Plate-Making Camera Operator
せいはんかめらさぎょういん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A technical job that photographs and exposes originals for printing using a plate-making camera to create films or printing plates.
Description
Plate-making camera operators play a key role in the pre-press process, shooting originals or layout films with a plate-making camera to create printing films or plates. They perform film development and fixing in darkrooms, measure magnifications and dimensions, set contrast and exposure conditions, inspect and maintain equipment, and finish high-precision plates. They consider compatibility with offset printing presses and may also be involved in color management.
Future Outlook
With the spread of digital CTP technology, traditional plate-making camera work is declining, but expertise can be maintained by acquiring digital plate-making skills and color management abilities.
Personality Traits
Dexterous with hands and good at detailed work / High concentration / Meticulous / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Plate-Making Camera Operator → Plate-Making Team Leader → Plate-Making Process Management → Printing Factory Production Management → Printing Engineer
Required Skills
Darkroom development techniques / Dimensional measurement / Image editing (exposure adjustment) / Machine maintenance / Photographic plate-making equipment operation
Recommended Skills
Color management knowledge / DTP basic knowledge / Digital plate-making equipment operation / Overall printing processes
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because minute deviations greatly affect print quality. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Routine work predominates, emphasizing accuracy over idea generation. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly centered on machine operation, with little heavy labor. |
Aliases
- Plate Camera Operator
Related Jobs
- DTP Operator
- Offset Printing Machine Operator
- Plate-Making Worker