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4.1 -THE CAMERA
The basic function of a camera is to expose light to film. There are many types of cameras, which range in price from a few dollars to several thousand dollars. The quality of the lens, special mechanisms and attachments, and the precision with which they have been made are all factors that determine the cost of a camera.
All cameras have the following parts:
Camera body-The box where the various parts of the camera are located. This is the shell of the camera. The camera body is light tight, if light is let through any part other than the lens the film will be ruined, which is called fog.
Lens-The lens serves to gather the light rays to produce a clear image on the film. This image is reversed and upside down. The lens is usually the most expensive part of the camera. The distance from the lens to the plane behind the lens where the sharpest image is formed when the lens is focused on infinity is the focal length of the lens.
Shutter-The shutter is a protective shield that opens and closes to permit a measured amount of light through the lens. The shutter controls the time that light is permitted to strike the film. Shutter speeds are given in fractions of a second and are indicated on the shutter speed dial. The shutter speed dial, shutter cocking and shutter release are all adjustments for the shutter. The shutter speed dial is used to change the speed of the shutter. The shutter cocking lever gives tension to the shutter and the shutter release activates the shutter or releases the tension.
The three kinds of shutters are the flap, iris and focal plane. The flap shutter is usually located on simple cameras and simply covers and uncovers the aperture. The iris shutter is a series of thin pieces of metal, which open and close in a circular motion. The focal plane shutter moves over the film sideways or up and down while light passes through a slit between the front and back curtains.
Aperture or Diaphragm-The aperture is an arrangement of thin metal leaves, which controls the amount of light that strikes the film. It can be adjusted to open up and let more light in or closed down to let less light through. The adjustments are referred to as stops. Each stop is designated by an f-number (f5.6, f4, f8 and f11). The f-number is based on a ratio between the diameter of the aperture or opening and the focal length of the lens. There are two kinds of aperture--fixed and adjustable. Fixed apertures are found on simple cameras and are usually set at f11 or f16. Adjustable apertures or diaphragms are found on all cameras where any adjustment of the opening can be made. This is the most common.
Film-The film is the light sensitive surface that records the image and is located at the back of the camera on the film plane and its sensitivity to light is given in a speed rating which are listed as ISO or ASA. The film plane is the area in the back of the camera where the film is located and the image comes into focus.
Film Advance-The film advance winds from one frame or picture to the next. A film indicator is used to show which frame or picture on a roll of film has been or is about to be taken.
Viewing System-The viewing system gives the photographer the view of the scene by looking through a separate series of lenses or through the picture taking lens.
There are three kinds of viewing systems--viewfinder, range finder and through the lens. Viewfinders are used for positioning the subject and will not focus. Range finders help in positioning and focusing the subject. The most accurate viewing system is through the lens. This method is popular because it is easy to use in positioning and focusing quickly. It also offers the photographer the opportunity to observe the depth of field. Lenses can be changed without changing viewing systems is another advantage.
Focusing Control-The focusing control moves the lens back and forth on a track to produce a sharp image on the film. The controls can adjust the focus from three feet to infinity. Many cameras offer an auto focus system which will focus automatically.
4.2 -KINDS OF CAMERAS
There are many different kinds of cameras. Each camera has advantages and disadvantages. One way to classify cameras is by their film size.
Large Format
These cameras all use sheet film. The size of film may vary from 8"x10" to 2"x3".
View Camera--This is a bellows-type camera. Both the film plane and lens plane can be adjusted to correct for distortion in perspective. These corrections are called swings and tilts. Lenses can be changed easily. All work is done on a tripod.
Press Camera--The press camera uses roll or sheet film. It offers three methods of focusing and two types of shutters. It also uses interchangeable lenses, offers a bellows extension, and many other advantages. This was the most popular camera of professional photographers because it was rugged and versatile.
Medium Format
These cameras usually use 120 roll film however many offer both a roll and sheet film adapter. These cameras offer a large enough film to cover weddings, group shots and candids. The shutter is an iris, which is very quiet, and can strobe synch at any speed. Interchangeable lenses are expensive because the shutter is included in the lens.
