[edit]

^ P-H. van Hasbroeck (1989). 150 Classic Cameras. Sotherby's Publications. ISBN 0856673633.
^ J. Lipinski (1955–1956). Miniature and Precision Cameras. Illife & Sons, Ltd London.
^ Roger Hicks (1984). A history of the 35mm Still Camera. Focal Press, London. ISBN 0240512332.
^ Rudolph Lea (1993). The Register of 35mm Single Lens Reflex Cameras Second Ed. Wittig Books Hückelhoven. ISBN 3889841309.

[1] P-H. van Hasbroeck (1989). 150 Classic Cameras. Sotherby's Publications. ISBN 0856673633.

[2] J. Lipinski (1955–1956). Miniature and Precision Cameras. Illife & Sons, Ltd London.

[3] Roger Hicks (1984). A history of the 35mm Still Camera. Focal Press, London. ISBN 0240512332.

[4] Rudolph Lea (1993). The Register of 35mm Single Lens Reflex Cameras Second Ed. Wittig Books Hückelhoven. ISBN 3889841309.

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