Latent Image

The exposed but undeveloped image on a photosensitive surface.

Latitude

How much variation an emulsion allows while still delivering acceptable exposures, i.e. how "forgiving" a film is to exposure error or deliberate under and over exposure. Also applied to the range of brightness, including shadow detail, that a film can record in a single image before the highlights are washed out or the shadows become muddy.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display. An information display method. Usually used for external Displays on cameras, speedlights or other electronic devices like flat screen computer monitors.

Leaf Shutter

Camera shutter located in the lens. Utilizes a spring with the aperture control device to control the exposure time. Useful because it can be synched with a flash at any speed.

LED

Light Emitting Diode. An information display method. Usually used for viewfinder displays since it can be seen in the dark.

Lens

An optical device used to control and focus light.

Lens Coatings

Thin anti-reflective materials applied to the surface of a lens in one or multiple layers, to help reduce light reflection and increase amount of transmitted light. Nikon Integrated Coating (NIC) has been improved to Nikon Super Integrated Coating (NSIC) to further enhance the performance of its optical lens elements. This new multi-layer lens coating helps to reduce ghosting and flare to a negligible level, minimizes reflection in the wider wavelength range and achieves superior color balance and reproduction. Especially effective for lenses with a large number of elements, like our Zoom-Nikkors.

Lens Drive Systems

There are two different types of AF lens drive systems offered: One system utilizes a motor located inside the camera, which autofocuses the lens via a drive shaft. The other system, utilizes a motor inside the lens.

Lens Hood/Shade

A lens addition, ring or tube in front of the lens used to minimize lens "flare" or unwanted light from reaching the lens.

Lens Speed

Refers to the maximum aperture of a lens. One with a wide aperture is called "fast". e.g. a f/1.4 lens, transmitting more light than a "slow" lens, e.g. a f/5.6 lens. (Visible) Light Radiated energy which forms that portion of the spectrum visible to the human eye, from 400 nanometers in the ultraviolet frontier to 700 in the infra-red boundary.

Light Box

A device for viewing film. Constructed of a light source (usually sunlight balanced fluorescent) behind a glass or plastic surface on which the film is placed for viewing.

Light Meter

A light sensitive device used for evaluating the amount of light in a scene for exposure. There are four types: Incidental meter, reflective meter, flash meter and spot meter

Loupe

A small magnifying glass for viewing slides, negatives and contact sheets. Commonly 8X to 10X.

Low Key

As applied to an image, it refers to one with overall dark tones. A good low key image nevertheless shows detail and contrast.

Luminance

The brightness of a surface determined by the amount of light it emits or reflects.