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BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Night Photography Tip

Photography Question 

Mark 		 

Long Exposures Beyond Metering


Hi, I am a beginner, just getting beyond point and shoot. I have an old fully manual Yashica FX-3 with a 50mm lens. I would like to have a go at moonlit landscapes and long exposures of the city at night, etc. My meter just says that the scene is under-exposed. I know I need to use bulb and time the exposures so I can keep it on f16, but how do you know what time to try? I was hoping to avoid shooting several rolls to find out! I have been using Fuji Superia 100 so far. Thanks!


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February 20, 2005

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Set your lens to the widest aperture and turn your ISO dial until you are within the range of your meter. Assuming that at ISO 800 you can get a reading of 1 second at f2, you can count backwards to your preferred setting of ISO 100, doubling the time for each full-stop setting. This will get you to 8 seconds at f2.
Next, set your aperture ring to your preferred setting of f16 - again, doubling the time for each full stop.
f-4 = 16 sec.
f-5.6 = 32 sec.
f-8 = 64 sec.
f-11 = 128 sec.
f-16 = 256 sec.

This will give you a starting point from which to bracket over. A few points to remember:
- Use a locking cable release to avoid touching the camera during exposure.
- You shouldn't need to use f16 with a 50mm lens. If there is nothing in the foreground for the first twenty feet or so, you will have to focus on infinity anyway, so why not select a wider aperture setting and have the advantage of less exposure time?
- When metering as described, meter the illuminated landscape without the moon in the frame.
- When composing the shot, don't include the moon or it will over-expose and look elongated.


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February 20, 2005

 

Robert N. Valine 		 
 
 
Hi Mark, There's nothing wrong with those Yashica FX-3 cameras. I started out with one and am still using it. They're great little cameras. A lot of the stuff on my site was done with the FX-3. There's not much you can do to avoid burning film for twilight shots. You need to bracket a lot of shots. Use a watch and time your exposures. Also you won't be able to use a cable release on the FX-3. There is a self timer. But,that won't be useful on the bulb setting. Because you will need to hold the shutter release to keep the shutter open. Make sure you use a sturdy tripod. If you're careful, It should'nt be a problem. When I shoot fireworks I set the camera at F/11 and use the bulb setting. I hold the shutter open until the fireworks are done going off. You can use a similar setting for moonlit landscapes. I would bracket the shots at about every 15 seconds. That should give you a few good shots. Good Luck!


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February 22, 2005

 

Bob Cammarata 		  If your camera does not have a threaded shutter to accept a cable release, there are other ways to achieve timed exposures with minimal camera movement.
As Rob pointed out, you can hold down the shutter with your finger but you must be rock-steady throughout the exposure time...and a sturdy tripod is a must.
Some movement will still register when you press the shutter, and again when you release it. You can get around this by masking the lens during these times.
With your camera mounted on the tripod, hold a black card (or anything else dark) in front of the lens opening. Depress the shutter,...then remove the card and start counting off the exposure. At the end,...put the card back in front of the lens and release the shutter button. This will eliminate movement during the most critical times.

There is also the option of using an accessory adaptor, which straps around the camera and permits the use of a standard threaded release. You can see an example of it at this link:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=109447&is=REG


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February 23, 2005

 

George Anderson 		  "Also you won't be able to use a cable release on the FX-3."

But this isn't true. All Yashica FX-3 model cameras will accept a standard, threaded locking cable release to be used in conjunction with the cameras 'B' setting. With its non-battery operated mechanical shutter, the FX-3 is in fact ideal for night and low-light photography.


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July 06, 2005

 

Robert N. Valine 		  Thank You George, You are right it does accept a standard cable release. I apologize for my mistake.I was used to using the electronic releases on the newer Contax models and was not aware that I could use a release on the FX-3. That's interesting.I'll have to get one.I just shot some fireworks for 4th of July with the FX-3. I really do like this camera a lot.It can take a beating and never stops working.


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July 07, 2005

 
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