SETTING THE FILM SPEED

No matter how experienced you are, you should make sure the film speed indicator matches the ISO of the film you are using. The indicator is part of the shutter speed dial of most 35mm SLRs.

ACTIVATING THE LIGHT METER

The light meter on-off switch is located on the back of the Canon F-1 (refer to the instruction manual for other camera models). Alight-sensitive photocell moves a meter needle inside the viewfinder. When the meter needle is in line with the aperture needle, the camera is set for a proper exposure. The light meter can be left on throughout your shooting assignment. An example of a light meter is shown in figure 11-9.

Figure 11-9. - Light meter.

SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED

The film manufacturer's instructions provide time-tested shutter speeds for varying light renditions, such as sunny, overcast and cloudy. However, on occasion, you may prefer to freeze action or blur motion. In these situations you must manipulate both the shutter speed and the aperture control ring. For instance, you may set your camera at 1/60" to illustrate the speed of a runner - his legs and arms are a blur of motion on the finished photograph.

Consequently, if you want to freeze the action, you set your camera at 1/250" or higher. Then the runner's legs, arms and victory expression are "frozen." For hand-held shots, choose a shutter speed no slower than the speed closest to the final length of the lens. For example, you would select 1/60" for a 50mm lens and 1/250" for a 250mm lens.

SETTING THE APERTURE CONTROL

Adjust the f/stop on the aperture control ring to match the light meter requirement. The aperture control can be used to increase or decrease the depth of field, which will be explained in detail later in this chapter.

SHOOTING THE PICTURE

Much like pulling the trigger on a rifle, you should depress the shutter release button lightly until the camera clicks. Advance the film to the next frame and you are set for the next exposure.

UNLOADING THE FILM

One of the most common mistakes photographers make is failing to wind the 35mm film back into the cartridge before opening the back of the camera.

After you have exposed all frames, depress the rewind button (normally at the bottom of the camera) and slowly rewind the film. Rewinding too quickly, especially in cold weather, could crack the film or cause static electricity that will damage the film. When the film is completely rewound, you will no longer feel tension on the rewind knob.

Store the exposed film in a dry, dark container (such as a photo bag) or in its original canister until it is ready for developing. If your assignment requires you to shoot more than one roll of film, number the rolls directly on the canister using a china marker or laundry marking pen.