In a message dated 11/20/2002 10:49:53 AM Eastern Standard Time, Pentxuser writes:
> Marnie the 50/2 is a fine lens, certainly better than the Albinar. You should > see improved results. However, if your pictures are not as sharp as others in > the class, I suspect it has more to do with technique than your lens and > certainly, your camera. You can get just as sharp an image with the K1000 as > you can with a top-of-the-line Nikon, Canon or Pentax. > Other points to consider, > 1) Are you using a tripod for most, if not every shot. > 2) Are you maximizing the lens by shooting at or around F8 as opposed to > using the lens wide open F2, F4 .... > 3) Are you using a fine grain film ASA 50, 100, 200. If you are using ASA400 > or more, chances are this will help to soften the image. > > There are other reasons but these are probably the top three in order of > importance. The use of a tripod is number one far ahead of > importance than > the second two... > > Vic Well, yes, those are all factors and I plan to try those next. I was comparing myself in class to some one using a Canon. And I am pretty sure most of what she did was handheld too. So what I was/am aiming for was raising my "baseline" (so to speak) to the best quality I could get (for now) before proceeding to the next steps. I was/am still using 200 print film. I've had two 8x10 blowups done for instance, and, frankly, they look pretty good. As I said in my previous ramblings, I wasn't totally sure how much was in my mind because I am critical of my own shots. But to get pictures as clear as John Shaw for instance (well, I doubt I will ever become as good a photographer as him), I realize I probably have to use a slower speed film and a tripod. So I plan to start using my cheapo tripod more (watching the wind :-)). And I am thinking about moving to slide film next year, maybe a lot of Fuji Velvia, for instance. Will have to see, no doubt it is more expensive and that is a factor that I am thinking about. But I think I've already "hit the wall" on the quality that print film can give me. And I have questions on that, but I want to put some pictures together first and think of how to word my questions. So you'll be hearing more about that down the road. I am glad to hear that I should see improvement for my baseline, though. Very glad. Later, Doe aka Marnie :-)
