Basic Photography for Secondary Students
The Beauty of Black and White Photography
Holding the camera and taking pictures
This page describes the use of the K1000 cameras.
The first step to good pictures is holding the camera. Holding the camera correctly is very important to prevent the camera moving while taking the shot. If the camera moves the picture may blur.
Generaly speaking you should hold the camera with your left hand. The weight of the camera should be in your left palm so that you can rotate the focus and aperture rings. Your right hand should be relaxed so that when you press the shutter you don't move the camera and cause blurring.
Control panel. Most of the main controls are located on the top panel of the camera. These include: The film advance leaver which winds the film.
The shutter speed dial which control the length of time the shutter is open.
ISO (ASA) ring which adjusts the light meter to match the film speed you are using to change the ISO speed lift the ring on the shutter speed dial and turn. Make sure it is engaged or you may change the ISO instead of the shutter speed by accident.
Shutter release which you press to take your picture.
Loading the film see here for details on loading the K1000 camera.
Advancing the film. You use your right thumb to advance the film and cock the shutter. DO NOT FORCE THE WINDER. If the winder does not move smoothy and easily the film is either not loaded properly or you are at the end of the film. With the self loaded film (in black plastic canister) the film may come off completely and you will loose the pictures if the film does not rewind. If in doubt take the camera back to your teacher who can open the camera in a dark bag so you don't loose your shots. You can see whether the camera is ready to fire by looking in the window close to the shutter release. Do not try to wind the film if the red dot is visible in the window.
Apperture and focus.
The inner ring on the lens sets the apperture and control sthe amount of light that goes through the lens, it also controls depth of field.
The outer ring contols the focus - don't forget to focus your camera!
Setting exposure.
At this stage you will will be given fastish film (400ISO/ASA). (Film is generally is available from 50 to 3200 ISO/ASA and has a much wider exposure range than digital) Nonetheless, you must still expose it correctly.
When you look through the viewfinder on the right hand side of the frame you will see a needle. This must be centred between the opening. The needle will move as you turn the aperture ring. When the needle is in the centre you should get a correct eposure. If the needle doesn't move to centre when you move the aperture ring try changing the shutter speed as well. If that doesn't work set the camera on 60th of a second at f4 point the camera at the ground then towards the sky away from the sun (NEVER point any camera at the sun). If the needle doesn't move bring the camera back to the teacher as the battery is probably flat.
Ensure the film speed is correct
Set the shutter speed on the top panel to 60th of a second.
Adjust the your apperture to match the needle for correct exposure.
It is a good idea to get close to people and set the needle then move back. Once you have the needle in the centre and you have focused the camera, you can compose your picture and take the photograph.
Rewinding the film. Push the button on the base of the camera - you may need to hold it in. Flip the crank handle on top of the knob on the left top side of the camera and wind in the direction of the arrow. When the winder becomes easy to turn (You may hear the film come off the sprocket.) put the crank back in place and lift the black knob up. The back should open and you can remove your film.
v1.0 Copyright AMR 2008 Last updated - March 2008.