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For anyone who has ever wondered how cameras work, this book is a pleasant way to learn. It is generously endowed with enough fundamentals to satisfy the technical specialist, without intimidating the casual but curious amateur photographer. The author has repaired, modified, and designed and analyzed cameras for the past forty five years. With this background, he goes beyond describing camera functions based on advertised data–instead the book explains how various cameras really work. The book peels off the cover panels and lets you look into the dark side of the lens. The dozen or so formulas use simple math and the drawings alone are worth the price of admission.
Key Features
* Describes how cameras work and how well they overcome the difficulties in making a technically perfect photo
* Covers causes of image faults
* Presents unique methods for testing cameras
* Covers integration of optics, electronics, and mechanics in contemporary cameras more info
Popularity: 1% [?]
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
An excellent book for those interested in the technical side
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This book presents the technical side and history of the working components of (mostly) 35mm cameras. There are sections on shutters, aperatures, etc. There are many illustrations but I agree they are a bit spotty in quality. I enjoyed the book a lot.
Excellent Book on Camera Technology
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Norman Goldberg was Modern Photography’s senior technician in the 70s-80s before it was acquired by Popular Photo. His job was to take apart new cameras and dissect their technical features, and he did an outstanding job. You just cannot find such expertise easily.
Dark Side of The Lens(DSTL) is a textbook on camera technology. Covered are classic mechanical types to more modern ones with autofocusing. Emphasis is on the mechanical and electronics aspects, but there is also a wealth of tech info on lens technology. It is not a book for casual browsing, the reader will benefit most if he has a background in electronics, optics or engineering similar to NG’s.
Profusely illustrated with CAD diagrams and concisely explained by NG, this book is worth much more than its modest price. It deserves its place of honor in any camera lover’s bookshelves.
The only sad thing: what are we going to do when NG (now in his 80s) is no longer around? Like Marty Forscher, NG is a legend in his own time.
Camera Technology: The Dark Side of the Lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The clearest, most complete explanation of all factors and mechanisms involved in exposure, timing, and focusing.