Camera Types
There are several ways to categorize cameras (and paper, and film…). The main division are by film format and body types.
Format
The first major division is by format, or film size.
Miniature
The most commonly available miniature cameras use the APS, or Advanced Photo System. This is a cartridge film in a 16 x 24mm format. The idea behind APS is that the film is encoded with exposure data, which is used by dedicated film processors to yield (hopefully) better negatives and prints. APS is mostly used for point-and shoot. Also in this category is the Minox, a true spy camera. with an 8 x 11mm image. Minox use is a true specialty, and a near cult thing.
Small
This is 35mm (or 135), which gives a 24 x 36mm negative. 126 format also fits into this category, which is the Kodak Instamatic. These cameras are usually modular, easy to handle and use.
Medium
Medium format ranges from 6 x 4 cm to 6 x 8 cm. Medium combines the ease of use of the 35mm with a larger negative size. Mostly used by professionals, the medium format is also generally modular, allowing lens, back, viewfinder, and other cool stuff to be switched out as the need arises and budget allows. The most famous of medium format is the Hasselblad.
Large
Large format runs generally from 4 x 5 inches up to 16 x 20”. The large format is the bulkiest and hardest type to use, but offers incredible image control, with the ability to move both the film plane and the lens plane independently
Body Type
Each of these may be found using more than a single format, as mentioned in the descriptions. As well, I am describing more specific types than usual.
Point and Shoot
Usually found in 35mm format, although also using the 110 cartridge, point and shoots are designed to be extremely simple to use. With better technology at lower costs, these cameras are now often quite sophisticated. The point and shoot is typified by ease of use. Load the film, point it and press the shutter release. Most have minimal viewfinders, fixed exposure and fixed focus. The current most basic of this type is the single-use cameras, which are the same idea as the original consumer camera, the Kodak Brownie.
Rangefinder
The rangefinder is distinguished by its viewfinder. The rangefinder uses a superimposed image in the viewfinder which moves with the focus on the lens. When the superimposed image of the subject is aligned with the regular image of the subject in the viewfinder, you have focus. Rangefinders are valued because they are usually quieter and have less inherent vibration than cameras with other focusing systems. They are available in a variety of formats. The most notable rangefinder is the Leica.
Twin-Lens Reflex
Less available now than in their heyday, the twin-lens reflex uses two identical lenses, one mounted above the other. The upper lens is used for focusing and the lower forms the image on the film. The twin-lens reflex is bulkier than its single-lens-reflex counterpart, usually had a fixed lens (you couldn’t change lenses), and reversed the image in the viewfinder. However, they generally have a much larger and brighter viewfinder, and use medium-format film, so are capable of very good image quality.
Single Lens Reflex
The single-lens reflex is distinguished by a mirror and prism system which allows viewing directly through the lens. When the shutter is released, the mirror flips up, out of the light path, and returns when the shutter closes. The SLR’s most common format is 35mm, but they are also made for larger (medium) format. The huge popularity of the SLR is due to its viewing system, which allows changing lens at will. Viewing directly through the taking lens gives a greater control of the image. This idea of interchangeable lenses led to the idea of a modular, system-based camera, where one could not only change lens, but also viewing screens, backs, add winders and strobes—in effect easily customize at will.
Both the 35mm and medium format SLR are the most widely used professional cameras.
View Camera
The view camera views directly from the lens. The image is focused onto a ground-glass plate. The glass is then replaced by a film holder to capture an image. The view camera offers extreme image control. While other cameras are designed with the film plane and lens plane parallel, the view camera allows independent movement of both. The film plane (back) and the lens plane of the view camera can be raised, lowered, tilted front-to-back, and swung side-to-side. This allows for the aforementioned image control. View cameras usually use 4 × 5 or larger sheet film.
A drawback to the view camera is its bulk, which most often means using a tripod, They are slow to operate, which can be looked at as an advantage or a disadvantage. A version of the view camera, the field camera, is more compact, but sacrifices some of the movement ability.
