How to use your Camera to shot good Pictures/Photo (Multiple exposures; Cable release socket; Delayed action; Flash synchronization)

Multiple exposures

Most modern cameras make it impossible to make a double exposure unintentionally. But sometimes double or multiple exposures provide unusual and interesting results.

A few cameras have a switch or lever to allow the shutter to be retensioned without advancing the film to the next frame. This makes accurate register of the subject components possible and gives the most successful multiple exposures.

Some cameras with this facility also manage not to advance the frame counter. If your camera’s frame counter advances every time the shutter is cocked, make sure to make a mental or written note that one or more of the frames is double or multiple exposed so that you don’t take the film from the camera before you have used ever frame. This means that the fram counter may indicate frame 38 on a 3 exposure film for example.

Pressing in the rewind release button: while advancing the film wind-on leve may be possible with some 35mn cameras without a multiple exposure device. This cocks the shutter but as the film take-up spool sprockets are thus disengaged the film does not move to the next frame. There is a risk that the film may move slightly which could alter the composition, or may even cause overlap with the next frame. Try the technique first with a test film. You will enjoy greater success if you operate the film advance lever slowly and gently.

Cable release socket

The shutter release of many cameras is internally threaded to accept most makes of cable release and long air release. On a few cameras the cable release socket may be found elsewhere, such as on the side of the lens housing. The cable release can be used for timed exposures with the shutter speed dial set to ‘13′ (the long time setting which holds the shutter open all the while the shutter release is depressed). Some releases can be locked to hold the shutter open for long periods—several minutes or hours.

Many photographers use a cable release whenever the camera is mounted on a tripod. This reduces the risk of camera shake when using slow speeds.

It is also helpful to use a cable release for a complicated set-up. This means you don’t have to find room to work your hand between camera and nearby lights to fire the shutter, and eliminates the danger of disturbing camera, lights or subject. You may also get better portraits if you remove your eye from the viewfinder after focusing and composing and fire the shutter with a cable release. This tends to put the subject more at ease.

Delayed action

Delaying the tripping of the shutter for several seconds after pressing the shutter release has several advantages. The photographer can mount the camera on a tripod and take a self- portrait, or perhaps include himself in a group photograph. He might also set up a photograph (perhaps a candid shot) and walk away while the exposure is made. As well as helping with shy subjects this can be used to prevent the photographer’s shadow from appearing in the picture.

Some cameras have a variable delay, usually between two and 10 seconds. Many cameras use a clockwork timer to regulate the countdown time, while others have a totally silent electronically controlled rundown, often monitored by a flashing red light on the front or top of the camera body.

On some cameras it is possible to cancel setting of the delay either before or during the countdown period, but on others, once the delay mechanism is set you are obliged to use it. Make sure you know what type of delay timer is fitted to your camera.

For cameras with no built-in timers a mechanical delayed action device can be purchased separately. It attaches to a cable release, or can be screwed into a cable release socket, and you can set the delay you want.

Flash synchronization

Most 35mm cameras have flash contacts built in to their accessory shoes on the top plate. They are called hot shoe contacts, and do away with the need for a separate cable to connect the flash gun with the camera shutter.

The metal pins should be kept clean to provide good contact for the flash gun —hot shoe covers are inexpensive items. Focal plane shutters must be set at the correct synchronization speed, usually around 1/60.

Most SLR cameras have a separate coaxial socket to accept a sync cable from an electronic flash gun. This allows more versatile flash lighting because the flash can be removed from the accessory shoe by using an extension sync cable. The coaxial socket is usually marked ‘X’.

Sometimes it is possible to use two flashes—one mounted on the accessory shoe and one connected by sync cable—to fire simultaneously. Check this with the camera handbook first. `FP’ sockets are seen less frequently these days, but refer to older type flash guns and flash bulbs. X and FP sockets delay opening of the shutter until the flash has reached the peak of its light output.

Knowing how to use all the features provided on your camera helps you get the most from your equipment. If you are not sure what a particular dial or lever is intended for, this probably means that you have not read (or were not provided with) the handbook.

If you are not sure of something, spend some time going through the operation of the control with the handbook.

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