c is for Camera

A 35mm camera, based on the Canonet G-III QL17 rangefinder, simulated in Python.

The purpose of this project is to explore and understand the logic in the mechanisms of a camera by using object-oriented programming to represent real-world objects. It's also a way to appreciate the intricate mechanical logic embodied in a device like a camera.

It aims towards completeness in its modelling of the real world. For example, if you open the back of the camera in daylight with a partially exposed film, it will ruin the film.

See the c is for Camera documentation.

A quick tour

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/evildmp/C-is-for-Camera.git

or:

git clone [email protected]:evildmp/C-is-for-Camera.git

In the C-is-for-Camera directory, start a Python 3 shell.

>>> from camera import Camera
>>> c = Camera()

See the camera's state:

>>> c.state()
================== Camera state =================

------------------ Controls ---------------------
Film speed:                100 ISO
Selected speed:            1/125

------------------ indicators -------------------
Light meter reading        ƒ/16
Frame counter:             0

------------------ Mechanical -------------------
Back closed:               True
Lens cap on:               False
Film advance mechanism:    False
Shutter cocked:            False
Shutter timer:             1/128 seconds
Iris aperture:             ƒ/16
Camera exposure settings:  Shutter priority EV

------------------ Metering ---------------------
Metered light:              4096 cd/m^2
Exposure target:            15.0 EV
Mode:                       Shutter priority
Battery:                    1.44 V
Film speed:                 100 ISO

------------------ Film -------------------------
Speed:                      100 ISO
Rewound into cartridge:     False
Exposed frames:             0 (of 24)
Ruined:                     False

------------------ Environment ------------------
Scene luminosity:           4096 cd/m^2

Advance the film:

>>> c.film_advance_lever.wind()
On frame 0 (of 24)
Advancing film
On frame 1 (of 24)
Cocking shutter
Applying aperture value ƒ/1.7 to iris
Cocked

Release the shutter:

>>> c.shutter_button.press()
Light meter reading: ƒ1/16
Applying aperture value ƒ/16 to iris
Shutter opening for 1/128 seconds
Shutter closes
Shutter uncocked

It's not possible to advance the mechanism twice without releasing the shutter:

>>> c.film_advance_lever.wind()
On frame 1 (of 24)
Advancing film
On frame 2 (of 24)
Cocking shutter
Applying aperture value ƒ/1.7 to iris
Cocked
>>> c.film_advance_lever.wind()
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
  File "/Users/daniele/Repositories/camera/camera.py", line 163, in wind
    self.camera.film_advance_mechanism.advance()
  File "/Users/daniele/Repositories/camera/camera.py", line 178, in advance
    raise self.AlreadyAdvanced
camera.AlreadyAdvanced

If you open the back in daylight it ruins the film:

>>> c.back.open()
Opening back
Resetting frame counter to 0
'Film is ruined'

Close the back and rewind the film:

>>> c.back.close()
Closing back
>>> c.film_rewind_mechanism.rewind()
Rewinding film