Kodak Retina Reflex User Manual
by mischa koning
kodak.3106.net > index manuals information
The Retina Reflex Guide
These web-pages have been scanned and converted from a photocopy
of the "Focal Press" publication "Retina Reflex Guide", 1970 edition.
There may be reference to "current" and "discontinued" models.
Obviously all Retina cameras are now long discontinued, but For ease of
editing if nothing else, all the original text has been retained.
The original book was divided into two sections, effectively an overview
and a "green pages" section covering specific models in more detail.
I've not bothered with a green background to these pages, but
hopefully I will have included links where appropriate to the relevant
text. Similarly, page-number references ; as I've included each subsection of the book on one web-page, original page number references
have been linked to the new layout.
Table of Contents
The Retina Reflex
The Winding and Release Sequence
Retina Reflex Evolution
Handling the Retina Reflex
Handling, Winding and Trimming the Film
Films and Filters
Exposure
Using an Exposure Meter
Flash with the Retina Reflex
Using Alternative Lenses
The Retina Reflex IV
The Retina Reflex III
The Retina Reflex and Retina Reflex S
The Retina Reflex
Retina Reflex Lenses
Accessories
Facts, Figures and Tables
The Retina Reflex
The Retina Reflex is an eye-level 35 mm. reflex camera with interchangeable lenses for all general photography
as well as technical work, copying, photomicrography, stereo photography, etc. In many of these fields the
ground-glass screen is a distinct advantage. The camera takes normal 35 mm. perforated film and produces a
negative size 24x36 mm.(1 x 1½ in.).
The viewing system consists of a 45-degree mirror which throws the image formed by the lens on to a ground
glass screen on top of the camera. A pentaprism permits observation of this image -- which appears upright and
the right way round -- at eye-level.
The centre of the focusing screen is taken up by a pair of crossed wedges which are set in the screen and act as
a split image rangefinder.
For the exposure the mirror swings out of the way together with a light-tight capping plate in front of the film
aperture, thus leaving the way free for the lens to form its image on the film. This image exactly corresponds in
sharpness and field to the screen image which is absolutely free from parallax irrespective of the lens used.
In order to permit observation of the image, the shutter is open while the mirror is in the viewing position. On
pressing the release the shutter closes while the mirror and capping plate fold away, and then opens and closes
again to take the picture.
The mirror and capping plate are also linked to the transport mechanism. This is operated by a rapid winding
lever. In addition to advancing the film, the rapid winding lever closes the capping plate, brings down the mirror
into the viewing position, advances the film counter, and tensions and opens the shutter for viewing.
The film transport acts directly on the sprocket which pulls the film through the camera, and is also linked to the
friction-driven take-up spool.
Two types of lens system are available. On the Retina Reflex III, IV and S the whole lens is mounted
interchangeably in front of the shutter. Each lens has an automatic depth of field indicator.
On the earlier Retina Reflex the front unit is interchangeable and can be changed for a wide-angle or telephoto
unit, while the rear component is firmly mounted behind the shutter blades.
The shutter is a Synchro-Compur with coupled aperture and speed settings. It is MX-synchronized with built-in
self-timer; the synchronizing lever can only be adjusted after releasing a safety lock.
A photo-electric exposure meter is built into the body at the right-hand (transport) end of the camera. A
diffusing disc is available to fit over the cell for incident light readings.
The camera back is hinged at one end; a special safety device prevents accidental opening. The pressure plate
does not press the film directly against the track, but leaves a very thin channel for the film.
The Retina Reflex will accept most of the accessories made for the Retina IIS to IIIC cameras. The lenses of the
Retina Reflex III, IV and S are interchangeable with the Retina III S lenses; those of the earlier Reflex are
interchangeable with Retina IIC to IIIC lens units.
THE WINDING AND RELEASE SEQUENCE
Working the rapid winding lever gets the camera ready for the next exposure. The operations taking place are :
1. The film and film counter advance to the next frame;
2. The capping plate comes down to protect the film against the light;
3. The mirror swings down into position for viewing;
4. The lens diaphragm opens up to it's maximum aperture;
5. The shutter is tensioned and opens for viewing and focusing.
In fact, some of these functions take place more or less simultaneously.
