How to Use a 35mm Camera

The 35mm camera is better than its adversary, the digital camera, when it comes to taking a series of photos at a rapid pace. The 35mm camera is also the preferred camera for fine art photography. The 35mm camera gives the operator control over everything from lens openings, focus, shutter speed to medium making it ideal for learning the basics of photography.

1.)  Check the battery. To check the battery on a 35mm camera you must activate the exposure meter. To accomplish this first power on the camera and then (depending on the model) you will either have to advance the film wind lover or press the shutter button half way down. You will either see a lights come on or a needle that reacts when the camera is pointed towards the light or the lens opening is changed.

2.)  Buy film. The type of film you need to buy will depend on what kind of results you are trying to achieve. Film comes in both black and white and color with speeds from 100 to 800 ASA. The faster film is better for faster shutter speeds when shooting motion shots however, faster film produces a grainier image.

3.)  Load the film. The film goes into the back of the camera by first opening the camera by pulling the film winding lever all the way up and then placing the film cartridge into the left side of the camera body. The film should unwind towards the right. Push the winding lever back down as to lock the case of the film into place.

4.)  Wind the film. Pull the strip to the winding spool and then insert the end of the film into the slot on the spool and wind clockwise two turns with the film advance lever. Check to make sure the film is actually advancing before closing the back of the camera.

5.)  Prep film. Using 1/500 speed, advance the film one frame and cover the lens with your hand before pressing the shutter button. This will ensure an unexposed piece of film is ready for the first exposure

6.)  Get used to the camera. Explore all of the functions of the camera making sue to find the shutter speed dial which may require you to pull up to unlock. Also look for the self-timer shutter lever, which puts a delay on the release of the shutter.