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SLR Basic Parts: Optical Components

A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera uses a mirror and prism system that allows the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. Prior to SLRs, cameras had two separate optical paths for viewing and capturing, which could cause errors. Most SLRs correct the image orientation using a pentaprism between the reflex mirror and viewfinder. When taking a photo, the mirror flips up and the light exposes the film or sensor directly.

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Abhishek Das
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480 views

SLR Basic Parts: Optical Components

A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera uses a mirror and prism system that allows the photographer to view through the lens and see exactly what will be captured. Prior to SLRs, cameras had two separate optical paths for viewing and capturing, which could cause errors. Most SLRs correct the image orientation using a pentaprism between the reflex mirror and viewfinder. When taking a photo, the mirror flips up and the light exposes the film or sensor directly.

Uploaded by

Abhishek Das
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SLR BASIC PARTS

A single-lens reflex (SLR) camera is a camera that typically uses a mirror & prism system (hence
"reflex", from the mirror's reflection) that permits the photographer to view through the lens and hence
see exactly what will be captured, as opposed to viewfinder cameras where the image could be
significantly different from what will be captured.

Prior to the development of SLR, all cameras with viewfinders had two optical light paths: one path
through the lens to the film, and another path positioned above (TLR or twin-lens reflex) or to the side
(rangefinder). Because the viewfinder and the film lens cannot share the same optical path, the
viewing lens is aimed to intersect with the film lens at a fixed point somewhere in front of the camera.
This is not problematic for pictures taken at a middle or longer distance, but parallax error causes
framing errors in close-up shots. Moreover, focusing the lens of a fast reflex camera when it is opened
to wider apertures (such as in low light or while using low-speed film) is not easy.

Most SLR cameras permit upright and laterally correct viewing through use of a roof pentaprism
situated in the optical path between the reflex mirror and viewfinder. Light, which comes both
horizontally and vertically inverted after passing through the lens, is reflected upwards by the reflex
mirror, into the pentaprism where it is reflected several times to correct the inversions caused by the
lens, and align the image with the viewfinder. When the shutter is released, the mirror moves out of
the light path, and the light goes directly onto the film (or in the case of a DSLR, the CCD or CMOS
imaging sensor).

Focus can be adjusted manually by the photographer or automatically by an autofocus system. The
viewfinder can include a matte focusing screen located just above the mirror system to diffuse the
light. This permits accurate viewing, composing and focusing, especially useful with interchangeable
lenses.

Optical components
Cross-section view of SLR system:
1: Front-mount lens (four-element Tessar design)
2: Reflex mirror at 45-degree angle
3: Focal plane shutter
4: Film or sensor
5: Focusing screen
6: Condenser lens
7: Optical glass pentaprism (or penta-mirror)
8: Eyepiece (can have diopter correction ability)

A cross-section (or 'side-view') of the optical components of a typical SLR camera shows how the
light passes through the lens assembly (1), is reflected by the mirror (2) placed at a 45-degree angle,
and is projected on the matte focusing screen (5). Via a condensing lens (6) and internal reflections in
the roof pentaprism (7) the image appears in the eyepiece (8). When an image is taken, the mirror
moves upwards from its resting position in the direction of the arrow, the focal plane shutter (3) opens,
and the image is projected onto the film or sensor (4) in exactly the same manner as on the focusing
screen.

This feature distinguishes SLRs from other cameras as the photographer sees the image composed
exactly as it will be captured on the film or sensor.

Pentaprisms and penta-mirrors

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