On pressing the release button a number of operations take place immediately preceding the actual exposure.
1. The shutter closes;
2. The lens iris closes down to it's pre-selected stop;
3. The mirror swings up out of the way;
4. The capping plate also swings out of the way to open the way to the film;
5. The shutter opens again and closes to expose the film.
This complete sequence takes a little over 1/50 second.
Retina Reflex Evolution
The Retina Reflex camera was first introduced in 1957. The original model has a built-in photoelectric meter
with exposure values, the lens front is interchangeable to accept tele and wide-angle front elements.
In 1959 the Retina Reflex S appeared with the photoelectric exposure meter coupled to the aperture-shutter
speed setting and interchangeable lens mount to accept telephoto and wide-angle lenses.
The Retina Reflex III of 1961 has the exposure meter indicator visible in the reflex finder and extra large
viewfinder eyepiece and a release key on the camera front with safety lock.
The Retina Reflex IV of 1964 has, in addition to the exposure meter indicator in the reflex finder of the Model
III, aperture and shutter speed values shown in a window in the finder, a red warning signal when taking
pictures in extreme lighting conditions and a fresnel screen for greater brightness. The split image rangefinder is
placed diagonally. The standard lens focuses down to 23½ in. (60 cm.). In addition to the flash socket there is
also a direct flash connection in the accessory shoe. The rewind knob is fitted with a fold-over crank. The film
counter is automatically reset on opening the camera back.
HANDLING THE RETINA REFLEX
In order to simplify the description and handling of the Retina Reflex camera without being confused by different
features of individual models, this guide has been divided into a general section which applies to all Retina
Reflex models while the requirements and consequently different handling of each model are found on the green
pages.
For convenience, a symbolic reference system is also used in the general section. Wherever the sign
appears,
further details will be found in the camera pages of the green section for each camera (e.g. III, Standard and S,
etc.). The sign
refers to lens details in the green section, and to accessories. The appropriate pages are
marked accordingly in the bottom left- or right-hand corner
Holding
It is obvious that the camera should be held as steady as possible, as the slightest shake, even if not seen in
the negative, will become visible in an enlargement . Always stand with your legs apart.
FOR HORIZONTAL PHOTOGRAPHS grip the camera with your right hand with the index finger on the release and
the thumb against the camera back. Thumb and index finger of the left hand move the focusing mount while the
camera body rests on the middle finger and ball of the left hand for additional support. Keep the elbows pressed
against the body. Either the right or the left eye may be used for the finder.
FOR VERTICAL PHOTOGRAPHS turn the camera through 90° so that in the same basic holding position as for
horizontal photographs -- your right hand grips the top.
You can vary this standard hold, of course, to suit your own convenience. By some experimenting, you will find
the grip which suits you best, and enables you to hold the camera really steady.
To release the shutter, press the release with the ball of the finger. Use finger pressure only, and keep the hand
and its grip on the camera steady. The actual pressing down will have to be done slowly and smoothly. The
slower the exposure time, the smoother must be the release.
For slow exposures in the hand it is advisable to rest the elbows, or at least to lean the body, against some
support in order to avoid shake. In this way 1/15, 1/8 and 1/4 and even 1/2 sec. can be risked without incurring
camera shake.
Such a support is also desirable for faster exposures, as several movements take place inside the camera after
pressing the release button. A slightly unsteady hold may thus easily lead to blurred pictures. For the same
reason, keep the camera steady for a moment after pressing the button; do not jerk it away from the eye
straight away, as the shutter opens about 1/50 sec. after pressing.
The use of a tripod is necessary when taking time exposures and it is also recommended for speeds from 1/15 to
1 sec. For upright photographs from the tripod use a ball and socket head to allow changing from the horizontal
to the vertical position.
Carrying
To be ready for quick action it is best to carry the camera on a short strap round the neck so that it lies on your
chest. Lifting it up to the eye is then a matter of a split second.
