Manual Camera Basics
Digital cameras have become the standard for amateur to professional photographers around the globe because they are easier to use. For real control over an image and for the best image quality, manual film cameras still have the edge. There can be a real sense of accomplishment when you produce a stunning photo that you created yourself, without the aid of a camera's computer. Learn use a manual camera.
Equipment
The first thing to do is assemble your equipment and supplies. For a manual single-lens reflex camera, you could have one camera body, a normal lens, a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, maybe a zoom lens thrown in. You will need a lot of film to go out and learn the basics. If your camera has a built-in light meter, check to see if it needs batteries and get at least one extra set. If it does not have a built-in meter, you will need a hand-held meter. You also should get ultraviolet or haze filters for the front of each lens and keep it on all the time. It will protect the lens. To find out what size you need, look at the front of the lens. It will have a lens filter number size. All this gear is available at a local photo store or online.
Meter
Learn how the meter works. If it is an in-camera meter, it will have a needle or a light diode to tell you the correct exposure. Point the camera at a brightly lit scene and watch the needle go up. You want it right in the middle, so to get the right exposure, you need to first set the film speed. You can find out how fast your film is---how much light it gathers and how quickly--by looking on the film or cartridge. It will have an ISO number (formerly ASA or DIN; the ASA number equals the ISO number). The higher the number, the faster the film. Set the film speed with the dial. In many manual cameras, this dial is in the shutter speed dial.
Shutter and Aperture
Once you set the film speed, you can change the shutter speed and aperture opening to control how fast the shutter will open, close and how much light gets to the film from the lens. If you are in a brightly lit area, turn the shutter speed up high, say to 1/500th of a second. Now watch the meter needle while you turn the aperture ring on the lens. The bigger the number on the aperture ring, the less light gets in. By changing the shutter speed and the aperture opening, you will make the needle come to the center. When it is, you have the right exposure setting.
Lenses
Try different lenses. Wide-angle lenses can give you a wider perspective and are good for shooting landscapes or big gatherings of people. You also can turn the camera to a right angle and shoot a skyscraper for another interesting look. Telephoto lenses will magnify the scene to bring images closer. They are good for photographing wildlife from a distance or shooting sporting events.
Film
Use different kinds of film. If you shoot outdoors, use slower speed films with an ISO of 100 or 125. The image quality will be better and you do not need the speed. If you plan to shoot in available light without a flash in low-light circumstances, try ISO 400 or 800 films. There are color slide and print films, and black and white print films available.
Tags: shutter speed, film speed, will have, aperture opening, aperture ring