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Category: Problems with Images

Photography Question 

Lisa A. McMahon 		 

Help with Image problems


 
  Image problem #1
Image problem #1

Lisa A. McMahon

  
  Image problem #2
Image problem #2

Lisa A. McMahon

  
 
This was the first time I used my brand new Pentax ZX-60 SLR. I have never used an SLR before so I need all the adivce or help I can get. This is an example of how most of my pictures turned out. I had a few great ones ot of the 24 exp. that were clear and crisp. But most looked like these and I don't know what I did wrong. I used a 200 speed Fuji film with auto flash. I was indoors with lights on. Can anyone tell me what the problem may be? Thanks!!!!


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December 30, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Looks like your shutter speed was too slow.
You can see how the flash froze the action, and subsequent movement of the camera and the subjects also recorded.
Check the specs on your camera for the "flash sync-speed", and shoot at that shutter speed only,... when you are using flash as your primary source of illumination.


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December 31, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  It also looks like the first one was double-exposed, somehow.


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December 31, 2004

 

Kerry L. Walker 		  I agree with Bob. Remember, if the subject is out of focus and other things in the picture are in focus, you have a focus problem. If EVERYTHING is out of focus, it is usually caused by camera shake (shutter speed too slow for hand held). Shoot at the camera's highest sync speed or use a tripod. There will be times when you want to use a lower sync speed but not right now. As you learn, you will work into that.


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December 31, 2004

 

Lisa A. McMahon 		  Thanks for all your advice and taking the time to help!!


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December 31, 2004

 

Maynard McKillen 		  Dear Kerry:
Do you recall which exposure mode you used, i.e., Program, Manual, Shutter Priority or Aperture Priority?
If you used Aperture priority, and set a rather small aperture, the flash would illuminate your subjects correctly, if they are close enough, but the camera may choose a rather slow shutter speed, slow enough that you and/or your subject may move while the shutter is open.
If you used the camera in Program, did you set the aperture ring on the lens to the smallest aperture, which is where it should be set for Program operation. If you didn't, the camera may operate as though it is in Aperture Priority, and give you the results seen in your first sample image.


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January 20, 2005

 

Dorothy E. Reed 		  Lisa,
For indoor flash situations, I think you will find the camera will perform much better with ISO 400 speed film.


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January 22, 2005

 
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