opaque projector

A device which projects the image of opaque materials, as opposed to transparencies. The material is brightly illuminated and a series of mirrors, prisms and/or lenses is used to focus the image of the material onto a viewing screen. Because it is the reflected light of the material, and not the light source itself being projected, opaque projectors utilize brighter lamps and larger lenses than their close cousin, the overhead projector. Because of the heat generated by the lamp, the projected material may be damaged after extended operation of the projector. They are generally used to project images from books or to enlarge scenic drawings onto larger surfaces such as canvas drops.


1) Old school opaque projector 2) Small Cheapo opaque projector 3) Modern opaque projector