Small-Format Cameras, Continued
Single-lens
In single-lens reflex cameras, or SLRs, the viewing lens is the same as the
reflex cameras
lens that records the image; hence the name, single-lens reflex. The viewing
and exposure system of SLRs consists of three main elements: a hinged
mirror, a matte focusing screen, and a five-sided glass prism called a
pentaprism. Images enter the lens and strike the mirror. The mirror deflects
the image through the pentaprism onto the matte focusing screen in the
eyepiece. During exposure, the mirror flips out of the way allowing the light
to record on film at the film plane.
Figure 7-9 shows how images pass through an SLR.
Figure 7-9.—How images pass through an
SLR camera.
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