How to Use a Manual Camera

A manual camera might be a little trickier to use than an automatic camera, but it allows you more control, too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera Bags
• Camera Flashes
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Straps
• Camera Tripod
• Film
• Lens Caps
• Lens Cleaner
• Light Meter
• Manual Cameras

1. Open the back of the camera by pressing down the latch typically located on the right side of the camera.

2. Select and load the film. Close the back of the camera and wind the film onto the spool until the frame counter on the top left of the camera reads "1."

3. Set the film speed using the dial located on the top left of the camera.

4. Set the shutter speed on top of the camera and the aperture on the camera lens using either a built-in or handheld light meter to determine the correct settings.

5. Slip the flash, if you're using one, into the hot shoe on top of the camera, and turn the mount on the bottom of the flash to secure it. Turn on the flash and set the shutter speed at 1/60th of a second.

6. Choose a lens and attach it by aligning the dot on the camera body with the dot on the base of the lens. Some cameras have a lens release next to the lens. Turn the lens base until it's firmly attached to the camera body.

7. Look through the viewfinder window and focus the camera by turning the focusing ring on the lens.

8. Frame the image and press the shutter release on the top right of the camera to take a picture.

9. Wind the film to the next frame.

10. Rewind the film when you reach the end of the roll; open the back; and remove the film.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that a "1" appears in the frame counter, indicating that the film is properly wound on the spool, before you start shooting.
• Keep a lens cover on the lens when not in use.
• Advance the film immediately after taking a shot so you won't miss the next photo opportunity.

on 9/2/2006 Set the F-stop to f/16 and use the reciprocal (make a fraction with the number one on top) of the film speed for the shutter speed. Example film ASA 100, set shutter speed to 1/100, ASA 400 - 1/500, etc. "Don't let your F stop!"

on 11/22/2005 For each roll of film, remember to check your ASA/ISO; and for each shot, remember to check the distance from the subject because the f-stop will change. When using the flash, the aperture will always be at 1/60th of a second. And remember to have fun!!

on 11/22/2005 You must use a manual setting on an SLR camera. Using a tripod is advisable as you must set the shutter speed at 1/15 sec or you'll get only a partial image. Try shooting at a still image. This will not work very well w/quickly moving images. Experiment!

on 11/22/2005 It may seem strange, but using a flash in daylight is a good idea! High sun casts shadows on peoples' faces, yet the rest of the scene can be correctly exposed. Alter f-stop so that 1/60th is correct for background & try f16. This should balance exposure.