Photographers’ gobbledygook can be confusing! This photography dictionary will help you find the real significance behind that jargon.
Rangefinder
A device included on many direct vision cameras as an aid in focusing. The photographer assesses subject distance, usually by comparing two overlapping images in the viewfinder. This device may be linked directly to the lens focus control, to give a coupled rangefinder
(see Coupled rangefinder)
RAW
An unprocessed digital file direct from the camera. Not a 'standard' file format like TIFF or JPEG. Usually the camera manufactures software or 'plug-in' must be used to open a RAW image file.
The results of working on a raw image and altering the exposure, white balance, brightness or contrast would show fewer visible artifacts compared to a corrected 'straight from camera' jpeg.
Using the raw image file gives the photographer more scope for both corrections and manipulations without adding additional flaws.
RAW is usually used only when additional computer processing is intended or post-production time allows.
(see JPEG, TIFF & Plug-in)
RC paper
Modern Resin Coated (plastic) photo paper which does not need as long washing than the traditional fibre paper
(see Fibre (FB) & Resin coated paper)
Reciprocity
Most films are designed to be exposed within a certain range of exposure times. When an exposure time falls outside of this range a film's characteristics may change. Loss of effective film speed, contrast changes, and colour shifts are the common results. This is called reciprocity effect.
(see Colour Balance, Contrast & Exposure)
Recycling time
Time taken by flash unit to recharge, between firings.
Redhead
A Type of Tungsten lighting from various manufactures (rated at 800w).
(see Blonde & Tungsten light)
Reflector
Any surface from which light can be reflected. Used to reflect light from a main source into the shadow areas.
(see Lastolite)
To change the resolution of an image through interpolation. Resampling downwards discards information and resampling upwards creates new information based on adjacent pixels.
(see Image resolution)
Resin-coated paper (RC)
Printing paper with a water-repellent base. RC papers can be processed faster; requires less washing, and dry far more quickly than fibre-based papers.
(see Fibre (FB) & Multigrade)
Fine, irregular pattern appearing on the surface of an emulsion which has been subjected to a sudden and severe temperature change during development.
Retouching
After-treatment carried out on negatives, trannies, prints or Digital files to remove blemishes or change tonal values. Now, carried out by 'Photoshop' rather than by hand.
(see Photoshop)
Reversal film
Film or paper designed to produce a positive directly from exposure and processing, without the need of a negative.
(see Exposure & Trannie)
RGB
The way that the colours are recorded in Digital imaging. A large percentage of the visible spectrum can be represented by mixing Red, Green and Blue coloured light in various proportions and intensities.
(see CMYK)
Ring Flash
Type of flash unit which fits around the lens to produce flat and shadow less lighting.
Rising front
A camera movement enabling the photographer to raise or lower the front lens panel from its central position (on most Large format cameras). Its main use is to maintain correct verticals in architectural photography.
(see Converging angles, Large format, Movements & Shift)
Roll film
120 format film which has an paper backing and is supplied wound on an open spool (rather than in a light-tight cassette). Also the less common double length 220. All these films are used in Medium Format cameras. The term should be applied to all camera films in roll form, including 35 mm.
(see: Cut film, Medium format & 35mm)
Peter Ashby-Hayter, Bristol, U.K. Bristol Photographer
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