Stories with Tag cameras

• Canon EF and RF Lenses – All Autofocus Motors

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  Posted: 2025-03-10 13:12:38

  Verbose tl;dr

  This article provides a comprehensive overview of Canon's autofocus (AF) motor technologies used in their EF and RF lenses. It details the evolution from the original Arc Form Drive (AFD) to the more advanced UltraSonic Motors (USM) – ring-type, micro-USM, and nano-USM – and the Stepping Motor (STM). Each motor type is described in terms of its operating principles, performance characteristics (speed, noise, accuracy), and typical applications. The article highlights the advantages of USM for speed and quiet operation, particularly the ring-type USM for professional lenses, and the benefits of STM for smooth and silent focusing during video recording. It also covers the power-saving Lead-screw type STM found in some smaller lenses. Essentially, the article serves as a technical reference for understanding the different AF motor technologies employed by Canon and how they relate to lens performance.

  This comprehensive article meticulously dissects the evolution and intricacies of Canon's autofocus (AF) motor technology employed in both their EF and RF lens systems. It begins by establishing the fundamental principles of autofocus, explaining how the lens adjusts its elements to achieve precise focus on a subject. The article then delves into a detailed historical overview of Canon's AF motor progression, starting with the original Arc Form Drive (AFD) motor, which, while innovative for its time, suffered from limitations in speed and noise.

  The narrative then transitions to the more advanced and widely adopted ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), highlighting its superior performance characteristics, such as swift and near-silent operation. The author meticulously categorizes the different types of USM implementations, distinguishing between the ring-type USM, micro-USM, and the nano-USM, explaining the subtle yet significant differences in their construction, performance, and application within various lens models. The advantages of USM, including full-time manual focus override, are also thoroughly explored.

  Further expanding its scope, the article encompasses the Stepping Motor (STM) technology, emphasizing its smooth and silent operation, making it particularly suitable for video recording where operational noise is a critical concern. The evolution of STM, from the initial lead-screw type to the more refined gear-type STM, is also discussed, showcasing Canon's continuous refinement of its autofocus technology.

  The author then shifts focus to the realm of RF lenses, specifically designed for Canon's mirrorless camera system. The article meticulously describes the advantages conferred by the shorter flange distance and wider throat diameter of the RF mount, enabling enhanced communication between the lens and camera body, thereby facilitating faster and more accurate autofocus performance. The integration of Nano USM in certain RF lenses is highlighted, demonstrating its ability to combine the speed of ring-type USM with the smooth, silent operation of STM.

  The article concludes with a detailed table comprehensively listing a vast array of Canon EF and RF lenses, meticulously categorizing them by their respective autofocus motor types. This table serves as an invaluable reference for photographers seeking to understand the specific autofocus capabilities of different Canon lenses, aiding them in making informed decisions based on their individual photographic needs and preferences. The article, therefore, provides a thorough and exhaustive exploration of Canon's autofocus technology, tracing its development from the early days of AFD to the cutting-edge advancements in Nano USM and the specialized features of RF lenses.

  • Canon
  • EF Lenses
  • RF Lenses
  • Autofocus
  • Autofocus Motors
  • Lens Technology
  • photography
  • Camera Lenses
  • cameras
  • DSLR
  • Mirrorless Cameras

  Summary of Comments ( 53 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43320230

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally found the article informative, especially regarding the different autofocus motor technologies Canon uses. Several commenters shared their own experiences with specific lenses and motor types, highlighting the performance differences between USM, STM, and Nano USM. Some discussed the tradeoffs between speed, noise, and cost associated with each motor type. The practicality of micro-adjustments for autofocus was also debated, with some users finding it essential and others considering it a workaround for poor lens design. Finally, there was some discussion around the article's focus on Canon, with some users wishing for similar breakdowns of autofocus systems from other manufacturers like Nikon and Sony.

  The Hacker News post titled "Canon EF and RF Lenses – All Autofocus Motors" links to an article detailing the various autofocus motor technologies Canon has used in its EF and RF lens mounts. The discussion in the comments section is relatively brief, with only a few comments focusing on specific technical details rather than broad opinions about the article itself.

  One commenter points out a perceived error in the article, stating that the article incorrectly claims the STM motor is based on a piezo effect. They clarify that STM motors are actually based on a stepping motor, offering a more accurate description of its functionality. This commenter also highlights the quietness of STM motors, a characteristic particularly beneficial for video recording.

  Another comment adds to this correction, emphasizing that while some focusing systems do use piezo elements, Canon's STM does not. This comment further explains that Canon's STM employs an ultrasonic motor driving a lead screw to achieve focus, contrasting it with ring-type USM systems which directly move the focusing lens group. This commenter provides more context by discussing ring USM, micro USM, and nano USM, explaining that although they differ in their implementation (direct drive vs. geared), they are all based on ultrasonic vibration principles.

  A subsequent comment shifts the focus slightly, mentioning issues with the Canon EOS R's electronic viewfinder (EVF) "blackout" during continuous autofocus. This blackout refers to the momentary loss of the live view image in the EVF when the camera takes a shot. This commenter expresses frustration with the duration of the blackout, claiming it makes tracking moving subjects difficult. While related to autofocus, this comment doesn't directly address the article's content on autofocus motors themselves but rather a practical consequence of the camera system's performance.

  Finally, one commenter simply expresses appreciation for the article, finding it "useful" and "interesting." This, however, doesn't provide much detail or insight into specific aspects of the discussion.

