Glossary

The PRINTING United Alliance Glossary serves as an excellent industry terminology resource. It is the language by which we all communicate. Without it, universal understanding would be impossible.

To keep our constituents well informed about changes to the increasingly complex industry terminology, PRINTING United Alliance has developed this glossary of terms. Definitions are for general reference only. Usage may vary between companies, individuals, or national and country customs. The information presented is as accurate as the authors and editors can ascertain and PRINTING United Alliance assumes no responsibility for the use of information presented herein.
  • Adjustable camera
    A camera with manually adjustable distance settings, lens openings and shutter speeds.
  • Camera
    A device for taking photographs, generally composed of a lightproof enclosure having an aperture with a shuttered lens through which the image of an object is focused and recorded on a photosensitive film or plate.
  • Camera angle
    The angle defined by the position of the subject matter in relation to the camera lens; viewpoint.
  • Camera back
    The paper/film-holding section of a process camera, used for holding photosensitive material to the filmback.
  • Camera exposure
    The subjecting of light rays reflected or transmitted by a subject being photographed, under controlled conditions of time and intensity, of a photosensitive film for the purpose of producing a latent image thereon.
  • Camera lens
    An arrangement of circular concave or convex pieces of glass that control incoming light rays by focusing them on a ground glass or photosensitive film.
  • Camera mount
    The trace or base where the camera is fixed or secured to eliminate vibration.
  • Camera process
    A camera designed to create a halftone image or color separations for photomechanical reproduction.
  • Camera shutter
    A device that controls time and amount of light that acts on sensitive material.
  • Camera-ready art
    (1) All printing elements prepared to be photographed; (2) An original design, completely finished as it is to appear in the reproduction.
  • Daylight camera
    A self-contained graphic art camera that does not have to be operated in a darkroom.
  • Process camera (darkroom camera)
    a camera designed to accurately photograph line, solid, halftone, colored copy and other objects to be reproduced by means of a printing method; also called gallery camera, darkroom camera
  • Process camera (process camera) (gallery camera) (copy camera)
    Camera designed to accurately photograph line, solid, halftone, colored copy and other objects to be reproduced by means of a printing method; also called gallery camera, darkroom camera.