Hi again,
I joined the list almost 2 months ago with questions regarding my
inabilities to take good pictures with my PZ-1 and FA28-200 combo.
I have remained a silent member since then reading as many posts
as I can given the lack of time.
I realized some of my faults. Thanks to all those who replied,
specially Artur Led�chowski. First, my pics weren't really out of
focus as I earlier thought. They just weren't sharp enough.
I was stretching the "inverse focal length" thumb rule a bit too
much, e.g., shooting at 1/30 or even 1/15 for focal lengths of
28-35mm. I would go to 1/45 for 50mm and so forth. And I am no
pro to be able to hold the camera steady. I now have a simple
tripod too that I plan to use next time I take pictures.
Then, the front lens element was indeed not as clear. I cleaned
it with some lens cleaning fluid/paper and it improved the
results, though the lens is not 100% clean even now. I wonder,
why I see mist or spots on the inside glass surface. I doubt it
is fungus but what do I know? In any case its minimal and
it appeared that it is not causing much harm.
I am far from being satisfied and have been been reading a Kodak
book and looking for some tips on the net too. I would appreciate
if you guys could help me with the following:
1. Not all my pics come out well exposed. Some come out very well
but a few are either over or under-exposed. When is the camera
more likely to get fooled by the lighting conditions? My
reading suggested areas where there is too much light (snow?)
or too little. I tend to take most pictures on touristy trips
of nature, architecture etc. and usually include my family
in quite a few.
The sky tends to get washed out almost always. I guess, I need a
polarizer for that, right? But even otherwise, pictures of
beautiful skies, sunsets come out very dull, drab without any
colors whatsoever :-( I once under-exposed and the effect was
much better. But another time, it wasn't.
How do you guys figure out whether the camera is correct or that
you need to over/under-expose?
2. How do I improve my "framing" capabilities. I end up taking quite
ordinary and boring pictures even though at the time of clicking,
the whole scene is much more romantic and beautiful than the final
result. Does this come with experience, is more of a talent than
skill??
3. I haven't managed to locate any print film other than consumer ones
from Kodak/Fuji/Konica here in Bangalore, India. I usually use
Kodak Gold 100/200 and get the regular 4x6" size prints made. Should
I consider importing Supra or Fujipress or would the difference in
such small prints be mostly imperceptible?
4. How do I figure out whether my negatives are well-exposed? I look
at them and they do seem well exposed but the picture doesn't look
as bright and contrasty. Obviously I am missing something here.
Thanks a lot for reading such a longish mail... Regards,
Gaurav
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