MSTD 226 lecture notes
Film cameras
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SLR Cameras
Nikon brand single lens reflex 35 mm. camera
Aprox. cost used: $200 to $500 |
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SLR type cameras allow through the lens
viewing and focusing by employing a mirror that flips up to uncover the
shutter at the moment of exposure. The mirror (blue) flips up to allow
light to reach the shutter. It flips back down to allow you to focus through
the main lens.
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Rangefinder camera
The rangefinder is usually a much cheaper type of camera.
This photo was from an antique site.
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View or large format camera
The bellows is very useful for making adjustments in perspective
for architectural photos.
Negative size is often 3.25 by 4.25 or 8 x 10. Usually
these also have a rangefinder or in the case of old style studio portrait
cameras there is a ground glass focusing plane which is removed and replaced
by the film for the exposure.
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Types of film
Film can be black and white or color and can vary tremendously in light sensitivity.
Generally, the more light sensitive the film, the lower the quality of the
image.
Light senstivity is called "speed," and film speed is measured by
ASA (American Standards Association) or ISO (International Standards Organisation)
scales.
Film Speeds range from:
- 25 ASA -- Kodak Technical Pan
- 100 ASA -- Kodak T-Max /Ilford Delta / Fuji Provia / Kodak Gold
- 160 ASA---Fuji NPSKodak Portra
- 200 ASA---Kodak GoldFuji Superia Kodak ED
- 400 ASA---Ilford Delta / Kodak T-Max / Fuji Provia Kodak Portra Fuji NPH
Fuji Neopan
- 800 ASA---Fuji NPZ
- 1600 ASA---Fuji Superia Fuji Neopan
- 3200 ASA---Ilford Delta / Kodak TMX
So, Kodak Gold (100) would be four times more sensitive than Kodak Technical
Pan (25). The Fuji Neopan (1600) would be 16 times more sensitive than Kodak
Gold. The higher the number, the stronger the image given the same amount of
light. High speed film is usually used for low-light conditions.
Lens apertures and shutter speeds
Two things control the way light reaches the film in your camera. One is the
diaphragm inside the lens (the aperture) and the other is the shutter.
Aperture openings on a good SLR lens go up the scale as follows: 1.2, 2.0,
2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 16 and 22
Each is twice as small as the next. The lower the number, the more light that comes in.
Shutter speeds on most cameras go up the scale from 1/30th of a second to 1/60,
1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000
There is often also a "B" for "bulb" which is the squeeze
thing you see hanging off the view camera above.
Also, the 1/60 is the shutter speed to be used for the flash. Why?
Stops
Each time the film speed doubles or is cut in half, we say it is going up or
down one "stop." You can also call it "stopping" up or down.
We also say that each aperture and shutter setting is a stop.
So, lets say your light meter says you could get a good shot at f16 at 1/60
sec
What would be an equivalent setting?
_______
Yes, f 8 at 1/125 or f 5.6 at 1/250
Why might you prefer a fast shutter speed?
Why might you prefer a small aperture?
________
[blurring, depth of field. ]
Here's another one. Suppose you are going to shoot a basketball game at the
Dedmon center. You know the light is a little weak. What film speed would be
best?
Let's say at that film speed, you find you have a 2.8 exposure at a 1/1000
shutter speed. What do you do?
References and More Info:
Film types
Camera types
Photo.net / general
Photo net rating
system
Composition sites
Tips
for Better photo composition
Agfa
Net photo composition
