Film Speed.

[contributor_M]

Only roll of film I currently have is the Kodak TMAX 400.

Regarding the film speed, could I shoot at ISO 100 or would I have to (is it advised) I just shoot at 400?

[zachary]

Originally Posted by contributor_M

Only roll of film I currently have is the Kodak TMAX 400.

Regarding the film speed, could I shoot at ISO 100 or would I have to (is it advised) I just shoot at 400?

We (I) use ASA here. Generally, you shoot at "box speed". If your film is rated at ASA 400, you keep your camera set at 400. What that does is tells the meter how fast your film is going to expose, and it adjusts accordingly.

There are exceptions to the rule. I use ASA 100 b&w film, but I use a developer that tends to "push" a bit, so I set my camera to ASA 200, so my meter can adjust accordingly.

Except in my Sears SLR...it has no meter. :)

[venchka]

Tmax 400 works very well at 400. Kodak says it works at 400 or 800 with the same development time. With correctly adjusted development, it will work at slower speeds as well.
Start slow. 400 is fine for now. You can go exploring later.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by zachary

We (I) use ASA here. Generally, you shoot at "box speed". If your film is rated at ASA 400, you keep your camera set at 400. What that does is tells the meter how fast your film is going to expose, and it adjusts accordingly.

There are exceptions to the rule. I use ASA 100 b&w film, but I use a developer that tends to "push" a bit, so I set my camera to ASA 200, so my meter can adjust accordingly.

Except in my Sears SLR...it has no meter. :)

T.M.I. Don't confuse Adrian.

[ronocnikral]

adrian, depending on how much you want to get into this, I would suggest checking out ansel adam's books (the negative and the print) from the houston (or your local) library. these books have helped me tremendously, not only my film/printing, but also my digital photography.

take it slow, learn a little at a time.

[Valerie]

Best thing, IMO, is to start off shooting at box speed. As you get more proficient, you may find that a little tweaking helps fine tune things. I find that my Rollei does best when I rate film at half the box speed (meaning I am slightly overexposing the film).

Start simple.... go with the box speed.

[surlynkid]

you can push or pull in developing the film. you can set your camera at whatever ISO you want. you just have to make sure the lab knows to push or pull when the develop rather than develop at the stated ISO. typically, i would not recommend going more than 2 stops either direction. it can negatively affect the finished product, so beware. i would recommend just sticking with box speed as has been suggested unless you are doing your own B&W developing.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by Valerie

Best thing, IMO, is to start off shooting at box speed. As you get more proficient, you may find that a little tweaking helps fine tune things. I find that my Rollei does best when I rate film at half the box speed (meaning I am slightly overexposing the film).

Start simple.... go with the box speed.

Quoting Kevin: "Bingo!"

[contributor_M]

Right then. I'll stay the corse with the box speed.

I'll admit, looking on flickr streams, and seeing people taking very nice pictures with film cameras makes me want to get another. But before I do, gotta make due and learn with what I got. :)

[Anthony Martinez]

I don't know if you've found this already or not, but here's the manual for the camera: http://consumer.usa.canon.com/app/pd...LT2_manual.pdf

I know there are a few of us out here on the west side of town who develop our own B&W films. Let us know when you've finished shooting that roll and I'm sure one of us can help you develop it.

Like the others, I'd say stick to box speed. If memory serves the first roll I ran through that camera was an ASA 400 film as well. It may have been Tri-X and not TMAX, but either way it came out quite nicely.