photographer's help pages

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, light coming from the subject passes through the lens into the viewfinder where it strikes the F4's 5 segment light meter, this offered the photographer a better chance of obtaining the correct exposure for the main component of a particular image. The current Nikon F6 and Nikon D3x have 1,005 pixel RGB sensors. Now also available from most manufactures under varying names.

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 12 megapixel camera has a resolution of 12 million pixels. The 'image size' of a Nikon D300s 12.3 megapixel camera is 4,288 x 2,848 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, photographer, 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 Four Thirds system (MFT)
A new standard created by Olympus and Panasonic for mirrorless interchangeable lens digital cameras. MFT has the same image sensor size and specification as the Four Thirds system but with smaller lenses and bodies because of its mirrorless design. A useful feature is that virtually any lens (e.g.: Leica) can be used on a MFT camera body using an adapter.
(see Four Thirds system)

Micro lens
The Micro-Nikkor is the Nikon Corporation's name for their close-up 'Macro' lens.
(see Macro lens)

Microlens
A microlens is a small lens, generally with a diameter less than a millimetre (mm) and often smaller than 10 micrometres (µm). Microlens arrays are often used to increase the light collection efficiency of CCD & CMOS sensors.
(see CCD & CMOS)

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 the photographer 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)

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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)

Noise Reduction
A major picture quality difference between a digital compact and a DSLR is that the compact produces photos with more noise, similar to the 'grain' of a high ISO traditional film. When a high ISO is set the camera has to amplify the signal received from the sensor and this increases background electrical noise. The larger image sensor of the DSLR has bigger photosites therefore more light gathering capacity and a larger signal to noise ratio.
To overcome this problem manufacturers have incorporated noise reduction systems into their cameras. These do reduce noise but also introduce a smoothing effect. Creating a 'smearing' mostly revealed in grass, brickwork and any subject with a fine, repetitive pattern.
(see ISO & DSLR)

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 or sensor and produces a dense negative or a very light positive image.

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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