Analog Photography II – Terminology 

My analog adventure started before christ. In my time, digital cameras were not discovered yet.  For about 20 years, I only took shots with analog cameras. Then I converted to digital but never left my analog cameras, they are still with me whenever I go because, in some cases, you need analog. 

 

I’ve taken a lot of pictures over the years, professional or for experimenting. I have had very good results and bad results over the course of the year. Analog photography requires patience, you need to try a lot and sometimes you will fail. You will burn the films, waste a lot but the good results will make it worth it. 

 

Analog cameras are high maintenance, be careful and be patient as you tend your camera. For younger generations, the analog world may seem different and difficult.

 

When you get a camera, read the manual thoroughly. You may be a millennial, if so, there are thousands of training videos on youtube. Watch them. 

 

I recommend you to learn about the types of films. You need to find the film that will get the best results and the one that will suit your camera best. Don’t start with black and white film, that will need experience. 

The terminology 

 

The FILM 

 

There are two types of films— 35mm and 120mm. 35 mm is the most commonly used one. Today 120mm films are hard to find. There are many types of films. I recommend you to start taking photos with color films. Color films may differ in color, sharpness, temperature and contrast. I mostly use Kodak Color. It is  a risk-free, beautifully colored film.

 

Once you choose the film you need to calibrate your camera for the film. To do that you need to know what ASA (ISO), aperture and shutter speed are for. 

 

ISO / ASA

 

The level of light sensitivity in cameras and films is called ISO. Lower the ISO number means your camera sensitivity to light is low. High ISO number means your camera is sensitive to light a lot. The “image sensor” is essential to control the light sensitivity of the camera. The image sensor is very important for the camera. When shooting in low light you need higher ISO. to give an example, if you are shooting inside increase the IO to 200 or higher. Higher ISO will  “noise” (or grain) in photographs. The grain may ruin the photography if not controlled. 

ISO sequences are 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12500, 25000. In analog photography the ISO of the film will determine where you’ll shoot. If you have a film that has 1000 ISO, you have to shoot outside. 

 

Aperture

 

The aperture has control on the intensity of the light and the depth of field in your camera. Take your analog camera in your hand and find the F control on it.  The numbers on the F control are rated as 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32, 64…, as F numbers increase, the diaphragm closes and the lens gets less light. Lower the f number and diaphragm will open to  get more light and your photo will be bright.

 

Shutter

 

There is a part that opens and closes like a curtain on your camera. That is called the shutter. The speed of the shutter is key because it affects the light that falls on the sensor. Shutter speed determines the exposure time. You need to adjust the speed correctly to get clear photos. If you are going to take a picture of a moving subject or person, you should keep your shutter speed quite low and use a tripod. 

 

Don’t be afraid to shoot, your photos will get better as you take them.

 

Good luck! 

 

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