For convenience and protection the Retina Reflex should always be carried in its ever-ready case. This case is
designed to hold the camera ready for use. A camera retaining screw fixed to the case screws into the tripod
bush to hold the camera securely in the case even when open. The elastic clip inside the top of the case is
intended to hold the incident light diffuser of the exposure meter.
For horizontal shots hold the camera firmly with the right hand, with the
index finger resting lightly on the release key. The second and third fingers
of the left hand can be used to turn the focusing ring.
For upright shots turn the camera through
90° so that it is supported from below with
the left hand. The hol for the Retina Reflex S and earlier models is slightly
different since the release button is on top of the body.
Below: With the Retina Reflex models it is specially important to keep the
camera really steady during the exposure and for a fraction of a second after
pressing the release button. Support your body against something solid (a tree,
or wall) whenever possible or prop up your arms on some suitable support (a
fence or railing, or even against your knees). Time exposures should always be taken with a camera mounted on
a tripod, using a cable release to release the shutter. This screws into the socket underneath the release key, or
into the release button of earlier models.
Viewing and Focusing
The image reflected by the lens on to the screen is only visible after winding the shutter. It disappears once the
shutter is released. This indicates at the same time whether the camera is ready for the next exposure, as
winding the shutter also advances the film. The reflex image is large and brilliant and appears almost in natural
size; it is free from parallax. A viewing pentaprism shows the image upright and right-way-round at eye-level.
The centre of the reflex finder image contains a clear circle. This centre circle is cut in half by a horizontal line
and acts as a split image rangefinder. The distance to the subject can be measured in two ways.
First, by observing through the centre circle of the reflex finder a vertical line of the subject to be focused e.g.,
a tree, edge of a wall, outline of a person and suchlike. On turning the camera focusing mount (the serrated ring
on the lens mount nearest to the camera body) the image in the upper half moves in relation to the lower half of
the circle. The lens is focused correctly when the two halves are exactly in line with each other. If the camera is
held vertically, choose a horizontal line of the subject; the centre appears split vertically, otherwise the
procedure is the same as described above.
Alternatively, and particularly if the subject does not show any prominent vertical or horizontal lines, observe the
image on the ground glass which surrounds the circle. Turn the lens mount until the image of the subject
appears perfectly sharp on the ground glass.
Whilst focusing with the split image rangefinder is quite straightforward, some experience is required to obtain
the best definition quickly when using the ground glass method. The best way to arrive at critical definition is to
turn the focusing ring of the lens mount slowly to and fro while observing on the ground glass the subject to be
focused. As you turn the focusing mount, the image becomes more and more sharp up to a certain point,
beyond which it will again lose definition. At this "beyond" stage, turn the mount back again, narrowing down
the degree of movement until you arrive at the point of best definition.
The orthodox way of focusing with either split field range-finder or ground glass may be adopted for taking
photographs of subjects that are fairly stationary. A different method of focusing is required when taking
subjects in motion. Set the rangefinder to a distance at which the subject will be in a given moment, or focus at
some spot which it actually has to pass, and press the release button when the subject is reaching the prefocused point. With subjects liable to react self-consciously (e.g., children) set the lens to a suitable distance,
and then approach the subject quickly, exposing as soon as the ground glass image appears sharp, or the two
halves of the rangefinder are in line with each other.
Alternatively, focus at some object which is at the same distance from the camera as the subject, but in a
different direction, and when the range is found swing round to press the release button as soon as the victim
slips into the field of view of the finder. See also quick shooting with zone focusing (p.41).
FOCUSING AND VIEWING
The Retina Reflex is a single lens reflex camera with (on the current model) fully interchangeable lenses. The
section through the camera (above) shows the main components of the optical system. The heavy arrowed line
indicates the path of the light from the lens to the finder.
The centre of the screen of the Retina Reflex carries a split
image optical rangefinder which shows the incorrectly focused
subject in two displaced halves (right. The remainder of the
finder field constitutes a ground glass focusing screen. When the
subject is accurately focused, it appears sharp on the screen and
the two halves of the rangefinder image move together to form a
continuous line (above and extreme right).
