Photographic Camera Mirror

A photographic camera mirror, also known as a reflex mirror or a mirror box, is a key component of a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera. It is a hinged mirror that sits at a 45-degree angle inside the camera body, positioned between the lens and the image sensor or film.

The primary function of the photographic camera mirror is to reflect the light coming through the lens upwards into the viewfinder, allowing the photographer to see the scene and compose the shot. When the shutter button is pressed, the mirror quickly flips up and out of the way, allowing the light to reach the image sensor or film, capturing the photograph.

The mirror's movement is synchronized with the camera's shutter mechanism, ensuring that the mirror is raised and lowered at the appropriate times. This mechanism is what gives SLR cameras their characteristic "click" sound when taking a photo.

In addition to providing a live view of the scene through the viewfinder, the mirror also plays a role in autofocus systems in modern cameras. Some cameras use a secondary mirror, called a sub-mirror, to redirect a portion of the light to a separate autofocus sensor, allowing for quick and accurate autofocus.

It's important to note that not all cameras use a photographic camera mirror. Mirrorless cameras, for example, do not have a mirror mechanism and rely on electronic viewfinders or LCD screens for composing the shot. However, traditional SLR cameras still utilize the mirror system, providing photographers with a direct optical view of the scene.