Opaque Projectors

Dictionaries define a opaque projector as a projector used to view nontransparent, opaque materials, such as paper sheets or drawings. Also known as a epidiascope, epidiascope, or the UK version episcope, an opaque projector works by directing an overhead light down onto the object with mirrors, prisms or lenses reflecting the image to a screen or wall.

Artists and photographers use opaque projects to display enlarged versions of fine art onto a screen for presentations, speeches and client approval. Many artists use an opaque projector to transfer a drawing, or sketch onto a large canvas for final paintwork. Teachers utilize an opaque projectors ability to allow the entire class to view pages from books, illustrations, prints and fine art. Opaque projectors not only enlarge up to thirty times the original size, but many include the capability to reduce up to seventy percent.

Commercial opaque projectors price range begins around one hundred dollars up. Due to their simplicity and lack of electrical additions, opaque projectors cost less than home theater projectors. 3M, Buhl, Califone, Vutec and Dry-Lam all make opaque projectors. These days a Minolta opaque projector is hard to find. Occasionally one will be listed in an online auction site, like eBay or Bidville. Online auction sites are a great place to find a working used opaque projector for a reasonable price.

Many online photography shops sell bulbs for opaque projectors. Dick Blick, an artist supply seller, offers a small list of opaque projectors to purchase. They also sell replacement bulbs for the opaque projectors they sell.

Many grade school classes teach children how to make an opaque projector by using simple tools like a frosted bulb, piece of cardboard, nail, and a translucent screen made from tracing paper mounted on cardboard or a thin piece of wood frame.

Anchor Optics online website lists free projects and ideas, including how to build an opaque projector. This opaque projector project gives full instructions on not just how to build one, but information on angles, frame and light sizing, and more.

Instead of scanning a sketch to the computer, printing the image out in four or more sheets, taping them together and using carbon paper or pencil rubbings to transfer a sketch to a canvas, Artists can look online for tutorials on how to use an opaque projector to do the work for you without leaving a mess. A transferred sketch onto a wall through a projector will help an artist make a well balanced mural.