| The Basics of Photography: The Right Film for the Job |
From "Photography"
episode DPT-101 |
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Rick Sammon covers the lowdown on all the different types of film.
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When you take a picture, you're simply recording light on film. Film comes in many types, each geared for specific lighting situations and tasks. All film is rated with an ISO (exposure index) number. The higher the number, the "faster" the film and the more sensitive to light. Slower-speed films give you sharp pictures in very bright light. Higher-speed films are good for low-light situations and can also stop action as well as allow you to achieve greater depth of field. To be prepared for any type of shot or lighting conditions, carry several different kinds of film. For maximum color stability and long life, store film in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. ISO 100: A medium-speed fine-grain film that gives good color and detail and is good for making enlargements. Use this film in bright, sunny situations. ISO 200: A good general-purpose film. ISO 400: Good for low-light conditions such as at dawn or dusk; use this film to stop medium action. ISO 800: A very fast film that's good in low light and for stopping fast action, even when you're shooting with a telephoto lens. If you're shooting indoors with a flash, you'll get more distance out of the flash because the film is more sensitive to the light. Black-and-white film: Ideal for adding mystery and artistry to your shots. Black-and-white film removes some of the distracting reality from the scene, helps to convey mood and focus attention on the essentials. 35mm slide film: Great for rendering color and detail. The pros use it for magazines, books and Web sites. The downside: slide film is very unforgiving; your exposure must be perfect. APS film: Good for ease of loading and for better quality. There's no leader on the roll of film, so once you drop in a cartridge, you're ready to go. A magnetic code on the back of the film records exposure and lighting. If the picture is too dark or too light or is off color, the APS system corrects mistakes in the photo lab so you get a higher percentage of good pictures.
RESOURCES :
National Geographic Photography Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures
Model: 0792274989
Author: Peter K. Burian and Robert Caputo
September 1999
The Photographer's Handbook
Model: 0679742042
Author: John Hedgecoe
Knopf, 1998
Photography
Model: 0321011082
Author: Edited by Barbara London
August 1997
The Question-and-Answer Guide to Photo Techniques
Model: 0715301985
Author: Lee Frost
Out of Print
Camera Angles: Tips and Techniques for Professional-Quality Photographs
Model: 0896582353
Author: Rick Sammon & Steve Werner
June 1994
Nikon
Includes tutorials and mini-lessons on creating better pictures, digital cameras and more. Measurements are given in the metric system.
Nikon
Website: www.nikon.com
Kodak Information
Tips, techniques, tutorials and information on cameras and film.
To e-mail Kodak, click here.
To access Kodak's contact information, click here.
www.kodak.com
Kodak
Website: www.kodak.com
Rick Sammon
1 Fox Rd.
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
E-mail: RickSammon@aol.com
Web site: www.ricksammon.com
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