  In summary, the comment section is small but offers some valuable technical clarifications regarding the article's description of STM motor technology. It also touches upon practical user experience with Canon's mirrorless autofocus system. While the discussion doesn't offer extensive debate or diverse viewpoints, it does provide helpful additions and corrections to the original article's information, especially for those interested in the nuances of Canon's autofocus technology.

• Cameras of 1930s Era

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  Posted: 2025-02-06 08:43:51

  Verbose tl;dr

  The 1930s saw a diverse range of camera formats coexisting, from large format plate cameras favored by professionals to increasingly popular roll-film cameras like folding cameras and box cameras for casual users. Miniature format cameras using 35mm film, though existing, were still gaining traction. The era was characterized by evolving technology, with advancements in lenses, shutters, and film contributing to improved image quality and ease of use for amateur photographers. While sophisticated, high-quality cameras were available, affordability remained a barrier for many, with simpler, more accessible cameras dominating the consumer market.

  The informative webpage hosted by the Living Image Museum, entitled "Cameras of 1930s Era," offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of amateur photography during the 1930s, a period marked by significant technological advancements and burgeoning public interest in the medium. The page meticulously reconstructs a typical middle-class British family's interaction with photography in that decade, focusing on the equipment commonly available and the photographic practices they employed.

  The narrative begins by establishing the context of the era, emphasizing the increasing affordability and accessibility of cameras, coupled with the rise of easily processed film formats like 120 roll film. This democratization of photography meant that capturing family moments and personal experiences was no longer the exclusive domain of professionals or the wealthy elite. Instead, ordinary individuals could document their lives, travels, and special occasions with relative ease.

  The website then delves into the specific types of cameras prominent in the 1930s, showcasing iconic models such as folding cameras and box cameras. Folding cameras, known for their compactness and portability when folded, offered more advanced features like adjustable apertures and focusing mechanisms, catering to the burgeoning enthusiast photographer. Box cameras, on the other hand, represented the simplest and most economical option, often characterized by fixed focus and limited controls, ideal for casual snapshots and family portraits. The page provides detailed descriptions and images of these cameras, illustrating their design and functionalities.

  Beyond the hardware itself, the webpage also elucidates the photographic process typical of the 1930s. It discusses the prevalent film formats, highlighting the popularity of 120 roll film, which offered a good balance between image quality and ease of handling. The process of developing and printing photographs is also touched upon, explaining the relatively straightforward methods available to amateur photographers at the time, empowering them to control the entire photographic workflow from capture to final print.

  Furthermore, the article underscores the social impact of these technological advancements. The proliferation of affordable cameras and simplified photographic processes fostered a culture of visual storytelling, allowing families to document their lives in a manner previously unimaginable. The rise of photo albums and the practice of sharing photographs with friends and relatives became ingrained in the social fabric, solidifying photography’s role as a powerful medium for preserving memories and strengthening social bonds.

  In conclusion, the "Cameras of 1930s Era" webpage provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of amateur photography in the 1930s, illuminating not just the technical aspects of the cameras and processes involved, but also the broader social and cultural impact of photography's increasing accessibility during this pivotal period. It paints a vivid picture of how families interacted with this evolving technology, transforming the way they documented and shared their lives.

  • 1930s
  • cameras
  • photography
  • history of photography
  • vintage cameras
  • antique cameras
  • film cameras
  • 1930s technology
  • photographic equipment
  • historical technology
  • vintage technology
  • museum exhibits
  • Living Image Museum

  Summary of Comments ( 59 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42960382

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussed the practicality and social implications of the "Living Image" setup described in the linked article. Some questioned the claimed real-time nature of the system given the technological limitations of the 1930s, suggesting significant latency and low resolution would have hampered true "live" viewing. Others pointed out the substantial resources required, making it an exclusive technology accessible only to the very wealthy. The potential for surveillance and voyeurism was also raised, with comparisons to modern security systems and the panopticon concept. Finally, several commenters expressed fascination with the ingenuity of the system and the glimpse it provided into the technological aspirations of the era.

  The Hacker News post titled "Cameras of 1930s Era" linking to a 3D model of a 1930s room generated a moderate number of comments, mostly focusing on the technical aspects of the model and the historical context.

  Several commenters expressed fascination with the level of detail in the 3D model, praising the creator's effort in recreating the room and its objects. They discussed the techniques used to create such a model, speculating about photogrammetry or manual modeling based on photographs. Some pointed out specific details they found interesting, like the inclusion of a specific type of camera or the arrangement of objects in the room. The realism and immersiveness of the model were recurring themes.

  A few comments delved into the historical aspects of the room, discussing the types of cameras depicted and their significance in the history of photography. They mentioned brands like Leica and Rolleiflex, contextualizing them within the 1930s photography landscape. Some comments also touched upon the social and cultural context of the time, reflecting on the differences between photography then and now.

  There was some discussion about the purpose of creating such a model, with some suggesting it could be valuable for educational or historical preservation purposes. One commenter explored the idea of using similar techniques to recreate other historical spaces or even entire cities.

  A smaller thread branched off discussing LiDAR technology and its potential for creating similar models, comparing its advantages and disadvantages to photogrammetry.

  While there wasn't a single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the collective discussion offered a mix of technical appreciation, historical context, and speculation about the future of such 3D modeling. The comments demonstrate the diverse interests of the Hacker News community and how a seemingly simple 3D model can spark a multi-faceted conversation.