We discuss 24yr of optical photometry of {eta} Carinae, among which new Geneva photometry made between 1994 and 1998. Various conclusions from our previous photometric studies are confirmed. The core hides a normal S Dor variable (or LBV): it shows light variations on a time scale of 1-4yr, with superimposed micro oscillations whose quasi-period indicates a temperature in the order of 22000K. Therefore, a more complicated model for {eta} Car is necessary to explain its extraordinary appearance and phenomena exhibited in the past and at present.