Shooting
Practise the following operations first with an empty camera until you can do them practically automatically.
1. Work the film transport. Swing film transport lever out as far as it will go (180°). It will only spring back
into its original position if it has been wound fully. This advances the film and film counter, tensions the
shutter, opens up the aperture and brings down the mirror, ready for the next exposure.
2. Set the exposure. Adjust the shutter for the right amount of light for the subject conditions. The built-in
photo-electric exposure meter indicates the setting required, or even sets the controls.
3. Select the aperture speed combination you want to use, smaller aperture for greater depth of field (p.
40) or faster speed to arrest movement (p.38).
4. Focus and determine picture area to obtain a sharp picture and the view you want.
5. Release the shutter gently.
LOADING AND UNLOADING
The Retina Reflex uses standard perforated cine film, 35 mm. wide, as used in the majority of other 35 mm.
miniature cameras. It is available in various packings (see also p. 18), the most convenient being standard
daylight cassettes. These are light-tight containers with a ready cut and trimmed length of film for 36 or 20
exposures and are loaded into the camera in daylight.
Avoid loading or unloading the camera in brilliant sunlight, though. Choose a shady spot or do it in the shadow
of your own body if nothing better is available.
Loading
1. Open the camera back by turning the double lever surrounding the tripod bush on the camera base in the
direction of the arrow. Then press the little button underneath the lever, and the back will spring open.
2. Fully pull out the rewind knob above the film chamber.
3. Insert the film cassette so that projecting spool peg lies in the recess in the bottom of the spool chamber.
4. Push back the rewind knob.
5. Fix the film to the take-up spool. Pull out about 3½ in. of film from the cassette; turn the built-in take-up
spool so that the slot is accessible. Push the film end into the slot and anchor a perforation hole in the
hook of the slot. Turn the take-up spool to take up the film slack. It should lie flat across the film
aperture, and the "teeth" of the sprocket wheel engage the lower row of perforations. Not less than two of
the upper perforations should overlap the film track.
6. Close the back by pressing the back against the body until the catch engages.
7. Set the film counter .
8. Set the film indicator. The film indicator on top of the rewind knob is marked with various types of films
available. Grip the rewind knob with two fingers and turn the inner serrated ring with your fingertip until
the triangular index mark points to the type or speed of film loaded. This is to aid your memory. It has no
influence on the exposure or working of the camera.
9. Set the film speed.
Top left: Open the camera back.
Top centre:Pull out the rewind knob (on Reflex S and original models) to its second stop.
Top right: Insert the cassette with film into the empty chamber.
Centre left: Push back the rewind knob into its normal position.
Centre: Thread the film into the slit of the take-up spool.
Centre right: Close the camera back.
Bottom left: Set the film counter according to the number of frames of film in use.
Bottom right: Set the film speed on the exposure meter.
Unloading
After all exposures have been made, the camera has to be unloaded. The exposure counter window
should, at this stage, indicate 0. The film transport lever locks after you have made the last exposure on
your film.
1. Depress the reversing button in the base of the camera situated in the curve of the film transport
lever.
2. Rewind the film. Turn the rewind knob in the direction of the engraved arrow (clockwise) until the
reversing button ceases to rotate. This button carries a black dot near its edge for easy observation
of movement.
3. Open the camera back as for loading (p.13).
4. Remove the cassette after pulling up the rewind knob.
5. Close the camera back or reload with a new film.
Top left: Press down the rewind button in the base of the camera.
Top centre: Rewind the film.
Top right: Open the camera back.
Bottom left: Pull out the rewind knob fully and take out the cassette.
Bottom right: Close the camera back or reload with a new film.
