Okay I'll say it now I believe that view cameras (the massive square boxes on stands used in the 1850s) classifies as a "classic manual camera" however if I missed something please direct me to the correct forum.
Now my main question is, in every time you see these cameras the photographer puts his hesd under a thick black cloak. Why? It may be a noob question but what's the purpose of that hood? At first I thought it was the flash but, wouldn't the flash be aimed at the people having the photo taken?.
