Camera Basics
This is the light-sensitive material placed inside a film camera to record images.
film
After shooting, film must be ________ in a darkroom to reveal the images. (one-word answer)
developed
The enlarger part that holds and projects the negative (one-word answer).
negative carrier
Term meaning how much light reaches the film or paper.
exposure
The most common consumer film size historically used in cameras (two-digit number + mm).
35mm
The part of the camera you look through to compose your shot.
viewfinder
The room where film is processed and photographic prints are made.
darkroom
This enlarger part focuses the projected image onto photographic paper.
enlarger lens (or lens)
The setting that describes how sensitive film is to light (often written as a number like 100 or 400).
ISO (film speed)
True or False: Enlargers are used to make prints directly from a camera body.
False (enlargers are used to project negatives onto photographic paper, not from a camera body)
The component that controls how long light hits the film.
shutter
The chemical solution used to develop film.
developer
The flexible, accordion-like section on an enlarger that allows adjustment of distance between lens and negative.
bellows
Explain, in one or two sentences, how shutter speed and aperture work together to affect exposure.
Aperture controls the amount of light entering (and depth of field); shutter speed controls how long the light hits the film. Together they determine total exposure.
Name one famous photographer or historic figure associated with photography (one name).
Ansel Adams, Annie Liebovitz (other valid answers include Daguerre, Niepce, Dorothea Lange)
The type of image on film where light areas appear dark and dark areas appear light.
negative
Why are red safe lights used in a darkroom? Give a short explanation.
Because most photographic materials are not sensitive to red light, red safe lights let you see while not exposing paper/film; they are turned off when preparing light-sensitive materials for development.
The camera control that changes the size of the lens opening (term commonly paired with f-numbers).
aperture
If you increase the film ISO from 100 to 400, what happens to required light and image grain? (two effects)
Less light is required for higher ISO; higher ISO typically increases image grain (more noticeable grain).
What does the term “negative carrier” do in an enlarger? Give a short purpose statement.
A negative carrier holds the film flat and in the correct position inside the enlarger so the image projects sharply and consistently.
Name two reasons some photographers prefer film cameras over digital cameras (give two distinct reasons).
aesthetic/film grain; hands-on chemical process; archival/long-lasting prints; unique colors/tones (any two)
Describe the basic sequence of steps to go from exposed film to a finished print (list at least three steps in order).
develop film in developer, stop bath, fix; wash and dry negatives; place negative in enlarger, expose photographic paper, develop the paper, fix, wash, and dry the print.
Identify the part labeled: the small lever/button on the top-right of many film cameras used to take a picture (two-word answer).
shutter button
A photographer wants a blurred motion effect of a moving car at night. Which shutter speed choice is best: fast (1/1000s) or slow (1/4s)? Explain briefly.
Slow (1/4s). A slow shutter speed lets more time for the car to move during exposure, creating motion blur.
Describe one creative reason a photographer might intentionally underexpose a film image (one or two sentences).
To create a darker, moodier look or to retain highlight detail; underexposure can preserve bright highlights and create mood or reduce blown-out areas.