How do I set up a Nikon F for ISO 400 film?
Asked 12/15/2019
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I’m new to using a Nikon F and I’m not sure what settings to use when loading 400-speed film. How does ISO 400 affect exposure, and which camera settings should I adjust?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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Make sure that you understand what settings are influencing image exposure.
Image exposure can be influenced by three settings, but two principles: Either the amount of light that is used to expose the film is varied (aperture and shutter speed) or the sensitivity of film can be changed in order to be able to shoot in very bright or rather dark surroundings. These are the three settings:
1) aperture (how much light is going through the lens). The amount of light that enters the system is doubled, by a step from e.g. f/8 to f/ 5.6, so smaller numbers mean more light. There is a doubeling of light for all the numbers from f/8, f/5.6, f/4, f2.8/, f/2 to f/1.4.
2) Shutter speed - how long is the film exposed to the light source. The shutter speed is often simply denoted with one number, e.g. "100" which means "1/100 second" or 0.01s. So changing the shutter speed form e.g. 200 to 100 will increase the amount of light by a factor of two.
3) Film speed, often denoted with a ISO or ASA number. Changing from an ISO 200 to an ISO 400 film, increases the light sensitivity by a factor of 2. The amount of light does not change.
Typically an exposure meter is used to determine which shutter speed and aperture combination leads to a correct exposure. The exposure meter needs to know, which sensitivity the film is using.
If your camera has a built in exposure meter, set the ISO/ASA Setting to 400. Otherwise you can use an external exposure meter.
Originally by user47612. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user47612
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
ISO 400 film means the film sensitivity is fixed at 400 for the whole roll. On a Nikon F, that does not mean there is one single shutter speed or aperture to use for every shot. Exposure is controlled by three things:
- aperture: how much light passes through the lens
- shutter speed: how long the film is exposed
- film speed: the sensitivity of the film
With film, the ISO is set by the film you loaded, so your job is to choose aperture and shutter speed to match the light.
Aperture works in stops such as f/8, f/5.6, f/4, f/2.8, f/2, f/1.4. Smaller f-numbers let in more light. Slower shutter speeds let in more light; faster ones let in less.
So for ISO 400 film, use faster shutter speeds or smaller apertures in bright light, and slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in dim light. There isn’t a universal setting for all situations.
If your Nikon F has a meter attachment, set it to ISO/ASA 400 and use its reading. If not, use a handheld meter or a phone light meter app to help choose aperture and shutter speed.
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