A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Variable Contrast Paper - Photographic paper of differing grades of contrast when exposed through special contrast filters.

Variable Focus Lens - A zoom lens - one in which focal length is variable. Elements inside a variable focus lens shift their positions, enabling the lens to change its focal length - in effect, providing one lens that has many focal lengths.

View Camera - A large format camera - a term that applies to cameras that produce an individual image size of 5" X 4" or larger. It is most often found in a studio, and is sometimes even called a "studio camera," although the view camera can be transported and set up in the field.

Viewfinder- Viewfinder - The window, screen or frame on a camera through which the photographer can see the area of a scene that will appear in the picture.

Viewfinder Camera - Camera with a viewfinder that is separate from the lens used in taking the picture. A simple point-and-shoot disposable camera is an example of a viewfinder camera, but not all viewfinder cameras are simple.

Viewpoint - Location of the camera relative to the subject.

Vignetting - (1) Underexposure at the image’s edges or corners caused by an unsuitable lens hood, filter or other attachment that partially blocks the field of view. (2) An image printing technique where the central area is fully printed but its edges gradually fade.

Vapor lamp - A lamp containing a gas or vapor that glows with light when an electric current passes through it, Mercury, neon and sodium vapor lamps produce strongly colored light. The light from fluorescent tubes is closer to daylight.