Film cameras have developed throughout the years and are still often used by artistic photographers despite the digital revolution.
The pinhole camera was invented around 1000 A.D., but it wasn't until 1827 that Joseph Nicephore Niepce was able to record the first photographic images, which disappeared shortly after they were created. In 1889 flexible roll film was created and paved the way for the mass produced film cameras. Today, film cameras come in a variety of styles and use many film formats.
Viewfinder Cameras
Also called box cameras, viewfinder cameras use a viewfinder separate from the lens to view the subject. These cameras have a limited aperture control and a single speed shutter. Point and shoot cameras, the type most commonly used for general snapshots, are viewfinder cameras.
Range Finder Cameras
Like viewfinder cameras, the range finder cameras use a viewfinder separate from the lens to see the subject. However, range finders show two images that come together when they are in focus.
Single Lens Reflex Cameras
Also simply called SLR cameras, these use the same lens for viewing the subject and taking the picture. SLRs are the most popular camera among professional photographers and photography students or enthusiasts. They allow the photographer to control the aperture and shutter speed and to swap lenses for various situations.
Twin Lens Reflex Camera
These cameras have separate viewing and taking lens. The picture is using viewed from above with the camera held at waist level. They use medium format film, which is larger than the standard 35mm film. Unlike SLRs, twin lens cameras have not become widely available in digital format, leaving film as the primary medium for this camera.
View Cameras
The view camera, one of the earliest developed working film cameras, is still in use today but only by high end professional and portrait photographers. These cameras come in a large variety for various situations. They use large format film, which is usually loaded one sheet at a time with one photograph per sheet. Although, some are able to use roll film with a special roll film holder.
Instant Cameras
Introduced and popularized by Polaroid, these cameras use film that contains the chemicals to develop and fix itself allowing the picture taker to have the developed photograph right after taking it. While the quality of these pictures is often unpredictable, the instant camera has a varied cult and art following as well as a great appeal for kids as a "toy" camera.
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