Cutting Off Exposed Lengths
If a film which is only partly exposed has to be processed, it can be cut off in the darkroom or in complete
darkness. After the last exposure wind on the film transport once more, open the camera back in the
darkroom, and cut the film about ½ in. away from the cassette. The exposed part on the take-up spool is
removed by winding the film from the take-up spool and wrapping it up in three pieces of black opaque
paper. The remaining film in the cassette can now be re-inserted on the take-up spool and the camera
closed. If the re-inserting has been done in the darkroom no further blind exposure is necessary; if the
film has been re-inserted in daylight, two blind exposures should be made and the film counter should be
advanced by two divisions. Note that short lengths of some makes of colour reversal film will not be
accepted for processing.
Changing Partly-Exposed Films
To replace a partly-exposed film by another one, for instance if you want to take a few colour photographs
in between some black-and-white shots, proceed as follows:
1. Check the number of exposed frames on the film counter .
2. Rewind the film but stop immediately you feel a slight resistance. This resistance comes from
pulling the film end from the take-up spool. If the film is to be reloaded again, you must not pull the
whole film into the cassette, otherwise the film end would have to be extracted by opening the
cassette in the darkroom for subsequent re-insertion into the camera.
3. Unload the re-wound film and note the number of exposures taken on the beginning of the film.
Now you can load the camera with any other type of film.
WHEN RELOADING, load the partly-exposed film in the same way as a new one. Push the film
counter setting button (model III only) in the direction of the arrow, and hold it there. Wind the
transport lever until the film counter has advanced by the number of frames already exposed. On
earlier models press the film release button every time. To be on the safe side it is advisable to
allow one more frame to pass.
The rest of the film can now be exposed in the usual way.
The Film Release of the Retina Reflex
The film release (not on Model IV) helps in rectifying any jamming which may lock the mechanism of the
rapid winder. Pushing the film counter-setting button in the direction of the arrow (on earlier models :
pressing the film release button next to the shutter release) clears the winder, without losing a frame or
risking a double exposure. If the film release does not release the winder, this automatically indicates that
the end of the film has been reached.
Similarly, if you did not set the film counter when loading you may reach No. 1 on the film counter before
the end of the film is reached. At No.1 the rapid winding lever automatically locks. By working the film
release you can re-set the exposure counter, which at the same time will free the winding lever.
Should the winding lever stick in an in-between position, work the film release to make it spring back.
Double Exposures
The double-exposure lock of the Retina Reflex prevents accidental double exposures. To make a deliberate
double exposure for special purposes, press the reversing button after the first exposure, and keep it
depressed while tensioning the shutter with the rapid winding lever. The film then remains in position for a
second exposure on the same frame.
Note that operating the rapid winder after the second exposure also advances the film counter to indicate
one frame more than the number exposed.
Other Film Packings
In addition to standard cassettes, 35 mm. black-and-white film is available in loose packings for loading
into cassettes. This is a much cheaper way of using film as you do not have to buy a new cassette every
time with the film. The following packings are available.
DARKROOM REFILLS are lengths cut and trimmed for 36 exposures and have to be loaded into a cassette
in total darkness (e.g. in a darkroom, a really well darkened room at night or a light-tight changing bag).
DAYLIGHT REFILLS are cut and trimmed lengths for 20 or 36 exposures which are wound on to a centre
spool (as used in the cassette) and covered with a black paper leader strip to allow loading of a cassette
in daylight.
BULK FILM is supplied in lengths of 18 to 200 ft., and is the most economical way of using film. A suitable
length is cut off to be loaded into a cassette in total darkness. Working in total darkness for loading
darkroom refills or bulk film is not difficult. It is, however, advisable to practise filling with a dummy film
first in daylight before starting the darkroom work.
WINDING AND TRIMMING FILM
1: The correct trimming of the wedge-shaped end (which is
fitted to the centre spool of the cassette) with a standard
trimming template.
2: Trimming of the curved cut with a standard trimming
template.
3: The appearance of the trimmed film: left, wedge; right,
curved cut.
4: The film cassette, its outer shell, centre spool and separate top.
5: How to fix the film to the centre spool of the cassette with a piece of adhesive tape.
6: Winding the film with the mechanical film winder to the centre spool.
