How to Use the Bulb Feature on a 35mm Camera

Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras offer a manual setting called "bulb." This exposure option opens the shutter of the camera for an extended period of time. The shutter will not close until the photographer releases the shutter by pressing the shutter release button, or by activating a remote control or cable release. The bulb feature is used to create long exposures, and is commonly used when photographing star trails at night, evening landscapes or colorful lighted night scenes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SLR camera with manual features
• Tripod
• Sandbags
• Flashlight
• Watch

1. Secure and steady the SLR camera. Use a nearby table, shelf or other sturdy object to support the camera. Using a tripod is the safest option.

2. Use a flashlight to read the controls on the camera, if it is being used outdoors at night. Adjust the exposure mode to "bulb" by turning the command dial to the "b" setting. Refer to your camera's owner manual if you cannot locate the bulb option.

3. Attach a cable release to the SLR camera if it is a manual film style camera. The cable release attaches to the shutter release button with a threaded mount. Be sure the release is long enough to activate without jarring the camera.

4. Compose the image by looking through the viewfinder on the camera. Use the lens to manually focus. In dark evening conditions, auto focus often fails.

5. Release the shutter by pressing the cable release, remote control or shutter button. Time the exposure with a watch, and take notes for future reference. Some photographers expose star trails for 5 to 6 hours.

6. Experiment with exposure times. Longer exposures will make the night scenes appear brighter, and moving object will show motion blur. The bulb setting is a good option for long exposures of stationary subjects.

Tips & Warnings

• When using the bulb feature on a 35 mm camera, steady the camera with a sturdy tripod. If the tripod is being used outdoors, be prepared and bring sandbags to weigh down the legs of the tripod. Windy conditions will sway the camera, causing blurry pictures.
• Walking in front of the camera briefly will not ruin a photo on the bulb setting. However, if you stand in front of the lens for an extended period of time, and walk out of the frame before the exposure finishes, a partial exposure of a "ghostly" human image may appear in the final photo.