System camera

A system camera is a camera with interchangeable components that constitutes the core of a system. The Nikon F is normally regarded as the first true system camera. System cameras are normally SLRs.

In addition to the bare camera body, a camera system may consist of:

• A lens that focuses light from the outside world onto the film plane
• A viewfinder, which shows what will be captured on the film. Many viewfinders are also responsible for metering.
• An interchangeable focusing screen.
• A camera back, which keeps the film flat against the film plane; some backs allow for an expanded amount of film to be loaded.
• A motor drive to advance the film automatically.