7. Assembling the cassette 8. Loading the film into the camera.
Handling, Winding and Trimming the Film
When handling the actual film, particular care must be taken not to touch its emulsion (matt) side. Always
handle it and wind on to the centre spool of the cassette by holding the film by either side of its edge, preferably
between thumb and index finger. At the same time, it is of no less importance that the spot on which the loading
is done should be perfectly dry, clean and dust free .
When using bulk film in loading cassettes, the edge of the work-bench can be marked with notches or drawingpins to indicate various distances, let us say for 12, 24, 36 exposures of film. This considerably simplifies the
measuring of film lengths in the darkroom.
The film ends need trimming. At the beginning of the roll of film make either a straight or wedge-shaped cut for
the centre spool of the cassette and measure off the required length of film (see table, p.20). At the end of this
make the curved cut for the take-up spool. The curved cut should start between the fifth and sixth bottom
perforation -- when emulsion is towards you -- and must not go through a perforation hole.
The ready-cut film is now spooled on the centre spool of the cartridge or cassette. While winding on, hold the
film only by its edges.
Also, take care not to press too hard on the film, and don't squeeze the film-ends when drawing through the
hand. Failure to take the first precaution may result in fogging, while neglect of the latter precaution may give
rise to peculiar kinds of exposure effects known as "lightning flashes". These are due to electrical discharges,
and appear as dark, zigzag lines running from the edge of the film towards the centre of the picture.
LENGTH OF FILM REQUIRED FOR ANY NUMBER OF EXPOSURES
Number of
Exposures
Length of Film
Required
Number of
Exposures
Length of Film
Required
Number of
Exposures
Length of Film
Required
in. -- cm. In. -- cm. In. -- cm.
1 11¾ 30 14 31¾ 80 27 51 130
2 13¼ 34 15 33 84 28 52½ 133
3 15 38 16 34½ 88 29 54 137
4 16¼ 41 17 36¼ 92 30 55½ 141
5 17¾ 45 18 37¾ 96 31 57 145
6 19¼ 49 19 39¼ 100 32 58½ 148
7 20¾ 53 20 40½ 103 33 60 152
8 22 56 21 42 107 34 61½ 156
9 23¾ 60 22 43¾ 111 35 63 160
10 25¼ 64 23 45 114 36 64½ 164
11 26¾ 68 24 46½ 118 37 66 167
12 28½ 72 25 48 122 38 67½ 171
13 30 76 26 49½ 126 Including trimming
Loading Standard Cassettes
The majority of cassettes consist of a centre spool which is in a shell with top and bottom cover. The film leaves
the shell by a light-trapped slot. The centre spool can be removed from the shell by removing either top or
bottom of the cassette, according to the construction of the particular container.
Most cassettes are actually intended by their makers to be used once only, and with the film originally supplied
in it. However, provided they are reasonably robustly made, and the light-trapping velvet slot is in good
condition, these cassettes can be reloaded many times, and will give perfectly satisfactory results -- if handled
carefully.
Loading with Bulk Film or Darkroom Refills
Work in total darkness and prepare the film as described (p. 18).
1. Open the cassette.
2. Fix the film to the centre spool. If the centre spool is fitted with a film catch, thread the tapered end of
the film into it. In cases where the centre spool is fitted with a spring, thread the end under it and fold it
sharply back. If the centre spool is without any suitable fitting to hold the film, it has been proved best to
wind a 1½ in. (4 cm.) piece of cellulose tape round the centre spool, so that on either side about ½ in.
tape is used to secure the film.
3. Wind the mm on the centre spool.
4. Insert the centre spool into shell, leaving the first 2 in. of film protruding through the light-trap.
5. Close the cassette. Where top and bottom are originally fastened by the outside label, fix the top and
bottom cover to the shell, preferably with a length of cellulose tape.
Loading with Daylight Refills
No darkroom is necessary, but work in subdued daylight or artificial light.
1. Remove film wrappings and label of refill.
2. Open the cassette.
3. Introduce the refill into shell of the cassette; leaving the first 2 in. of paper-leader protruding through
light-trap. The actual centre spool of the cassette is not needed.
