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Light table

From Quire, the open reference·Viewing device illuminated from below·1 min read
Light table at Tito's bunker
Light table at Tito's bunker Image: source and license
Draftsman using light table
Draftsman using light table Image: source and license

A light table[1] is a viewing device that is used to review photographic film or artwork placed on top of it by providing an even illumination of the subject from underneath via a diffusing translucent cover placed over a fluorescent light.

Some light tables are simply large light boxes placed atop some support, while others are large and complicated affairs, with stereoscopes integrated as a self-supporting unit, for example, those used by Tomcat TARPS squadrons for interpreting aerial photographs.

TARPS Intelligence Specialist uses a light table to analyze film from KS-87 camera.
TARPS Intelligence Specialist uses a light table to analyze film from KS-87 camera. Image: source and license

Light tables are mainly used in the graphics trade to trace designs, especially when making comics or animated cartoons. Another use case for light tables is to review film negatives, photoliths, or any kind of artwork which can be placed on top of it.

Light boxes also find uses in education, architecture, interior design, fashion, and in hospitals for viewing radiographs (X-rays, MRI, etc.).

See also#edit

References#edit

  1. ^ Hearst Magazines (December 1963). "Popular Mechanics". Popular Mechanics Magazine. Hearst Magazines: 136–. ISSN 0032-4558.
Categories Optical devices

This article is mirrored from “Light table” on English Wikipedia, revision 1357288634, written by Wikipedia's contributors and licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Editing it here creates a Quire copy with its own history.

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