PELLICLE MIRROR Meaning and
Definition
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A pellicle mirror is a specialized type of mirror used in certain types of cameras and optical equipment. It consists of a thin, semi-transparent film that is stretched across a frame, which allows it to reflect light while still allowing a portion of the light to pass through.
The purpose of a pellicle mirror is to redirect light in a specific direction. In cameras, it is commonly used in single-lens reflex (SLR) systems. The pellicle mirror is positioned at a 45-degree angle inside the camera body, allowing it to reflect light up into the viewfinder, enabling the photographer to see what the lens is capturing. At the same time, a small portion of the light is transmitted through the mirror onto the camera's image sensor, allowing for continuous autofocus and metering even when the mirror is in the viewing position.
Compared to traditional mirrors found in SLR cameras, pellicle mirrors are extremely thin and lightweight, which allows them to transmit more light and reduce vibration. This enables faster continuous shooting and minimizes camera shake. Additionally, since the mirror does not need to flip up and down between shots, there is no blackout in the viewfinder, providing a constant viewing experience.
In summary, a pellicle mirror is a delicate, semi-transparent film used in certain cameras and optical instruments to reflect light at a 45-degree angle while allowing a portion of the light to pass through. Its design allows for continuous autofocus and metering, reduces camera shake, and provides a constant view in SLR cameras.
Etymology of PELLICLE MIRROR
The word "pellicle" comes from the Latin word "pellicula", which means "a small skin" or "a thin film". The term "pellicle mirror" is used in the context of camera technology, specifically in reference to a type of mirror used in single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.
The mirror in an SLR camera reflects light coming through the lens upward into the viewfinder, allowing the photographer to see exactly what the lens will capture. In traditional SLR cameras, this mirror is a solid piece of glass that flips up and down when taking a photograph, temporarily blocking the light from reaching the film or image sensor.
In contrast, a "pellicle mirror" is a thin semi-transparent mirror that is used in some advanced SLR camera models.