4. Close the cassette.
5. Pull out the paper-leader and 2 in. of film.
6. Cut off the paper-leader. Where top and bottom are originally fastened by the outside label, fix the top
or bottom cover to the shell, preferably with a length of cellulose tape.
FILMS AND FILTERS
There are two kinds of films available for the Retina Reflex : black-and-white and colour.
Black-and-White Film
This produces a negative in which the colours and brightness range of the subject are translated into black and
white. From it, prints or enlargements on paper or black-and-white transparencies can be made.
The black-and-white film used normally is panchromatic, that means that it is sensitive to all colours. There is a
choice of several types differing mainly in sensitivity as well as certain other characteristics.
SLOW FILMS are of low sensitivity, requiring comparatively great exposure. Their main advantage is the
extremely fine grain, permitting a high degree of enlargement without its granular structure becoming
unpleasantly visible. Such films also yield images of the greatest sharpness. On the other hand, these slow films
are not very suitable for coping with fast movement in other than exceptionally good lighting, nor for general
work in poor light. Such films are rated at 40-80 ASA or l7-20° DIN.
MEDIUM SPEED FILMS still yield a reasonably fine grain with good gradation. They are the most suitable
material for all-round photography, other than in poor light. These films are rated at 100-l60 ASA or 21-24°
DIN.
FAST FILMS with somewhat coarser grain (still acceptable for reasonable degrees of enlargement) will cope with
most light conditions including poor light and interiors in favourable conditions. This is the right film for the
photographer who wants to be prepared for the unusual, to arrest fast movement with high shutter speeds, as
well as shots in poor light. The speeds are 200-400 ASA or 24-27° DIN.
ULTRA FAST FILMS are primarily intended for high-speed sports shots in dull weather, interior snapshots in poor
light, night photography and ill-lit stage pictures. These films are specialist types for conditions where normal
materials are totally inadequate. They should not be used for general photography. The high speed is achieved
at some cost in definition and graininess. Speed ratings range from 500 ASA or 28° DIN upwards.
The above speed figures are based on the latest ASA Standard for film speeds (and on the BS and DIN
Standards under revision). These figures, when used on the exposure meter, give minimum correct exposures,
to make the most of the versatility of the film and of the image quality. They are also the figures quoted by
most film manufacturers. Sometimes films are, however, still rated according to earlier standards which in effect
incorporated a generous safety factor against under-exposure -- by the simple process of over-exposing films
about 100 per cent. (well within the exposure latitude of most black-and-white films). So you may come across
films apparently only half as fast as others of similar type, because of this difference in ratings. The table on p
69 indicates the current film speeds to he used with the exposure meter, even if the film packing gives a lower
rating.
This applies to black-and-white negative materials only; speed rating methods have not changed for colour films.
There is a wide range of different makes of films in all speeds on the market. Their characteristics, apart from
speed, vary slightly from make to make. It is safe to say that all well-known brands are reliable and good. The
best film is the one you are used to. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs may find one or the
other characteristics of a particular make, i.e. its gradation, granular structure, acutance, etc., of particular
value for specific jobs.
FILM SPEED, CONTRAST, GRAIN, RESOLVING POWER.
Generally speaking, low speed goes with greatest contrast, finest grain and highest resolving power and vice
versa. The film speed in the top row points to the corresponding contrast, grain and resolving power. The
contrast row shows (from left to right) how high contrast becomes medium and low as speed shows. The grain
row shows (from left to right) how fine grain turns into medium grain with growing speed and finally the
resolving power row shows the the decrease of resolving power (number of lines) with increase of film speed.
The bottom row indicates the type of subjects for which films of the various speeds are best.
Colour Film
These films produce an image in colour after appropriate processing, corresponding directly or indirectly to the
natural colours of the subject. From the practical point of view, colour film is as easy to use as black-and-white
film needs a little more care in exposure. Processing is more complex and is often carried out by the film maker
or specially appointed processing laboratories.
There are two basic types of colour film : reversal and negative.
