Glossary of Photography Terms (L-N)

Latent Image 
The invisible image left by the action of light on photographic film or paper. The light changes the photosensitive salts to varying degrees depending on the amount of light striking them. When processed, this latent image will become a visible image either in reversed tones (as in a negative) or in positive tones (as in a color slide). 

LCD panel 
Liquid Crystal Display on cameras that shows such information as remaining exposures, flash status and aspect ratio selected. 

Lens 
One or more pieces of optical glass or similar material designed to collect and focus rays of light to form a sharp image on the film, paper, or projection screen. 

Lens Shade 
A collar or hood at the front of a lens that keeps unwanted light from striking the lens and causing image flare. May be attached or detachable, and should be sized to the particular lens to avoid vignetting. 

Lens-Shutter Camera 
A camera with the shutter built into the lens; the viewfinder and picture-taking lens are separate. 

Lens Speed 
The largest lens opening (smallest f-number) at which a lens can be set. A fast lens transmits more light and has a larger opening than a slow lens. 

Macro Lens 
A lens that provides continuous focusing from infinity to extreme close-ups, often to a reproduction ratio of 1:2 (half life-size) or 1:1 (life-size). 

Magazine 
A lighttight metal container (cartridge) that holds 135 film (cylindrical magazine). 

Magnetic read/write capability 
The ability to record detailed information about picture-taking conditions, such as lighting and subject distance, via the magnetic layer on Advantix film. 

Memory Keeper 
Compact Kodak Advantix storage case that secures up to 12 film cassettes and accompanying photo file index prints. 

Mid-roll change 
Feature available on the Kodak Advantix 5800 MRX-Zoom camera that enables users to remove a partially exposed film cassette, insert it again later, and start shooting exactly where they left off. 

Mini-lab 
Photofinishing operation that operates on a retail level, serving consumers directly and processing film on-site. 

Motor Drive 
A mechanism for advancing the film to the next frame and recocking the shutter, activated by an electric motor usually powered by batteries. Popular for action-sequence photography and for recording images by remote control. 

Negative 

The developed film that contains a reversed tone image of the original scene. 

Negative Holder 
A device designed to hold the negative in proper position in an enlarger. 

Normal Lens 
A lens that makes the image in a photograph appear in perspective similar to that of the original scene. A normal lens has a shorter focal length and a wider field of view than a telephoto lens, and a longer focal length and narrower field of view than a wide-angle lens. 


NRIC 
Negative Returned In Cassette - required Advanced Photo System feature that returns processed film in its original, closed cassette; liberates consumers from the hassle of storing and handling film negatives.