If you don't have one, an instruction manual for the FM is available here:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfmseries/fm/index.htmThe f-stop settings control the size of the diaphram, regulating the amount of light the lens lets in. Smaller f-numbers = larger aperture/more light. The aperture also controls depth of field: how much of the scene is in apparent focus. All other things being equal, smaller f-numbers/larger apertures result in shallow depth of field (only a small in front of, and behind the point of focus will appear in focus) while large f-numbers/small apertures give great depth of field. Obviously, longer shutter speeds allow more light to expose the film than shorter shutter speeds. Shorter shutter speeds can freeze action, with longer shutter speeds a moving subject will have motion blur. If you follow a moving subject with the camera ("panning") you can render the moving subject relatively sharp while the background is blurred. The light level and your film's speed (ISO rating) determine the amount of exposure the film needs. For each exposure level there is a range of shutter speed and aperture combinations that all give the same exposure to the film, but you must choose/compromise with respect to freezing action v. depth of field. For example, the following combinations all give the same exposure to the film:
1/2 sec f/22
1/4 f/16
1/8 f/11
1/16 f/8
1/30 f/5.6
1/60 f/4
1/125 f/2.8
1/250 f/2
1/500 f/1.4 In this example, if you wanted to freeze sports action you'd want at least 1/250 shutter speed. If your lens's maximum aperture is only f/4 or if you want more depth of field than what you get at f/2 or f/1.4, then you need to switch to a faster film. If the above combinations were with ISO 100 speed film, then switching to ISO 400 you could shoot at 1/250 f/4 instead of 1/250 f/2. There are many good beginning photographer books that will help you. A couple of online sources are Agfa's Photo Courses at
http://www.agfanet.com/en/cafe/photocourse/cont_index.php3 and Kodak's "Taking Great Pictures" at
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38&pq-locale=en_US
March 29, 2004
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