Twin Lens--The twin lens camera has two lenses, one located above the other. The top lens is used for focusing and the bottom lens is used for exposing film. Because the lenses are permanently mounted to the camera only supplementary or add-on lenses can be used. To add a telephoto lens, two lenses must be mounted on the camera--one for the viewfinder and one for the picture-taking lens. The image is reversed in the viewfinder therefore making the twin lens camera awkward to use.
Medium Format SLR--This is one of the most popular professional cameras. It offers a versatile easy to use format. Lenses can be changed easily. Film size, format, and roll or sheet adapter can be changed by changing backs. The focusing is through the lens. The film size and focusing are its greatest advantages, however it is heavy and bulky to use.
35mm Cameras
These cameras are the most common cameras used today. There are a large variety of films available both in black and white; and color in slides or negatives.
Instamatic or throw away--This camera is very easy to use and film is available in cartridges. It is an inexpensive camera and offers a variety of features from power winders to lightmeters. They come in cartridges, throwaway boxes and many varieties between. Most all of these cameras have a fixed focused lens with a preset shutter and aperture.
35mm Viewfinder--These cameras do not use through the lens focusing. They use a focusing scale or split image rangefinder. Prior to the invention of the SLR these were the most popular cameras. Some have light meters, which are not through the lens reading, but most do not have interchangeable lenses. The shutters are usually iris shutters.
35mm Single Lens Reflex--This is the most popular 35mm camera used today. It has a mirror, which swings away for exposure. The focal length is between 45 and 55 millimeters. The maximum aperture is between 1.2 and 2.8. The lenses are interchangeable and offer the greatest variety available on the market. The lenses offered are from extreme wide angles called fisheye to extreme telephotos of 2000 millimeters and a wide variety in the middle. Shutter speeds will vary from 2 seconds to 1/2000 second and all the shutters are focal plane. Most cameras have an exposure meter built in which is through the lens and coupled with the shutter or aperture. Many cameras can be automatic, semi-automatic or manual.
Small or Miniature Camera--These cameras include any cameras below 35mm. This includes a l6mm, 9.5mm, 8mm, or the disc. Because the film size is so small, enlargements must be kept small. There are usually not interchangeable lens available. However many come with exposure meters, a flip-on telephoto or wide angle, adjustable apertures, built in flash, and other features. As long as the prints are kept small, these cameras will do a satisfactory job.
Self-Processing Camera--These cameras offer a process print either black and white or color in 60 seconds. They are usually viewfinder type cameras. The shutter speeds and f-settings are not as fast as SLRs however they do not need to be because of high film speeds. The greatest advantage is the ability to have a finished print within 1 minute. The disadvantage is that there is only one print made and no negative to make more
Most of these cameras are very similar to 35mm in the variety of adjustments and attachments available. The advantages of these cameras are: made for computer, look great on internet, and there is no cost for film. The drawback is printing, all of the pictures look good on screen but when blown up to 8x10 the quality of the photograph is poor because of the pixels or format available. The cost of editing and changing pictures is minimal.
4.3 - PURCHASING A CAMERA
What is the best camera to purchase? Asking what kind of a camera to purchase is like asking what is the best car to buy?
Every individual has different reasons for purchasing a camera. Their personal interest and taste will vary. When looking for a particular camera judge them all logically and do not be swayed by trying to find a status symbol. The purpose of a camera is to take "good" pictures. The quality of workmanship, accessories and features on the camera all will effect the selection of a particular camera.
The following list of questions will help in the selection of a camera.
There is no substitution for first hand experience. Does the camera feel right? Compare the test data and the feel of the camera. Are the controls convenient? What accessories are available? Look through the view finding system and metering controls to see if they are satisfactory.
2. How much should be spent on a camera?
In this price range are cameras, which are fixed focused and fixed exposure. The aperture is usually set at f8 or f11 with a lens made of plastic. The shutter will usually have a speed for daylight and another speed for flash. For a beginner who needs to concentrate on composition this camera is an excellent choice. Many of these cameras offer features such as built-in flash, auto focus self-processing and the new disc camera.
