Light table
Viewing device illuminated from below
A light table 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.
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.).
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Light table”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Light table in command center.jpg by Boris Maric, CC0
- US Navy 030209-N-2972R-079 Illustrator Draftsman designs a training slide with the assistance of a light table.jpg by U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Angel Roman-Otero., Public domain
- A crewman looks at TARPS imagery aboard USS George Washington.jpg by Service Depicted: Navy Operation / Series: DECISIVE ENDEAVOR Camera Operator: PHAN JOE HENDRICKS, USAN, Public domain
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