What is a "stat camera"?
The most widely used method of producing positives for creating photostencils, is through the use of a "stat camera". The stat camera is a large camera that uses special photographic film or photographic paper. These special materials are "high contrast" materials. That means that they can only pick up ("see") black and white images. These materials also create a positive print, without using a negative. There are many manufacturers of these cameras and there are also many models. Some of these cameras must be housed in a darkroom, and the materials handled under "safelight" conditions. The camera that you will use, is called a "daylight" model. The materials can be handled under normal room lighting conditions. This makes the camera very convenient to use.
How is the image produced?
Older models required the operator to take the film from the camera after the exposure was made, and to develop the image in trays. This method is still in use in many shops. The "daylight" models usually utilize a built-in processor, that processes the film inside the camera.
The materials used are referred to as "diffusion transfer" materials. These materials utilize an "imager" and a "receiver". The imager is fed into the camera and the exposure is made on it. It is then transported by the camera into the processor, where it is pressed onto the "receiver" material. The material then "diffuses" or develops. Then they are peeled apart, and the imager is thrown away. It is the "receiver" that is saved and used as a "positive".
How does the image reproduce at the right size?
Sometimes the image is not at the size it is to be reproduced. The camera is able to magnify the image or reduce the size of the image. This is done through special controls and settings. However, a special tool is used to compute the percentage of enlargement or reduction. This tool is called a "proportional scale". A piece of a proportional scale is seen in the illustration at the top of this page. It is a circular tool with printed graduations. Any artist who uses a stat camera, should know how to use a proportional scale.
Are there any special terms to know?
The artist should know the following terms involved in the operation and use of a stat camera:
line copy - any art or type that consists of only black and white tone, it contains no gray or color
continuous tone copy - artwork, photos, or type that contain any gray tones or color
stat - a photographic paper or film positive produced on a stat camera
line shot - taking a stat of a black and white piece of artwork, the original would contain no gray or colors
halftone - taking a stat of continuous tone copy, using a special screen in the camera, that converts any color or gray in the original into black and white dots
main exposure - the first (and sometimes ONLY) exposure of the artwork on the camera
flash exposure - a secondary exposure taken when creating a halftone, it is usually done automatically by the camera
calibration - a resetting of the main controls, done on a regular basis, to insure high quality reproduction ( it is also necessary when changing brands of film and papers)
densitometer - a tool used to read density of tones in a photograph, these readings help the camera or the operator to compute the proper exposure
finisher - a mechanical unit that washes and dries the stat paper and film
Will I be able to operate the stat camera?
As mentioned earlier, artists and designers should know this material and how to operate a stat camera. They should also be able to use a proportional scale. You will have lessons in class, that teach you how to operate the stat camera, and to use the proportional scale. Pay close attention to all the details of operation, as you will be performance tested on those as well.
BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE READ THE MATERIAL CAREFULLY. YOU WILL HAVE A WRITTEN OR INTERACTIVE TEST ON THIS MATERIAL. WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THIS SECTION, YOU MAY PROCEED TO THE NEXT SECTION ON "Creating Positives".
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