Colour Reversal Film
This produces a colour transparency on the actual film exposed in the camera. This transparency held up to the
light shows a positive image with all parts of the subject in their original colours. It can be viewed in a suitable
transparency viewer with a magnifier or it can be projected in a slide projector to give a large and brilliant
picture on a screen.
There is little doubt that the projected image is the most natural and best for showing colour.
Although the colour transparency is an end product, it can still be used to make:
(a) duplicate positive colour transparencies,
(b) a black-and-white negative which can then be used to produce black-and-white prints or enlargements,
(c) a colour negative for making colour prints and enlargements, as from colour negative film (described below),
(d) direct colour enlargements on colour reversal paper.
Colour prints on paper invariably show a loss of colour quality as compared with the original positive
transparency.
For correct colour rendering, colour reversal films have to be carefully matched to the light by which they are to
be exposed. Accordingly, most makes are available in two or more of the following types:
(a) daylight colour film, which will give correct colour reproduction in daylight or with blue-tinted flash bulbs or
electronic flash.
(b) artificial light type colour film which will give correct rendering by photoflood illumination or high-power
tungsten light,
Colour films made for one kind of light may often be used under different light conditions with the aid of a
conversion filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
Different makes of colour film may yield transparencies of a slightly different characteristic colour quality, colour
saturation and colour contrast. Which you prefer is very much a matter of personal taste, and you can only be
recommended to try various makes to find the one which suits you best.
Colour Negative Film
On processing, this produces a colour negative which shows a negative image of the subject in its
complementary colours; e.g. blue appears yellow, red appears blue-green and so on. These colours may
sometimes be hidden under an overall orange or reddish tint.
The main purpose of the colour negative is the production of colour prints on paper. The quality is generally
higher than that obtained from a positive transparency.
From the colour negative you can make:
(a) any number of colour prints in varying sizes,
(b) direct black-and-white prints or enlargements, in the same way as from a black-and-white negative.
(c) positive colour transparencies for viewing or projection.
Colour negative films are mostly suitable for exposure by any type of light, e.g. daylight, flash or photofloods.
The necessary adjustment of the colour rendering is carried out during the printing stage. Manufacturers
sometimes recommend conversion filters even with colour negative films. These mainly serve to simplify the
subsequent correction needed in printing.
Colour Film Speeds
The majority of colour films, reversal and negative, are rated between 25 and 64 ASA or 15 and 19 DIN, which
corresponds to a fairly slow speed for black-and-white material. A few films go up to 160 ASA or more for poor
light conditions. Others may be as slow as 10 ASA or 11 DIN. As with black-and-white films, the slower types
tend to yield improved image detail, especially with negative colour film, while the fastest emulsions may show
slightly reduced colour saturation and image sharpness.
The Choice of Colour Film
Making your choice between colour reversal or negative film (in spite of the various uses that can be made of
either type of material) remains an individual question.
First there is the way you want to see the result, as a colour print or as a colour transparency. The print has no
doubt much to commend itself. It is easily shown, stored and carried about. The transparency calls for the aid of
a viewer or projector.
Next, the cost of a colour print is about three times that of the transparency. This may at times be mitigated by
the fact that from unsuitable negatives no Colour prints need or can be made. The transparency user, however,
has additional outlay in the form of a viewer or projector with screen (in most cases both).
A final point to consider is the quality. The transparency will record each colour and its brilliance in full. Held to
the light or projected on a screen, the brightness range, which may be 100:1, is fully or almost fully retained. It
shows colours brilliant with great depth and realism. The colour print can at its best only reflect four-fifths of the
light falling on it and even the darkest tones reflect about one-twentieth to one-tenth, so that the full range is
no more than 16:1. While the colour print is, by necessity, duller than the transparency, it is only fair to say
that the eye soon adjusts itself to the reduced brightness range and subjects without great contrasts will be very
satisfying.
From the point of view of convenience, reversal film has the advantage that it directly gives finished colour
pictures of high quality and is still capable of producing colour prints as well. For the maximum versatility and
control in print making, however, negative film is superior.
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