Sequence viewing > Index - Cameras - lenses - optics - Resource - © Lloyd Godman

Film - Digital

View Camera

 
PARTS OF THE VIEW CAMERA
Monorail
Flatbed

  Monorail or Flatbed

The bottom of the view camera consists of either a rail or a flat bed that attaches to the tripod.  The rail or bed is the foundation for the rest of the camera and all its movements.
 
 

Front Standard

Both the Monorail and flat bed cameras have a front standard which is a frame that holds the lens board in place.  On most cameras the front standard can be moved along the rail or bed and in most cases this movement is used for focusing. On the outside, it supports the lens board on a pivot and can also be pivoted on the bracket that attaches it to the rail, while on the inside, one end of the bellows is attached.


 
 

Focusing

Rather than rotating the lens as with a 35mm or medium format camera, focusing the image with a view camera is achieved by moving the front lens standard along the rail.

 

 

 

 

Want to learn more? - do a workshop or one on one with Lloyd Godman