What Is Damping Resistance in a Camera?

In cameras, damping resistance is part of what keeps the camera steady.

Damping resistance is part of how well a mechanism resists extraneous motion. In cameras, this resistance is provided by damping grease in the camera itself, and through various mechanisms in the camera pedestal.

Damping Resistance

Damping is the resistance to motion given to a mechanical or electromechanical mechanism. A mechanism that is damped will quickly come to rest in its equilibrium position after being moved.

Damping Greases

Damping greases are specialized lubricants that seal out dust and moisture, and control motion and noise in mechanical devices such as cameras. The resistance of the grease to force allows it to reduce motion and noise. In a camera's zoom lens, damping grease is what makes it extend smoothly and evenly.

Damping and Camera Pedestals

Camera pedestals, devices on which the camera is mounted to keep it steady while taking a picture, can be engineered to provide damping resistance. In such pedestals, the camera is protected from the vibrations that might travel through other parts of the pedestal from the ground. This way, the camera is kept perfectly steady while the picture is being taken.

References

• "The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography"; Leslie Stroebel and Richard D. Zakia; 1993
• Nye Lubricants: Damping Grease--An Economical Approach to Motion and Noise Control
• "Webster's Quotations, Facts and Phrases"; Inc Icon Group International; 2008