M
Macro lens
A lens that provides continuous focusing from infinity to
extreme life-size 1:1 close-ups. Also used as a copy lens because
of its highly corrected design and close-focusing. Macro lenses
can also be used at ordinary subject distances
(see Copy, Close-up lens & Extension tubes)
Macrophotography
Close-up photography in the range of magnification between life-size
1:1 and about ten times 10:1.
Magazine
(see Film Back)
Mains flash
Not battery fed; large studio based Flash lights, run from mains
electric.
(see Generator pack & Monobloc) .
Manipulate
To change a photograph either by a computer program, optical processes or by skilled hand.
Matrix Metering
Multi-segment metering (originally devised by Nikon for its
FA SLR of 1983 under the name AMP: Automatic Multi-Pattern metering).
Matrix was introduced to the world in 1988 with the Nikon F4.
Now available from most manufactures under varying names.
Light coming from the subject passes through the lens into the
viewfinder where it strikes a 10 segment light meter (in the
current Nikon F6), this gives the camera a better chance of obtaining
the correct exposure for the main component of a particular image.
Medium format
A larger format than the popular 35mm size, which can provide
the image quality necessary for commercial reproduction, using
120, 220 or 70mm film. Various sizes can be shot, the most popular
are 6cmx6cm, 6cmx4.5cm and 6cmx7cm.
(see 35mm)
Megabyte (MB)
A measure of file size and storage capacity referring to between 1,000,000 and 1,048,576, 8-bit data units or characters.
(see Gigabyte)
Megapixel
The manufacturers way of describing the resolution of a Digital
camera; a 6 megapixel camera has a resolution of 6 million pixels.
(see Pixel)
Memory Stick
A Sony memory card. Like Compact Flash and Smart Media it is
a flash memory based storage system for use in digital cameras.
(see Compact Flash
and Smart Media)
Metadata
Data embedded and stored within a digital image file. It provides information concerning copyright, credit, restrictions, captions, keywords, or other characteristics. There are several forms of image metadata including EXIF which is used by digital camera makers and provides large amounts of photo information including the make & model, date & time, aperture and shutter-speed.
(see EXIF data)
Meter
An instrument with a light-sensitive cell that measures the light
reflected from or falling onto a subject. Some types can also
measure Flash light.
(see: Exposure meter & Incident
light)
Metz
Well known German manufacturer of large portable battery
flashguns.
Micro Drives
Very small Hard Drives (HD) designed for Digital cameras. Compact
'flash memory' cards are now available in similar sizes.
(see Compact Flash)
Micro lens
The Micro-Nikkor is the Nikon Corporation's name for their close-up
'Macro' lens.
(see Macro lens)
Microphotography
(see Photomicrography)
Mirror (Mirror lens)
A long lens that uses mirrors within its construction. This allows
an extremely long focal length lens to fit within a relatively
short barrel. Also known as reflex or catadioptric (cat).
(see Long lens)
Model Release
A document signed by the subject (if under age, the subject's guardian) to permit the use of their likeness in advertising or commercial photography.
Modeling light
A high powered bulb in a Mains Flash unit which is used to help
judge what effect the flash light will have on the subject. It
also describes a light used to enhance a three-dimensional effect.
(see Mains flash)
Monobloc
Type of mains flash that is smaller than the Generator style
items. They are self contained and can be used more easily on
location.
(see Generator pack)
Monorail camera
Large format camera, constructed on a single rail. Offers
the maximum of camera movements.
(see Baseboard, Camera movements, Field camera & Technical)
Movements
Large format camera movements to help focus, shape, composition
or converging angles (swing, shift & tilt) .
(see Camera movements& Converging angles)
MP
Abbreviation for Megapixel.
(see Megapixel)
Multicoating
Modern lenses are made up of many individual glass elements,
these elements improve the overall image quality compared with
a simple 'single' or 'double' element lens, however, extra elements
can reduce the performance by absorbing incoming light. A transparent
lens 'Coating' (single or multi) aids the passage of light, reduces
'flare' and also improves contrast.
(see Flare)
Multi-bracketing
(see Bracketing)
Multigrade
Photographic B&W paper that provides all the different
grades of contrast from one box. Invented by Ilford in the 1950's,
but versions are now manufactured by all the major makers.
(see Contrast grade
paper)
N
Neg. (Negative)
Developed film that contains a reversed image of the original
scene (in a colour negative the colours are also reversed, and
appear as their complementaries.). Light shone through the transparent
negative will make a positive (normal) print on photographic
paper.
Neg. carrier
Negative holder used in an enlarger. It may be adjustable for
different formats and is designed to exclude unwanted light from
the edges of the neg .
(see Format)
Neutral density filter
A neutral grey camera filter which is used to reduce the
amount of light entering the camera when a slow shutter speed
or wide aperture is needed.
(see Aperture & Shutter speed)
O
One shot back
Digital camera back for Large or Medium format cameras that
can shoot a scene in one pass like ordinary film (not three like
the RGB Scanning backs) can therefore be used with live subjects,
not just still life. (see Large
format& Scanning
back)
Open flash
Method of using numerous flash firings to build-up 'flash power'.
During which time the shutter is kept open, this method can only
be used when the shutter speed is unimportant because of poor
existing lighting.
(see: Existing light, Flash range & Shutter speed)
Orthochromatic
Term used to describe 'Black & White' emulsions that are
not sensitive to red light, B&W printing papers are usually
orthochromatic.
(see Panchromatic)
Outdated
Film outside of the expiry date stamp, found on the film box.
(this date indicates the useful life of the material in terms
of maintaining its published speed and contrast.)
(see Contrast & Speed)
Over exposed
A situation in which too much light reaches the film, which
produces a dense negative or a very light transparency.
Over printed (or Overdevelopment)
Term indicating that the amount of recommended development has
been exceeded. It can be caused by prolonged development time
or an increase in temperature, and usually results in an increase
in density and contrast.
(see Contrast)
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