I need to take a closeup picture of a coin that I have. It has been so long since I have used my manual camera, Pentax K 1000, that I cannot remember what would be the best settings for it. I want to take the picture outside. I have a regular lens, and a telephoto lens. Can anyone help me as far as setting the f-stop, aperture or depth of field, etc. I am using the Kodak Professional 400 black and white film. A real big thanks to anyone who can help me.
I know! I sound kind of outdated. I have a digital camera, but it does not have a macro setting on it. Many professionals still swear by the old cameras. Just trying to get a little help.
I have a Kennedy Half, 1964, that has a flaw on it. The flaw is shaped just like a bullet. Someone who writes articles for coin magazines wants to see it, for the picture I sent did not do it justice. That's why I am trying with all my might to get the picture made.
I know! I was just having a little fun. It's been at least 20 years since I used film in my old Konica. I haven't had it for ages, so I really don't know what to tell you. Chris
With all the digital cameras out there today, I think you would be better off finding a friend to take a picture for you. I remember trying to take close up pictures with my old film camera. If I was lucky, 1 in 10 looked descent. Even then, you had to get then transposed into digital to send them.
Without a macro lens and a tripod or a copy stand you may not get suitable photos of your coin. Decent digital cameras are available for $150. Why not spend the money and join us in the 21st Century?
Goulabelle: While this forum is the right place to ask for coins help, you might get much better answers regarding old cameras settings on old cameras fans forums or on professional photography related forums. I think getting a digital camera (or finding someone with such camera) would save you a lot of trouble.
That old warhorse don't have a built in light meter? You're shooting out doors with plenty of light and the good old black & white film you're using is pretty fast. I'd try a few shots at 125 speed with an f/5.6 reading. Try a couple at 60 with f/16 too. Gonna be hit or miss without that light meter. It would help if you had a macro lens (sounds like you don't) and a tripod. Good luck and do consider getting a digital camera with macro capabilities. You're gonna save yourself a world of hassle.
I agree with the others. Save the money you're going to spend on developing and printing costs and buy (or borrow) a digital camera. If you're determined to go ahead and use film, there's the old "f16 rule" if you don't have a meter in your camera. In bright sunlight, set the camera to f16 and set your shutter speed to the reciprocal of the ISO of your film. In your case 1/400 or 1/500 and then bracket your shots.
