TWIN LENS CAMERA

Information Section

In order to operate a camera, you must first be able to identify the basic parts of the camera, and secondly, know what particular function each part of the camera performs.

There are twenty basic parts to this reflex camera. Following are diagrams of the camera showing the parts and stating the purpose of each particular part. Locate the part on the diagrams and also the part on the camera (you should have obtained a twin lens reflex camera from your instructor).

Magnifying Glass

This is an aid to help to obtain sharp focus. Raise the glass by pressing the front of the focusing hood cover inward, while holding the focusing hood so that it does not close. While using place your eye as close to the magnifying glass as possible.

Focusing Hood

This simply lifts up at the back, and provides "shade" to help the user focus more accurately.

Film Winding Knob

This knob operates the take-up spool; the film counter window should be observed in order to stop at picture number 1.

Depth-of-Field Scale

When you focus the camera on a subject there is a certain distance in front and back of the subject within which other objects will also appear sharp. This is known as the "depth of field", and it varies with the lens aperture. The smaller the aperture the greater the depth of field; it is much greater at f:22 than at f:3.5. At the focusing knob is a scale which will indicate the depth of field when the camera is focused at various distances. You will notice that on either side of the f:3.5 figure is a similar set of numbers which represent lens apertures. When the camera is focused on your subject, look for the aperture you are using on both sides of the scale to determine the depth of field. Thus, if the camera is focused at 10 feet and the lens aperture is f:8, the depth of field (area in which all objects are sharp) is from about 8 feet to 13 feet.

 

Lens Focusing Knob

This knob brings the camera into focus.

Shutter Cocking Lever

This tensions the shutter so that it will be ready to operate. Care must be taken not to change the shutter speed once it has been tensioned! If this happens, the shutter generally breaks.

Shutter Release Button

This is the button you gently push to take the picture. Care must be taken not to move the camera when taking the picture.

Sports finder Frame

This enables you to follow fast moving action; such as people walking or running. Depress the focusing hood cover until it clicks into place. Lift the Yashica to your eye level. Sight your subject through the sports finder window. Push the focusing hood release button inwards and up to close it.

Picture Taking Lens and Viewfinder Lens

This camera has two lenses--one for viewing the scene to be photographed, and one for taking the picture. The bottom one takes the picture. Remember that your fingers can be in the way of the taking lens, and the viewing lens won't see them. Be careful not to block the view of the taking lens.

Lens Aperture Scale

This controls the amount of light that can enter the camera. Notice that the lower the number, the larger the opening.

Flash Synchronization Terminal

This is an outlet into which a flash unit is attached.

Upper Film Spool Locking Spring

When the take-up spool is placed into position, this locking spring is pulled out (not too far!) to enable the empty spool to drop into place.

Lower Film Spool Locking Spring

This spool holds the new film supply. It must be pulled out (gently!) when inserting a new roll of film.

Tripod Socket

This enables the camera to be mounted on a tripod. It is also marked with an "O" and "C". Turning it in either direction will, respectively, open or close it.

Film Counter Window

This is an inspection plate which allows you to see what picture number you are on. It is a wise idea to always advance the film immediately after the picture has been taken, in order to prevent a double exposure.

Getting Ready to Take the Picture

First, adjust the f/stop to the proper opening. (consult the Daylight Exposure Chart). This adjusts the opening behind the lens which controls the amount of light that will pass through the lens. The higher the lens number, the greater is the depth of field. Notice that the lower the number, the larger is the lens opening. Also in the illustration notice the 7 f/stops that can be used.

Next, adjust the shutter speed (again refer to the Daylight Exposure Chart). However, before adjusting the shutter speed, make sure that the shutter is not already tensioned. Do not change the shutter speed when it is already tensioned, as this will damage the shutter mechanism.

 

If the shutter is already tensioned, and you want to change the speed, simply put on the lens cap, and push the shutter release button. (Since no light has gone through the camera, you have not exposed your film.) With this done, you can now change the shutter speed. The shutter controls the duration of the exposure. Shutter speeds are 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 and 1/300 of a second. The "B" setting is generally used for flash-bulbs--or for longer exposure times. When you press the shutter release button on the "B" setting, the shutter will stay open until you release the pressure on the button.

Tension the shutter by pushing down on the tensioning lever. The shutter is now ready to operate, and should not be changed until the tension is release--that is, until a picture is taken.

The last step is to take the picture. This is done by gently pushing in on the release button.

Camera Handling

When you are ready to take pictures, it would be helpful to remember these rules:

1. Check the lens to see if they are clean.

2. Always load and unload the camera in subdued light. This prevents accidental exposure.

3. Focus the camera carefully.

4. Adjust camera controls to the existing light conditions.

5. Move in as close as you can without cutting off important parts of the picture.

6. Consider the background--don’t have poles or columns growing out of a subject's head.

7. Hold the camera steady and level. Use the neck strap around your neck.

8. Press the shutter release gently, with a slow squeezing action.

9. Advance the film immediately to the next frame after taking a picture.

10. People in informal portraits should appear busy. Do not have them looking directly into the camera.

11. Be careful of shadows coming across peoples' faces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loading the Camera

Remember to always load and unload the camera in subdued light--this prevents accidental exposing of the film. The following steps should be followed to load the camera.

1. Open the camera by turning the tripod socket in the direction marked "O".

2. Remove the take up spool in the lower film chamber by pulling out, gently, the lower film spool locking spring.

3. Place this take-up spool in the upper film changer. Again, gently pull out the upper film spool locking spring.

4. Place a fresh roll of 120 film in the lower film chamber.

5. Gently draw out the film leader. Thread the film leader into the widest slot of the take up spool--then turn the film winding knob. Make sure the film leader winds evenly on the take up spool; turn the knob about 3 or 4 times so that the paper leader is wound around the spool.

  1. Close the back of the cover, and turn the lock in the "C" direction until it stops.

7. Turn the film winding knob until the film inspection window shows the number "1". On some films, these numbers are doubles...."11" would be "1", "22" would be "2", "33" would be "3", and so forth

Now the camera is ready to take picture number 1.

Exposing the Film

The next thing to be done is to expose the film. See the instructor for directions on how to properly expose the film.

If you have a very important picture to photograph, it would be wise to bracket your exposures--that is, shoot more than once, and vary either your f/stop or your shutter speed. In this way, you're assured of getting at least one good picture. Perhaps a "rule" of thumb can be applied here: the more important the picture, the more you expose and bracket the exposure.

To unload the exposed film, you should be in subdued light. After the last exposure has been made, turn the film winding knob until nothing appears in the film inspection window. Open the camera, and take out the exposed roll of film. Be sure to seal the film, so that it won't unroll accidentally. Put your name on the exposed roll of film, it might save confusion later on.

You are now ready to develop your exposed film. This information is contained in the next assignment/lab which is entitled "How to Develop Roll Film".

 

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