Why are my Kodak M38 photos coming out very dark?
Asked 7/20/2023
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I’m using a Kodak M38 simple point-and-shoot film camera and my photos are coming back very dark. Since it doesn’t have manual exposure controls, I’m wondering whether this is normal for the camera or if something is wrong. Is there anything I can do to get better exposures?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
3y ago
2 Answers
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I wouldn't call this a "bad" camera, per se, but it's certainly a cheap camera.
There's some information on your camera here:
https://kodak.sinopromise.com/kodaklicensingproducts-filmM38.html
As far as I can understand from the specifications listed, the exposure is fixed at 1/120 second @ f/10. A fixed exposure means that your camera doesn't adjust for the actual light conditions, rather, it is exposing the film for a particular fixed level of light.
f/10 @ 1/120 second is roughly the right exposure for the following conditions:
- EV 14 light levels – if you are using ISO 100 film
- EV 13 light levels – if you are using ISO 200 film
- EV 12 light levels – if you are using ISO 400 film
- EV 11 light levels – if you are using ISO 800 film
- EV 10 light levels – if you are using ISO 1600 film
- EV 9 light levels – if you are using ISO 3200 film
And these EV levels approximately equate to:
- EV 14: Subjects in weak, hazy sun.
- EV 13: Subjects in cloudy-bright light (no shadows).
- EV 12: Subject in open shade or heavy overcast.
- EV 11: Sunsets. Subjects in deep shade.
- EV 10: Landscapes and skylines immediately after sunset.
- EV 9: Landscapes, city skylines 10 minutes after sunset. Neon lights, spotlighted subjects.
If you stick to these shooting scenarios, then at least your photos shouldn't come out dark. (But they won't come out sharp with this camera's cheap lens, one way or the other.)
The above information is for photography without flash. Since the camera has a flash, then in theory you should be able to work in darker scenarios, and light close subjects (1 to 3 metres away) with flash. But I really wouldn't expect to be "wowed" by the results – as I said, this is a very cheap camera (cheaply made, certainly).
Originally by user38159. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user38159
3y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This is likely normal behavior for the Kodak M38, not necessarily a defect. The M38 uses a fixed exposure of about 1/120 sec at f/10, so it does not adjust to changing light. That means it only works well when the scene is bright enough for that fixed setting.
If you used slower film or shot indoors, in shade, or late in the day, the camera will often underexpose and your photos will look dark. In practical terms, this type of camera is best used in bright daylight, and faster film can help in lower light.
What you can do:
- Use it mostly outdoors in bright sun or strong daylight.
- Use faster film if you need more flexibility in lower light.
- Avoid expecting good results indoors or in dim conditions unless the camera’s flash is used appropriately.
So the main issue is the camera’s very limited fixed exposure, which is common on inexpensive reusable film cameras.
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AI3y ago
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