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How to Change the F Stop

The F-stop control on a camera is the control which determines how much light is let in through the lens opening by regulating the size of the lens opening. It is also called the aperture. In photography, the smaller the number of the F-stop, the wider the lens opening will be. A wider F-stop means that the shutter speed may be set faster, allowing action to be "stopped" more efficiently in the image. The F-stop also controls the depth of field of the image, also called the focal plane. The focal plane is how much of the image will be in focus. This setting is generally changeable on single lens reflex cameras with fully and partially manual modes.

Things You'll Need

Single lens reflex camera
Camera lens

Instructions

Fully Manual SLR - Non Digital
- 1
  Attach the lens to the camera and make certain that it is secured properly in the mount.
- 2
  Hold the camera with the top of the body facing upwards. There will be a string of numbers on the camera lens where the lens meets the body, and an alignment mark which aligns with the selected F-stop. These numbers are on an adjustable ring which is normally fitted with a locking mechanism.
- 3
  Depress the button for the locking mechanism. This will allow the outer ring of the lens to move freely.
- 4
  Turn the ring so that the desired number is aligned with the selection mark.
- 5
  Release the locking mechanism button, and make sure the movable ring is now locked in place by twisting gently until it is unable to be moved. The F-stop is now selected.
Changing the F-stop - Digital SLR
- 6
  Attach the lens to the camera, and make sure it is secure in the lens mount. Select a mode such as Manual or Aperture Priority (A for Nikon users, Av for Canon cameras) which allows aperture adjustment.
- 7
  For digital single lens reflex cameras, the manufacturer requires that any aperture selection mechanism on the lens be set to a stationary position. Follow the steps for a manual SLR to select and lock the appropriate F-stop on the lens body.
- 8
  Depress the aperture adjustment button located on the camera body. On most digital cameras, this control is within easy reach of the shutter release.
- 9
  With the aperture adjustment button held, gently turn the menu selection dial until the desired F-stop is displayed on the camera's digital display.
- 10
  Release the aperture adjustment button to select the F-stop.

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