ABSTRACT
This chapter lists the major features normally associated with the name view camera. They are ground-glass viewing for composing and focusing; lateral, vertical, and angular adjustment of the lens and back; accommodation of interchangeable lenses; flexible bellows connecting the front and back of the camera; large film size, usually in sheet form; and designed to be used on a tripod. In situations where image quality is the most important consideration, large film sizes are preferred. Among the advantages view cameras have over small-format cameras are the superior image quality produced with the larger sizes of film, and the precision with which images can be composed and focused on the large ground glass. The advantages also include the image control provided by the swings, tilts, and other view camera adjustments, combined with an unlimited choice of lenses. The most obvious limitations of view cameras with respect to photographing action scenes are that the camera must be used on a tripod.
