An electric eye camera is a type of camera that utilizes "electric eye" technology to automate key exposure settings, specifically the aperture and exposure time.
Understanding the Concept
Based on the provided reference, the term "electric eye camera" relates to early advancements in automatic cameras. The core idea was to integrate a technology capable of sensing light conditions and using that information to control the camera's settings automatically.
Key Features Identified in the Reference:
- Application of Electric Eye: This technology was applied to the camera design.
- Automatic Settings: The camera was specifically described as being capable of automatically determining the proper aperture and exposure.
This capability allowed photographers to capture images more easily without manually adjusting these critical settings, which previously required separate light meters and technical knowledge.
A Pioneer Development
A notable development in this area, as mentioned in the reference, involves Albert Einstein and Dr. Gustav Bucky. They received a patent for a design that applied the "electric eye" to a camera, enabling its automatic functions. This highlights the historical significance of the "electric eye" in the evolution of camera technology towards greater automation.
The Impact of Automation
The ability for a camera to automatically determine aperture and exposure was a significant step forward.
- Simplified Operation: It made photography more accessible to a wider audience.
- Improved Consistency: It helped ensure more consistently well-exposed images, reducing the likelihood of photos being too dark (underexposed) or too bright (overexposed).
In essence, the "electric eye" served as the camera's automated light-sensing system, directly influencing how light was captured on the film or sensor.
