Lens Diaphragm

Lens Diaphragm
• In between the lens component of a camera is
a metal diaphragm which can be expanded or
constricted by moving a turning ring on the
lens mount or barrel.
 Diaphragm is a thin opaque structure with an opening (aperture) at its
center. The role of the diaphragm is to stop the passage of light, except for the
light passing through the aperture. Thus it is also called a stop (an aperture
stop, if it limits the brightness of light reaching the focal plane, or a field
stop or flare stop for other uses of diaphragms in lenses). The diaphragm is
placed in the light path of a lens or objective, and the size of the aperture
regulates the amount of light that passes through the lens. The centre of the
diaphragm's aperture coincides with the optical axis of the lens system.
 Aperture is referred to the
lens diaphragm opening inside a
photographic lens.
The size of the diaphragm
opening in a camera lens
REGULATES amount of light
passes through onto the film
inside the camera the moment
when the shutter curtain in
camera opens during an
exposure process.
The size of an aperture in
a lens can either be a fixed or the
most popular form in an
adjustable type (like an SLR
camera).
APERTURE
 Aperture size is usually
calibrated in f-numbers or f-
stops. i.e. those little
numbers engraved on the
lens barrel like f22 (f/22), 16
(f/16), f/11, f/8.0, f/5.6,
f/4.0, f/2.8, f/2.0, f/1.8 etc.
Each of this value
represents one time the
amount of light either more
or less in quantity. Meaning
to say, f/16 will let in 1X the
amount of light than a
diaphragm opening of f/22
and so forth; while on the
other hand, an aperture of
f/4.0 will let in 1X lesser than
 Diaphragm as a controller of speed
- Serves as the
speed
throttle.
- The lowest the
number
is the widest
opening
and the highest
number
is the smallest
opening
 Diaphragm as controller of DOF

Depth of Field is the range

of distance that appears
acceptably sharp. It varies
depending on camera type,
aperture and focusing
distance, although print
size and viewing distance
can also influence our
perception of depth of
field.
Influencing factors
of DOF
a. Size of diaphragm
opening

 Rule:
The smaller the
opening, the longer
is the depth of field.
Conversely, the
wider the opening,
the shorter is the
depth of field.
b. Focal length of
the lens
Rule:
The shorter the
focal length, the
wider or longer is
the depth of field.
The longer is the
focal length, the
shorter is the
depth of field.
c. Circle of Confusion
(blur spot)
• A small circle
which is seen by
the eye, not as a
circle but a dot or
point.
 HYPER FOCAL
DISTANCE
- the nearest distance
at which a lens is
focused with a given
particular diaphragm
opening which will give
a maximum depth of
field.
Diaphragm as
controller of definition

The ability of the

lens to form a
clear image of
fine details.
 FOCUSING
• The setting of the proper distance in order to
form a sharp image.

• The main factor that will determine the

sharpness of the images on a photograph.
 Methods of Focusing
1. Scale – bed or focusing scale
 On the amount or barrel of the camera lens
there are two sets of pre-setted distance
expressed in feet (ft) and in meters (m).
 These distances correspond to the distance
from the camera lens to the subject.
• RANGE FINDERS
A mechanism used to measure the angle of
convergence of light as seen from two apertures
or opening but viewed at the same time. In
modern cameras, the rangefinder is coupled
with the viewfinder.
 Split Image
 Co – incident image
 Split image
• the viewfinder of the camera has a circle on
the central part with a running line across the
circle.
• This method of focusing is standard in single
lens reflex camera.
 Co – incident image
• This method of focusing is usually used on
compact cameras with a fixed lens.
• When looking at the viewfinder, you’ll notice a
rectangle/circle on the upper left portion of
the viewfinder. For emphasis, manufacturer of
the camera usually add color to it usually
green or yellow.
CO-INCIDENT IMAGE
 Groundglass
• This method of focusing is accomplished by direct
observation of the image of the subject on a glass
with finely grounded surface known as groundglass.
• This groundglass is found at the back of a camera or
in the case of the modern cameras, also coupled with
the viewfinder. The point of focus is where the image
is sharpest.
• If out of focus, it appears to be blurred, fuzzy.
 PARALLAX
• The change of appearance and orientation of
objects when seen from two viewpoints.
• Also used to refer to the distance between the
viewpoints themselves.
 SHUTTERS
• A device that opens to uncover the film to
make an exposure for an accurately timed
interval then closes automatically.
• The action of the shutter is expressed in the
different shutter speeds which correspond to
the length of time or duration of the opening
to the closing of the shutter.
Shutter
 Different shutter speed
B – for bulb or brief
1
2
4
8
15
30
60
125
250
500
1000
 Two types of shutter
• Between the lens or central
shutter
Located in between the
lens component. It is made of
metal blades. Its action starts
from the center toward the
sides then closes back to the
center. This type of shutter
can be synchronized with a
flash unit with every shutter
speed.
 Focal plane shutter
• Located directly in front of the film or focal
plane. It is usually made of cloth or metal
curtain.
• Its action starts from one side and closes on
the opposite side. This type of shutter can give
a faster shutter speeds than the between-the-
lens shutter.