Instant Photo Print

Advanced Digital Camera Techniques

Wanting to get into photography???

I never got to study photography in high school and am now very intrigued by it. I want to start teaching myself bit by bit the techniques because I have no time to take a course as I am a full-time worker... Can anyone give me information on the better kinds of cameras to use. Oh BTW I do not want to go digital. I am more interested in film cameras... so far I know I should be going for SLR's or Compacts??? or Hasselblads... all just a bit confusing to me right now... if someone can tell me which is better and why that would be great.

Hi Kandi.

I applaud your decision to use film.

An SLR (Single Lens Reflex) will give you more versatility since you can change lenses for creative purposes.

As to what camera to buy, I suggest a Minolta XE-7. Yes its an old camera that you'll have to buy used but it has several features that I think you'll enjoy.

The XE-7 has Aperture Preferred and Manual metering. It also has a switch that allows you to effortlessly take double or multiple exposures.

When you buy any camera make sure you get the Owner's Manual with it.

Here is what I would consider to be a good kit: XE-7 with a 50mm f1.4 MC ROKKOR-X lens, a Minolta MD 35-70mm f3.5 zoom and a Minolta MD 70-210mm f4 zoom. Both zooms are constant aperture which is preferred.

You can check these trusted sites for prices/availability:

http://www.adorama.com

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

http://www.keh.com

http://www.ritzcamera.com

http://www.beachcamera.com

You can also shop on eBay but you need to be careful. Knowing what questions to ask can help you avoid problems.

Along with your camera, buy a copy of "Object & Image: An Introduction To Photography, Third Editions" by George M. Craven. Another useful book would be "How To Select & Use Minolta SLR Cameras" by Carl Shipman. It doesn't cover the XE-7 but is still worth having.

An excellent on-line resource is at http://www.adorama.com
Just click on AIRC (Adorama Imaging Resource Center) and you'll find numerous topics to help you improve your photography.

One thing that usually causes a problem for new photographers like you is focusing. Its something you have to practice before loading that first roll of film. One way to practice is by taping a piece of newspaper to a well lit wall. When you can read the print you're in focus. The XE-7 has what's called a "split image spot" in the viewfinder. As you focus, any vertical or diagonal lines will line up perfectly when you're properly focused.

Since you're just getting started, I suggest using ISO 400 film. For black & white try Ilford XP2 Super or Kodak BW400CN. Both are C-41 compatible and can be processed and printed at any 1 Hour Lab. Just stress that the prints are SUPPOSED to be black & white. For color, try Kodak Royal Gold 400 or Fuji PRO400H.*

The reason I'm suggesting 400 speed film is to help minimize camera shake since from experience I know that at first you'll have to learn the right technique for holding the camera. Once you're comfortable with the camera you can start thinking about using Fujicolor Superia Reala ISO 100.

Kandi, if you have additional questions just email me.

* I buy my film from either Adorama or B&H. I keep it refrigerated and have used film that had an Expiration Date of 6-06 with excellent results.

EDIT: I have to laugh when people talk about digital being cheaper than film and then "... having to wait a couple of weeks to get your prints...".

First, you'll be spending close to $1,000.00 for a decent DSLR and a couple of lenses. Then you'll need software such as Photoshop so you can edit your digital files and try to make a good picture from a mediocre one. You may need to upgrade your computer and that adds a cost. Going digital may end up costing $1,500.00 to $2,000.00.

An XE-7 in good condition with the lenses I mentioned should cost you less than $200.00. The books maybe another $20.00. Having a 36 exposure roll of film processed and printed costs me $11.00. By buying film on-line I seldom pay more than $3.00 a roll (including shipping) so that's $14.00 for film and processing. Since I use a good 1 Hour Lab I wait one hour - not two weeks.

So lets just say a DSLR with 3 lenses costs $1,500.00 and an XE-7 with 3 lenses and the 2 books I mentioned costs us $250.00. We now have $1,250.00 to buy film and have it processed and printed. Why that's almost 90 rolls.

It would also be beneficial if people would read the question and any statements such as "... I do not want to go digital." and then address their answer to the actual question.