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 Camera Operations          Lens Controls..........     Meter Systems

Preface:

To better understand the discussions in class of camera and photographic techniques, please identify, locate and learn to operate the following controls on your camera. Be aware that there are no set of standard labels for the camera controls, so in case of difficulty, consult your camera operations manual, camera sales person, or other reference sources to find possible alternatives to the listed operation.  Note: many automatic cameras tell you nothing, so many parts of this check-list are not applicable to your camera.

 
 

Class discussions are generalized, concentrating on the principles of the camera controls and metering systems to achieve specific objectives. Therefore, it is primarily your responsibility to obtain the necessary information as to the specific mechanical operation of your camera. There are just too many variations of camera design to discuss each in class. If needed, the instructor will be available during office hours for individualized assistance; please make an appointment.

 

Camera Body functions:                                                                                                Top of page
 

1.  How do you open the camera to load in the film? How is the film loaded into the camera?

 

2.  Does the camera need batteries? What type? How do you install them? With batteries loaded, how do you turn the camera systems "on"?

 

3.  If your camera has a built-in flash, can you turned off the flash and still operate the camera?

 

4.  How do you set your camera for the type of film you have loaded? Is there a film speed selector (ASA or ISO setting), or does the camera do it automatically? Non-auto cameras usually use dials for setting film speed; unfortunately, similar dials are also used to set shutter speeds. Be sure to identify each accordingly. Film speed selectors are often the smaller of the dials, or may even be built within the shutter speed dial. Film speed scales are usually numbers separated by intermediate markings, shutter speeds scales are just numbers.

 

5.  How do you advance the film through the camera? If the camera has a powered winder, find out what it does and how to operate its options.

 

6.  Commonly called "taking the picture", how do you release the shutter to take a picture? (What and where is the button you push to take the picture?)

 

7.  If you can, how do you select the shutter speed to be used by the camera?

 

8.  Does the camera have a "self timer" for delayed shutter release, and how is it operated? Can you use a cable release?

 

9.  When you are at the end of the roll of film, how do you rewind the film into its cassette and remove the exposed film from the camera?

 

Lens Operations:                                                                                                                  Top of page

1.  Do you have interchangeable lenses? If so, know how to remove and install the lenses.

 

2.  What type of lens does the camera have? Is it a "regular" type lens or is it a "zoom-type" lens?

 

3.  What controls the focusing of the lens? How do you know if your image is in focus? If you have an auto-focus camera, how do you select the subject point for the camera to focus on?

 

4.  Is there a scale or read-out to tell you what distance you have focused on? Very important: what is the closest distance your lens will focus on? Most lenses can focus down to 18-24 inches; zoom lenses vary considerably. If you have an auto-focus camera, how does the camera tell you when you are too close for it to focus? If your camera doesn't adjust focusing, i.e., "fixed-focus or focus-free", the camera is not acceptable for this course.

 

5.  What controls the lens aperture or "f/stop" of the lens? Is there a scale or read-out to tell you what is the lens aperture? Some automatic cameras do not have aperture read-outs for their auto-focus lenses.

 

6.  Does your lens have any filters on it? If so, what kind? You should have a filter on all your lenses to provide protection. Most common all purpose filters are the "skylight" and UV (ultraviolet light) filters. They appear as almost colorless pieces of glass that attach to the front of the lens.

 

7.  If your lens has one, locate the "depth of field" scale or scales. These are just numbered lines or markings on the lens barrel. Zoom lenses and lenses for auto-focus cameras may not have these markings. Their significance and methods of use will be discussed in class.

 
Camera Light Meter systems:                                                                                   Top of page

1.  How do you turn the meter system on?

 

2.  For non-automatic cameras, how do you know when the meter has calculated the proper exposure values to use? (How does the camera say it's okay to take the picture?) There are many different metering systems: some have needles you line up, or there are lights you make glow or disappear, or there is a digital alpha-numeric (words and numbers) read-out somewhere. Find out the mechanical procedures (what to turn or push, etc.) to operate your camera's metering controls to make a "proper" exposure. Use and interpretation of the meter's information will be discussed in class.

 

3.  For automatic cameras, how many "modes of automation" are available? Many sophisticated auto-cameras offer 6 or more modes. Try to understand what each mode does. The uses of each mode will become more apparent from class lectures, as we will discuss how to choose which picture taking options to use to make a particular type of picture.

 

4.  Is there a "Battery Check" switch on the camera to make sure the battery is still good enough to power the meter/camera systems? Learn to use this feature.

 

 

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