B. Under $200.00
This category offers cameras with instant loading cartridges possibly fully automatic exposure with fast lenses. Other features include a motorized film transport and rapid film advance. Another camera is the 35mm rangefinder camera. The lenses can be as fast as f1.8 and shutter speeds as fast as 1/500 of a second. The most popular camera in this category offers many bells and whistles – autofocus, autoexposure, no interchangeable lenses, flash and timer.
C. Under $300.00
This category offers many 35mm single lens reflex cameras, excellent twin lens reflex cameras, and some view and press cameras. Today the 35mm cameras dominate the market because they offer fully interchangeable lenses, faster lenses and a wide variety of shutter speeds. There are a large number of excellent 120 or 2 1/4 by 2 1/4 cameras. The viewing is done waist level and the lenses are around 75 mm, a f3.5 lens which are standard and not interchangeable. This type of camera is not as popular however is versatile and reliable to use. Some models of press and view cameras are available in this price range. This type of camera is not for general use. The old sheet film cameras are not as popular to day as they were in the past. However a person interested in a large format camera with a ground glass, perspective controls, extension bellows, and interchangeable lens boards would be pleased with the purchase of this camera.
D. Above $300.00
These cameras are heavy duty and highly sophisticated professional cameras. This camera is suited for a professional who is interested in a system that has high quality and workmanship. Some of the price is reflected in the brand name. This is not the camera to purchase for a beginner. Digital cameras cost $400. - $900. Depending on pixels or how big the picture can be enlarged.
A wise path to follow when purchasing a camera is to begin with good quality but modest equipment and build a system rather than spending a lot of money on a brand name.
3. Where to purchase a camera--Remember to buy the camera through a reliable dealer—one who knows equipment, can demonstrate it thoroughly, and will back it up. The best method is to answer the previous questions, research the market, and decide on which camera to purchase and then go to a reputable dealer and ask advice. Do not let high-pressure sales talk change your mind. The ads in photo magazines are excellent sources of information about a camera's specifications, costs and features.
4. What is the camera going to be used for? The answer to this question depends on which film you prefer, color or black and white, or slides or prints. Nature and wildlife--a camera with a long focus is a must. Architectural--larger format camera with swings tilts and other adjustments for perspective. Sports and action--a camera with a high shutter speed. Available light--you will need a fast lens, however most cameras f2 lens is fast enough. Close up--a 35mm camera is a must when used with close up lenses or extension rings. Instant pictures--a Polaroid camera will give you a quick accurate record. Digital pictures—a camera that takes pictures in a digital form rather than film.
5. Before purchasing a camera a serious consideration should be the brand name and system?
It is best to purchase a brand name camera such as Canon, Nikon, Olympus, or Minolta. A careful consideration is what is offered in each system. The lens is the most expensive part of the camera. By purchasing a system then all bodies, lenses, strobes, and accessories will work with each other. Canon lens will not work with a Nikon, the lens mount is different and if it did mount the meter the would not function.
6. Do you plan to do a great amount of traveling?
You need a camera that is lightweight and compact. A 35mm, a 126, or disc camera would be an excellent choice.
7. How often do you plan to use the camera?
Most cameras made by reputable manufacturers will hold up under normal usage by the amateur photographer. However if you plan to have extra heavy use like the pros, a high quality camera body should be purchased. A quick check of camera magazines or camera repair or retail stores could tell you about the reliability of a camera name.
8. Is the camera automatic or manual?
There is nothing wrong with automatic cameras, however before choosing one decide on which priority to choose and how much automation is necessary. It is nice if an automatic camera can be manually over-ridden. All automatic cameras will not work when the battery goes bad.
9.Along with automation, how automatic should the camera be and what about auto focus?
The auto focus cameras are excellent when they are pointed at the correct point. There are too many instances where a range of focus is needed. The cost of auto focus is better spent on another feature.
10. Is it necessary to have an auto or power winder?
How many sequences do you take pictures of and how much film can you afford?