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Focusing the Camera
Inspecting and Maintaining the Camera

Journalist 3 & 2 - Introduction to Journalism and other reporting practices
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Figure 11-8.—Split image focusing in a SLR camera. This estimated distance is then set to the focus index mark on the lens or other focus index on the camera. The most accurate way to use focusing scales, of course, is to measure the camera-to-subject distance with a tape measure. SLR Focusing The SLR camera has a focusing and viewing system that shows you the image formed by the taking lens. It is designed so the distance between the focusing screen and lens is exactly the same as that between the lens and the  film.  Therefore,  whatever  appears  in  focus  on  the focusing screen also will be recorded in focus on the film. Sometimes  two  small  prisms  or  a  split  screen  is included in the central area of a SLR camera viewing screen. When the image is out of focus, it appears split in this area. Some screens have a central grid of minute prisms that produce a shimmering effect when the image is out of focus (fig. 11-8). You focus a SLR camera by rotating the focusing ring  on  the  lens  until  the  image  seen  on  the  viewing screen is in sharp focus. SETTING THE FILM SPEED No  matter  how  experienced  you  are,  you  should make sure the film speed indicator matches the ISO of the film you are using. The indicator is part of the shutter speed dial of most 35mm SLRs. ACTIVATING THE LIGHT METER The light meter on-off switch is located on the back of  the  Canon  F-1  (refer  to  the  instruction  manual  for other  camera  models).  Alight-sensitive  photocell  moves a meter needle inside the viewfinder. When the meter needle is in line with the aperture needle, the camera is set for a proper exposure. The light meter can be left on throughout your shooting assignment. An example of a light meter is shown in figure 11-9. Figure 11-9.—Light meter. SETTING THE SHUTTER SPEED The   film   manufacturer’s   instructions   provide time-tested shutter speeds for varying light renditions, such   as   sunny,   overcast   and   cloudy.   However,   on occasion, you may prefer to freeze action or blur motion. In these situations you must manipulate both the shutter speed and the aperture control ring. For instance, you may set your camera at 1/60" to illustrate the speed of a runner — his legs and arms are a blur of motion on the finished  photograph. Consequently, if you want to freeze the action, you set your camera at 1/250" or higher. Then the runner’s legs,  arms  and  victory  expression  are  “frozen.”  For hand-held shots, choose a shutter speed no slower than the  speed  closest  to  the  final  length  of  the  lens.  For example, you would select 1/60" for a 50mm lens and 1/250" for a 250mm lens. SETTING THE APERTURE CONTROL Adjust  the  f/stop  on  the  aperture  control  ring  to match  the  light  meter  requirement.  The  aperture  control can be used to increase or decrease the depth of field, which will be explained in detail later in this chapter. SHOOTING THE PICTURE Much like pulling the trigger on a rifle, you should depress  the  shutter  release  button  lightly  until  the camera clicks. Advance the film to the next frame and you are set for the next exposure. UNLOADING THE FILM One of the most common mistakes photographers make is failing to wind the 35mm film back into the cartridge before opening the back of the camera. 11-8







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