optical printer

noun

1. a film printer used in making optical effects, consisting basically of a camera that photographs the image with special lenses to enlarge, reduce, distort, etc., and a projector that transfers the image to the print stock, as distinguished from a contact printer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of optical printer¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Dissolves used to be made inside the camera or with an optical printer, but today all you need is editing software and a click of the mouse.

From New York Times

Working with an optical printer, a pre-digital age machine in which filmed images are copied onto raw film stock, thereby allowing users to greatly manipulate visuals, Mr. O’Neill created a stunning oeuvre while often working in special effects, as he did for the first “Star Wars” movie.

From New York Times

The Howard Anderson optical printer – a relic bought by George Lucas to help with compositing effects in Star Wars.

From The Guardian

Every turned corner, every expanse of vertical space, offers an arcane treat for fans of blockbusting cinema, right down to the ancient Howard Anderson optical printer used to composite many of the effects shots in Star Wars.

From The Guardian

The figure is photographed against a blue background and then combined in an optical printer with the scene into which it will be placed.

From Time Magazine Archive