Choosing the Right Film. Main Consideration Your primary considerations when buying film are where...

Choosing the Right FilmChoosing the Right Film

Main ConsiderationMain Consideration

• Your primary considerations when buying film are where you'll be shooting and what you want to do with the pictures.

• This information allows you to choose the correct film speed, listed as ASA or ISO on the package.

What is an ISO or ASA?What is an ISO or ASA?

• ISO - International Standards Organization.

• ASA - original system of rating photographic materials, which was devised by the American standards Association. The ISO rating system is now used in place of the ASA.

• The rating is basically how sensitive the film is to light

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Decide whether you want photographs or slides, color or black-and-white.

• Many professional photographers prefer slides because they have rich color saturation and minimal graininess.

• Black-and-white delivers striking images with stark textures.

Color SlideColor Slide

Black and WhiteBlack and White

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Choose a film size that is appropriate for your camera.

• Most cameras use 35 mm (or 135) film• Cartridge-film cameras need 24 mm

Advanced Photo System (APS) film.

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Understand how film speed works. Fast speeds pick up rapid action and work well in low-light situations.

• Slower speeds produce richer colors and greater contrast, but you'll need bright light and a steady hand.

• Film speed is indicated by an ISO number (how sensitive a film is to light compared to a standard from the International Standards Organization). The faster the film, the more sensitive

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Choose a slow speed (25 to 64 ISO) if you want minimal graininess and colors that punch, but only if you'll be photographing in the bright sunlight.

• Slow speeds are excellent for close-ups, still shots and photos you plan to enlarge. You may need a tripod to steady the camera with slow film.

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Select a medium speed (100 to 200 ISO) if you want an all-purpose film that delivers clear colors and images outdoors, or indoors with a flash.

• Opt for 400 speed if you'll be photographing action shots or if you'll be in low-light conditions, such as cloudy days or indoors without a flash. Zoom lenses require the use of higher-speed films (400 ISO and up).

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Get 800-speed film if you're photographing very fast action or shots with dim light.

• This is ideal for a fireworks show, twilight or a candlelit dinner. Speeds above 800 (1,000 to 3,200 ISO) are considered professional speeds.

Steps in Choosing the right filmSteps in Choosing the right film

• Look for store-brand films to save money unless you plan on making significant enlargements or publishing your work.

• Store film in a cool, dry place with good

ventilation, such as a refrigerator, and get it developed as soon as the roll is finished. Never expose film to heat or direct sunlight.

ISO ChartISO Chart• Slow (25-64 ISO)

• Medium (100-200 ISO)

• Fast (400-1000 ISO)

• Ultrafast (1600-3200 ISO)