Technical Terms  -  S
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SAFELIGHT
  • Low-output darkroom light - orange - so as not to affect unexposed printing paper.  
  • Black and white printing paper is not affected by safelighting, although some colour papers may be.

​SELF-TIMER
  • A device on the camera that delays the picture being taken by about 10 seconds, allowing one to appear in one's own picture.

​SHUTTER
  • The device behind the lens that keeps light away from the film until the picture is taken.
  • The shutter opens for a controlled time to admit light when the release button is pressed.

​SHUTTER SPEED
  • The fraction of time the shutter remains open to make the picture.
  • Used on conjunction with the aperture to control the exposure.

​SHUTTER PRIORITY
  • Semi-automatic exposure system whereby the photographer sets the shutter speed, and the camera selects the corresponding lens aperture to ensure the correct exposure.

​SLOW FILM
  • A film with an ISO of 50 which will give fine-grain results, but must be used in bright light.

​SPOTTING
  • Removing blemishes or small unwanted areas of detail on a print using a paintbrush and dyes, watercolours or graphite.

​SPROCKET HOLES
  • The small rectangular holes along both sides of the dial, used to transport the film accurately though the camera.

​STOP BATH
  • Chemical solution (usually weak acid) that halts the action of film or paper developer and neutralises any developer residue.
  • Prevents contamination of other processing chemicals.

​STOPPING DOWN
  • Closing down the aperture to restrict the amount of light reaching the film.