A TLR camera, or Twin-Lens Reflex camera, is a unique type of camera distinguished by its two objective lenses of identical focal length.
Understanding the Twin-Lens Reflex Camera
The core concept of a TLR camera revolves around its dual-lens system:
- Taking Lens: This lens functions as the primary photographic objective, responsible for capturing the image.
- Viewing Lens: The second lens is dedicated to the viewfinder system. It allows the photographer to view the scene, typically from a waist-level perspective, aiding in composition and focusing. The image seen is reflected via a mirror.
Key Features of TLR Cameras
Here's a breakdown of notable features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual Lenses | The defining characteristic, with one lens for taking the picture and one for viewing. |
| Waist-Level Viewfinder | Images are viewed from above, offering a unique shooting perspective. |
| Parallax Error | Can occur at close distances, where what you see isn't exactly what the taking lens sees. |
| Film Format | Often uses medium format film, known for its larger negative size and high image quality. |
Practical Insights
While TLR cameras offer a distinctive shooting experience, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Parallax: Since the viewing lens is above the taking lens, at very close distances, the framing may not be perfectly accurate.
- Reversed Image: Waist-level finders display images reversed left-to-right, which can take some getting used to.
Example
The Rolleiflex is a classic example of a TLR camera.
