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How to Use a Nikon FM10

The Nikon FM10 is a film SLR camera. The camera features interchangeable lenses, adjustable film speed, and manual ISO and aperture. Film cameras aren't the dominant photographic medium since the invention of digital and information about their use is not as easy to come by. However, film is an interesting medium which gives texture and color to images different from digital photography. Learn how to operate the Nikon FM10 and get started shooting on film.

Instructions

- 1
  Select the proper ISO for the film in the camera. This is done at the beginning of every new roll of film. The outside of the film roll states the ISO and it's also viewable in the film-view window on the back of the camera. Turn the shutter speed ring on the top of the camera until the inner arrow points to the same number as the film speed.
- 2
  Pull the film set lever, located directly behind the shutter speed ring, toward the right side of the camera to prepare for the shot.
- 3
  Choose whether to shoot with shutter speed or aperture priority. Shutter speed priority means that the photographer sets the shutter speed (how long the shutter stays open) and then bases the aperture on that setting. Aperture priority means the photographer sets the aperture (how wide the lens opens) and then bases shutter speed on that setting.
- 4
  Set shutter speed by turning the shutter speed dial on top of the camera until the chosen speed lines up with the line directly to the left of the dial. Set the aperture by twisting the aperture ring, located directly behind the lens, until the desired aperture setting lines up with the line in the center of the ring.
- 5
  Look through the viewfinder and compose the shot. Twist the focal ring on the front of the lens to find the correct focus. The subject is in focus when the ring in the center of the viewfinder appears matte, without any pattern on it.
- 6
  Press down the shutter button, located next to the shutter speed ring, halfway while looking through the viewfinder. This shows whether the shot is over, under or properly exposed. If the plus sign is flashing, it's overexposed. If the minus sign is flashing, it's underexposed. If the camera is set using shutter speed priority, adjust the aperture (as per Step 4) until neither the plus or minus is flashing. If set using aperture priority, adjust the shutter speed until the flashing stops.
- 7
  Check the composition of the shot to make sure it looks the way you want. Remember there are no do-overs with film. Press the shutter release button on top of the camera to take the picture.

Photography