Copyboards are an integral part of a copy system. The function of a copyboard is to hold the original flat and perfectly parallel to the lens and camera back When the copyboard is not parallel, distortion results, and it

becomes difficult to get the entire subject in sharp focus. In some cases, the copyboard of the camera is a bed with a hinged glass cover. The original to be copied is placed on the bed and the glass cover is closed When the cover is closed, the bed squeezes the original against the glass cover to flatten and hold it in place.

Reference lines are generally marked on the felt or rubber surface of the copyboard to aid in centering and aligning the cow. When the copyboard does not have these lines, draw your own on the copyboard or on a piece of paper and fasten it to the copyboard.

Some copyboards have a vacuum pump that provides suction to hold the copy flat to the copyboard. This eliminates the need for a glass cover. After the copy is placed on the copyboard, the pump is turned on and the vacuum holds the original in place.

When the copyboard does not have a vacuum pump or glass cover, originals can be held in place with pushpins. When it is not permissible to put holes in the edges of the original, then double-sided tape may be an alternative. When the copyboard is made of steel, the original can be held in place with bar magnets.

When a camera is not equipped with a copyboard and for occasional work, a copyboard can be made from a sheet of softwood or cork. The surface should be painted flat black, never white. A white, or even light-colored copyboard, reflects too much light into the camera lens, causing flare and troublesome reflections. Flare causes a loss in contrast and extra compression of the shadows. A black copyboard minimizes flare.

Always keep the glass of a copyboard clean. Dust it with a clean camel-hair brush and clean it with a soft cloth and glass cleaner. Never use dirty rags or razor blades to clean the glass. They may scratch it. When you have to scrape the glass, use your fingernail or an orange stick.