|
|||||
|
||||||||||
|
Beginners Guide to 35mm Cameras |
|
 |
There are many film formats used in photography, but 35mm is by far the most popular one. Differences in features give us a vast selection of models from which to choose. Here's an explanation and comparison of the various types available. |
| Lens Shutter Cameras
There's a 35mm "point and shoot" lens shutter camera for nearly every budget. The low-cost Vivitar (bottom left) has a simple, fixed focus lens. An auto focus camera like the Minolta (bottom right) will produce sharper pictures. The Canon (top left) lets you choose between normal or telephoto shots. With its zoom lens, the Pentax (top right) has even more flexibility. |
 |
| 35mm cameras can be divided into two basic
groups-those that view directly through the lens that takes the picture
(called single-lens reflex, or SLR) and cameras that have a viewfinder
separate from the taking lens. This second group is often referred to as
lens shutter cameras, since they have shutters built into their
non-removable lenses. Lens shutter cameras offer the advantages of low
cost, compact size and easy operation. Auto focusing make LS cameras
simple to use and very popular among people of all ages and skill levels.
The lens on most lens shutter cameras is a semi-wide angle, a good
compromise for all-around use. Some LS cameras let you choose between the
semi-wide 'normal' lens and a short telephoto lens to bring the subject in
closer. Moving a switch changes from one lens to another. The viewfinder
changes accordingly, so what you see in the viewfinder matches what you
get on film. Even more versatile is a 35mm lens shutter camera with a
built-in zoom lens. It offers the advantages of a camera with built-in
normal and tele- lenses, plus it lets you set the lens to any point in
between.
Virtually all LS cameras have programmed automatic exposure, meaning the camera sets both lens aperture and shutter speed for proper exposure. A built-in electronic flash provides sufficient light when the ambient lighting is dim. Some cameras display a 'flash needed' warning in the viewfinder and require you to move a switch to turn on the flash. Others automatically fire the flash whenever it's needed. Most LS cameras adjust the film speed automatically and have motorized film advance and rewind. Other popular features include a self-timer that delays the shutter about 10 seconds and a backlight compensation button that increases the exposure for backlit subjects. Most lens shutter cameras have auto focusing, but a few do not. Some have manual rangefinder focusing, which shows a double image in the viewfinder when the lens is out of focus. A few cameras have zone focusing, with click settings on the focusing ring for setting the focus at three or four distances. The distances are usually represented as simple figures, such as a mountain for the infinity setting, silhouette of a human head for the closest distances, etc. A marker on the focusing ring and in the viewfinder indicate the zone at which the lens is focused. Very inexpensive 35mm LS cameras may have fixed focus lenses for even simpler operation and lower cost. |
|
|
Single Lens Reflex Cameras |
|
| Since 35mm auto focus
lens shutter cameras do so much, why would anyone want a single-lens
reflex camera? The answer, in one word, is versatility. An SLR gives you
the freedom to change lenses, completely override the auto-exposure
system, synchronize with studio lighting equipment, record images through
a microscope or telescope, and more. Perhaps the main reason an SLR is so
versatile is its viewfinder. Unlike a lens shutter camera, an SLR views
through the lens that takes the picture. A hinged mirror behind the lens
reflects the image up into the viewfinder. When the shutter release is
pressed, the mirror swings up out the image path and the shutter opens,
exposing the image onto film. When the shutter closes, the mirror swings
down into viewing position again. What you see in the viewfinder is what
you get on film and lens focus is easy to judge and set. Lenses can be
interchanged simply and quickly, and a wide selection of moderately priced
wide-angle, telephoto and zoom lenses are available.
Features most SLR cameras have in common include: variable shutter speeds and lens apertures for controlling exposure; a hot shoe on top of the viewfinder for attaching an electronic flash unit; a threaded socket on the bottom so the camera can be attached to a tripod; and a socket for connecting a cable release or remote control cord. Many cameras have a built-in motorized film winder, while others accept a separate auto winder. The latest advance in SLR cameras is auto focusing. A microcomputer and focus sensor in the camera adjust the lens focus quicker and more accurately, in most cases than the photographer can manually. Many SLR's have a built-in electronic flash, plus a hot shoe on top of the viewfinder for attaching a separate, more powerful flash to the camera. Most cameras accept dedicated flash units, which means that both camera and flash have a few special electronic contacts on the hot shoe that mate together. Depending on the particular camera/flash combination, a dedicated flash may set the camera to the correct flash-synchronized shutter speed, activate a ready light in the camera viewfinder, set the lens to the correct opening, couple to the camera's flash metering system or set the lens focus automatically. Both conventional and dedicated flashes are available in a wide range of sizes and prices. Since all single-lens reflex cameras look similar, many of the features that differentiate one model from another are internal. The type of exposure control is one such feature. |
|
|
Manual metering cameras... |
|
| ...don't adjust the exposure automatically. Instead, a meter needle or series of light-emitting diodes (LED's) in the viewfinder will tell you when you have set the exposure correctly by adjusting the shutter speed and/or the lens aperture. | |
|
Aperture-priority automatic exposure... |
|
| ...means that you select the lens aperture and the camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed for proper exposure. An LED or needle in the viewfinder will indicate the shutter speed selected by the camera. Changing the lens aperture will raise or lower the shutter speed, so you'll still have control over the amount of action the shutter will stop. | |
 |
Interchanging lenses on an SLR camera is easy - just press a release button and turn the lens. Mechanical pins and electrical contacts couple the lens to the camera's exposure control system. Removing the lens doesn't fog film in the camera because the shutter is directly in front of the film. It remains closed until the shutter release button is pressed. |
|
Shutter-priority automatic exposure... |
|
| ...adjusts the lens opening while you set the shutter speed. The aperture selected by the camera is displayed in the camera viewfinder. | |
|
Programmed automatic exposure... |
|
| ...sets both the shutter speed and lens opening automatically. Some cameras have two or more exposure programs. For example, there may be a 'normal' program, another one that selects the fastest shutter speed possible to stop moving subjects and a third program that increases depth of field by stopping down the lens opening more than normal. | |
|
Multi-mode cameras... |
|
| ...allow you to choose from two or more methods of exposure control. They usually are more expensive than simpler cameras, but offer the most versatility. | |
 The orders submitted on this site are protected by Godaddy.com Security. |
    Copyright 2007 Porter's Camera Store. All Rights Reserved. For any questions or comments contact Webmaster. P.O. Box 628, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 1-319-268-0104 Toll-Free: 1-800-553-2001 |
Policies | Legal Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Website Terms of Use Home | About Porters | DigiPrints | Free Catalog | Resources | Photo Gallery | Tamron Contest | Message Board | Newsletters | Rebates | Outlet Store | Photo Ed. | Awards | Search | Vendor Links | FAQ's | Contact Us | Sitemap |
|
