Macro photography

Commonly, close up photography. Specifically, any photography where the level of magnification is 1:1 (life-size) or larger. A Nikkor lens capable of this magnification or thereabout has a "Micro" designation. When the magnification is still considerable but smaller than 1:2, e.g. 1:4, it is said to have "Macro" capability.

Manual Camera

A camera without autofocus capability. AF lenses can be used on them but will required to be focused by hand.

Manual Mode

Mode by which the Auto capabilities of an Auto body are disabled and the user is free to manually set both aperture and shutter speed by himself, guided by the meter if he chooses to do so.

Magnification

The size of an image relative to that of the subject as expressed in a ratio.

Matte Field

A textured surface that disperses light to form a clear image, and is used in viewfinder optical systems.

Matrix Metering

Advanced camera exposure metering system. Nikons with this metering mode use a multi segment sensor a computer and an extensive scene data bank. A great method to insure a high success probability to correct exposure under most lighting situations. Contrary to popular belief, this includes backlit subjects and tricky scenes with the sun in them.

Media

Material that information is written to and stored on. Digital photography storage media includes CompactFlash cards and CDs.

Megabyte

A measurement of data storage equal to 1024 kilobytes (KB).

Megapixel

One million pixels

Meter

Any measuring device. In photography it usually refers to a light meter although it could refer to a color meter.

Microprism

A small number of prisms located on the focusing screens. The microprisms break down out-of-focus images into small segments and appears fuzzy, allowing focusing on subjects without distinct lines.

Micro Nikkor Lens

A Nikkor lens specifically designed for high magnification macro photography, distortion free, capable of a ratio between 1:1 (life size) and 1:2, unaided by other accessories.

Mirror Lens

A lens, which uses mirrors, as well as lens optics to control and focus an image. Usually a telephoto lens. These catadioptric lenses were designed to allow for shorter barrels.

Mirror Lockup

A function to manually bring the reflex mirror up to further reduce camera shake or vibration, eliminating the "slap" of the mirror at the time of exposure.

Mode

Type of exposure method used by a camera, e.g., Manual mode (M), Aperture Priority mode (A), picture mode, flash mode, etc.

Monochromatic

Tending towards one color.

Monopod

Single legged camera support. Good substitution for handholding, never for a tripod.

Motor Drive

A device for automatically wind and rewind the film in a camera. Most contemporary Nikon cameras have them built-in. Also called motor winders or speed winders.

MTF

Modulation Transfer Function. Basically the comparison between a graph with a set of lines, gradually increasing in width and spacing, and the reproduced image made with the lens tested for performance. One of standard tests made by lens manufacturers.