BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Traditional Film Photography

Kathy L. Pollick		What do all these mean? As I know very little about photography, I dug my books & camera out last night & did some reading. Here is what my camera information says. Can any of you tell me what all these numbers mean? My lens (that came w/the camera) is: AF50mm 1:17 (22) 049mm with a photoco haze 49mm uv filter I also have a 1.4X m/af teleconverter The camera itself, is a Maxxum 5000 AF w/a 2800 AF flash. The zoom lens I have is a Kalimar skylight (1A) 72mm autofocus zoom 1:3.5 ~ 5.6 f=28~200mm 072 This is all totally greek to me. I want to learn what all these mean & how to use the manual setting and WHEN to use the manual settings vs the auto. Thanks for all the help. To love this question, log in above July 20, 2005

Jon Close		RE the numbers: AF = autofocus. 50mm = lens focal length. 50mm is referred to as "normal" for 35mm film as it gives a perspective/magnification close to that of the naked eye. f=28~200mm = the Kalimar is a zoom lens that has variable focal length, ranging from 28mm - giving wider angle view - to 200mm which gives a narrower view bringing distant subjects "closer"; 1:1.7 = f/1.7 is the lens's maximum aperture, letting in the most light; (22) = f/22 is it's minimum aperture (least light). 1:3.5~5.6 = the zoom lens has a variable maximum aperture. It is f/3.5 at the 28mm setting, f/5.6 at the 200mm setting. 49mm and Ø72mm are the diameters of the filter ring and lens filter threads; Haze/UV blocks ultraviolet light that might give excessive blue cast to film - often left on the lens for protection. Similar for the skylight (1A) filter on the zoom, though skylight has a pinkish tint to counter the bluish cast of open shade. 1.4x teleconverter attached between the lens and camera effectively increases the focal length by the 1.4x factor (50mm becomes 70mm). Because the focal length increases, but the aperture diameter remains unchanged, the aperture f-number is also converted by the same factor (f/2 becomes f/2.8). If you don't have them, the user manuals for the Maxxum 5000 and 2800AF flash can be downloaded from http://kmpi.konicaminolta.us/eprise/main/kmpi/content/cam/cam_SupportCenter/Support_Manual. To love this comment, log in above July 20, 2005

Kathy L. Pollick		Thanks. It's still kinda greek, but it helps a little more. Now, in order to take a variety of pictures, what other accessories for the camera would be helpful to have? Due to cost, I can't purchase Everything I would need, but if I could select a few different items to make my pictures look better, what items would that be? I did purchase a cheap tripod for convenience, but what would be useful for on the camera? I believe the dealer told me the uv rings were basically there to protect the lenses. BUT, if I take those off, will I get a more blue sky? I want more vibrant colors to appear in my pictures & not sure how to get them. Thanks To love this comment, log in above July 20, 2005

Jon Close		A circular polarizing filter would give you the bluer skies and more saturated colors. Lens hoods are also helpful in preventing contrast loss due to stray light on the front of the lens. To love this comment, log in above July 20, 2005

Kerry L. Walker		There are two other things that you can use to spice up your colors, and they won't cost you a dime - early morning light and late evening light. Bright sun washes out colors, maybe not to your eye but they do to the film. To love this comment, log in above July 20, 2005

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