Some students have been asking me about purchasing cameras, what to look for etc. First you need to get an SLR or "single lens reflex" camera. This camera has a mirror system behind the lens that pulls up and out of the way when you open the shutter to expose the film, or digital sensor to light. (Mirrorless digital cameras with fully manual features are allowed, but must be approved) This mechanism allows the photographer to see through the lens for composing and focusing. Usually the lenses are removable and usually the camera has manual features for total exposure control. The four manual controls that are important to look for are:
1) An adjustable aperture -also known as f-stops (opening in the lens)
2) An adjustable shutter (in the camera body) with a "Bulb" setting
3) focus ring (on the lens) for manual focus
4) ISO adjustment (on the body) to change the sensitivity of your meter and sensor.
From my experience, Canon, Nikon and Sony have been the preferred cameras because of their optics and professional orientation, but Olympus, Pentax and Minolta, are also recognized quality cameras (usually better priced). With most new cameras you will have LED readouts. I would recommend that you use a digital camera in this class because processing slide film has become difficult to do. That being said, it is quite alright to use a “film” camera for this class. Just talk to me about the requirements. Get an SLR with at least a 50mm (or normal) manual focusing lens (zooms in the 35-80 range are good). Also make sure that the camera allows both “shutter” and “aperture” manual control (f-stops at ½ stop increments, shutter speeds from 1/500 to Bulb). If you don’t know what this means, ask in class or your sales person.
Shop around and ask a lot of questions, ask about used cameras as well as new ones. Next pick up each of your possible camera candidates and adjust the f-stops and the shutter speeds. Keep in mind that as you shoot in the manual mode, you want these actions to be fluid and easy. Take a shot; adjust the f-stop 1/2 stop up and then 1/2 stop down. Change your shutter speed and make sure there is a “B” (bulb) setting. For a used camera, open the back of the camera (for film) and look for wear and tear. If there is a big dent anywhere be hesitant, that camera has been dropped! For used digital cameras take off the lens and look through it and behind the mirror for damage to the sensor, also make sure the auto focus works correctly, since that is usually the first thing to go. Make sure the meter is working and is reacting to changes in light. Fire the shutter and advance it making sure that it advances smoothly. Compare the ease of use for each camera especially the metering system, does the camera tell you what f-stop and shutter speed you are set at in the viewfinder? Then try the focus in the manual mode, see if the camera can focus "macro" and try it out. See how close you can get to something in focus. Then if it has a zoom lens extend it to the most telephoto mode and focus in and out with the manual focus (Can you easily tell when you are in focus?) When comparing the lenses of the different cameras check what the smallest f-stop number and the largest f-stop numbers are (An f-4 lens should cost less than an f-2.8 lens from the same manufacturer, but the f-2.8 would be more desirable if you are shooting in low light conditions). The smaller the f-number, the more light allowed through the lens, which means there is more glass which means more money. Next, how does it fit in your hands, is the viewer bright and easy to look through, and does the camera fit comfortably to your face. Also check to see if the camera has a “hot shoe” or cord attachment for an external flash (not mandatory, but a nice option to have).
If you are still not sure look the camera model up on line and see what consumer groups say about that particular model. There is a glut of good used “film” cameras on the market since many photographers are switching to digital, shop around for the best deal. Have in mind what you plan to do with your camera after this class, is it just a hobby or are you planning to make it an element of your career? That will help you decide how much money to spend.
Also, get a written guarantee that if the camera cannot be used in a fully manual mode for this class, that the store or seller will refund your money if you return it within one week or so after classes start. That way I can look it over in class. With used cameras make sure that you get a 90-day warranty that the store will refund or replace the camera. A used camera will do you no good if it’s in the repair department for 6 or 8 weeks!
I hope that helps you choose. Don’t worry if you are still confused, we will go over all this information. But you must have a camera to use by the first week of class.
1) An adjustable aperture -also known as f-stops (opening in the lens)
2) An adjustable shutter (in the camera body) with a "Bulb" setting
3) focus ring (on the lens) for manual focus
4) ISO adjustment (on the body) to change the sensitivity of your meter and sensor.
From my experience, Canon, Nikon and Sony have been the preferred cameras because of their optics and professional orientation, but Olympus, Pentax and Minolta, are also recognized quality cameras (usually better priced). With most new cameras you will have LED readouts. I would recommend that you use a digital camera in this class because processing slide film has become difficult to do. That being said, it is quite alright to use a “film” camera for this class. Just talk to me about the requirements. Get an SLR with at least a 50mm (or normal) manual focusing lens (zooms in the 35-80 range are good). Also make sure that the camera allows both “shutter” and “aperture” manual control (f-stops at ½ stop increments, shutter speeds from 1/500 to Bulb). If you don’t know what this means, ask in class or your sales person.
Shop around and ask a lot of questions, ask about used cameras as well as new ones. Next pick up each of your possible camera candidates and adjust the f-stops and the shutter speeds. Keep in mind that as you shoot in the manual mode, you want these actions to be fluid and easy. Take a shot; adjust the f-stop 1/2 stop up and then 1/2 stop down. Change your shutter speed and make sure there is a “B” (bulb) setting. For a used camera, open the back of the camera (for film) and look for wear and tear. If there is a big dent anywhere be hesitant, that camera has been dropped! For used digital cameras take off the lens and look through it and behind the mirror for damage to the sensor, also make sure the auto focus works correctly, since that is usually the first thing to go. Make sure the meter is working and is reacting to changes in light. Fire the shutter and advance it making sure that it advances smoothly. Compare the ease of use for each camera especially the metering system, does the camera tell you what f-stop and shutter speed you are set at in the viewfinder? Then try the focus in the manual mode, see if the camera can focus "macro" and try it out. See how close you can get to something in focus. Then if it has a zoom lens extend it to the most telephoto mode and focus in and out with the manual focus (Can you easily tell when you are in focus?) When comparing the lenses of the different cameras check what the smallest f-stop number and the largest f-stop numbers are (An f-4 lens should cost less than an f-2.8 lens from the same manufacturer, but the f-2.8 would be more desirable if you are shooting in low light conditions). The smaller the f-number, the more light allowed through the lens, which means there is more glass which means more money. Next, how does it fit in your hands, is the viewer bright and easy to look through, and does the camera fit comfortably to your face. Also check to see if the camera has a “hot shoe” or cord attachment for an external flash (not mandatory, but a nice option to have).
If you are still not sure look the camera model up on line and see what consumer groups say about that particular model. There is a glut of good used “film” cameras on the market since many photographers are switching to digital, shop around for the best deal. Have in mind what you plan to do with your camera after this class, is it just a hobby or are you planning to make it an element of your career? That will help you decide how much money to spend.
Also, get a written guarantee that if the camera cannot be used in a fully manual mode for this class, that the store or seller will refund your money if you return it within one week or so after classes start. That way I can look it over in class. With used cameras make sure that you get a 90-day warranty that the store will refund or replace the camera. A used camera will do you no good if it’s in the repair department for 6 or 8 weeks!
I hope that helps you choose. Don’t worry if you are still confused, we will go over all this information. But you must have a camera to use by the first week of class.
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