Setting up

There are many ways you can use your camera lucida.
You can place it flat on a table (a) to draw from life or attach the legs to work at a raised angle (right). You can mount the instrument on a tripod or rest the bottom edge of the board on your lap with the top edge leaning against a table. (note, camera tripod not included)

The camera lucida makes an excellent photocopier.

Simply attach the arms (b) and lean the supplied white board against them (c). Then rest your photograph against the board (d).

You can also use the camera lucida to copy from a computer screen or tv screen (e).
The board can accommodate paper sizes up to A3 (11.7 x 16.5 inches) You will find it helps to secure your paper on the board with small pieces of masking tape.

The camera lucida is a very intuitive instrument.
You will quickly get the hang of tilting the head and adjusting the height and angle of the instrument in order to see an image when looking down through the aperture of the head.
 

The importance of light!

Your subject needs to be well lit in order to obtain a strong reflection. You will also need sufficient light falling on your drawing paper in order to clearly see your pencil. If you are working indoors, you will be able to control both variables. It is well worth experimenting with different levels of brightness. If you prefer working with a smaller aperture, simply tape the attached punched card to the head of the instrument.

Visit our users' gallery for further inspiration and submit your own work too!