BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Traditional Film Photography

Merriam Massey		high-speed film As an amateur, I have recently shot two events in low-lit ballrooms. The first time, I used C-41 Black and White ISO 400 with the built-in flash on my Rebel 2000. The second time, on a tip from a photography teacher, I used color ISO 800 and 1600. I hoped that increasing the speed of film would allow me to shut off my flash and not have to use a tripod. (But when I checked my meter, the shutter speed was still slow, so I used the flash anyway.) I took a few shots without the flash, because I was under the impression that without it, the "ambient" light would make a better shot. Also, I was pre-warned that higher speeds are grainy, I thought the graininess would only show up when enlarged. However, the 4x6 prints from the ISO 1600 film were extremely grainy. But the shots I took without a flash turned out orange from the ambient light. The shots I took with ISO 800 and a flash were ok, but not professional-looking, and I'm guessing that when enlarged, they will be grainy too. So far, everything I thought I learned about taking good shots in a low-lit room are wrong - higher speeds made grainy pictures and no flash pictures turned out orange. Can you help me? To love this question, log in above 0 February 04, 2004

John Papandreou		This may help, your teacher has told you half the story, high speed film will help to a point, then grain will set in.... My first question is what is the widest setting on your lens ...F4.5-5.6 if it is a standard zoom. Question 2 How close can you get to the action? What film did you use ? brand ect Ok Enough questions How would a pro do it? I have done this sort of thing at Weddings and events. 1. I would pack the following 35mm kit. Cameras Pentax MZ3 Pentax LX + Motor drive Pentax Super A + Motordrive Lenses Pentax 50mm F1:1.4 Pentax 85mm F2.0 Pentax 100mm F2.8 Sigma 28-70 2.8-3.5 zoom Film 3x Ilford delta 400 4x Fuji 800 press 2x Kodak 1000 Gold 1x Agfa 160 filters 55mm 80A 55mm 80C 49mm 80A 49mm 80C Flash Metz 45CL4 plus acc cords AF Module ect. Quatum light meter Color temp meter -Gossen six color I would pack all this into a large lowpro bag. Rule one Get there early then you can take some light readings. You may if it is a stage sho be able to get a vantage point that may help. Rule two Ask the people in charge to help:- If the dance lights are not on ask them to put them on for you. If the event is on a stage then there will be stage lights that will be on for the event. Rule Three if you look and act Profesional you are a Pro who is going to tell you you are not your the one with the camera. Now film Lenses cameras Ect. What I have listed is what I would pack for a professional Assignment at a Formal Dance Dinner Dance or Stage Event. Cameras I would use the MZ3 mostly colour and the Pentax LX for Black and white, the Super A is Just in case one dies. Lenses I have found the Sigma zoom to be a good all-Rounder works well with the MZ3, I have packed my three fastest prime lenses in case the light is bad or I won't get close enough with the sigma. Film I would Just use Fuji 800 with a Metz to get more Background light in I would just set the shutter to 30th of a second. I would Push the Delta to 800 and develop my self in LC29 developer. The agfa is if I am asked to do a big group shot which they will wan't bigger than 6x8 the kodak is to shoot with out flash if the light is real bad!!! The Metz I use has two big tricks first it can put out alot light next trick is it will bounce off the roof or a wall and has a fill in flash. Filters the 80A and 80c are to fix the Orange problem with indoor lighting but you will lose a stop or so that is why I packed the fast lenses. The light meters will tell you what the light is like so you can load the film for the job and select the filter you will need. Delta 400 and Fuji 800 are very forgiving films Delta 400 has the best grain for a 400 film when pushed you get a bit more grain but it is better than no photo I have enlarged a neg taken in a dim church to 11 x 14 and had a sharp image with grain but it looked nice, the Wedding photo is on their Living room wall. This is the best advice I can give I hope it Helps I learn't alot the hardway just like you have. Regards John Papandreou Studio 23 To love this comment, log in above 0 February 04, 2004

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