Hi, I've just gotten myself a new Nikon N65, and have tons of questions. Film speed, B&W vs. Process C-41, how to get the most out of the macro lens, and do I set it to close-up mode in conjunction with that. What's the difference between 1hour prints and next day prints, etc, etc. Anyone know of some good links a beginner can read up on this stuff on, or anyone want to contribute some stuff :) This is certainly fun, but a bit confusing, and a whole world away from my point and click Photosmart 715.

welcome. Lots of opinions and debates. [The "Search" does work. Maybe time to upgrade the FAQ?] 1)Film speed. Sort of depends on what you are doing. I usually shoot 100, sometimes 400, C-41. Others use others. There are strong arguments for transparency. I convert color to B&W when I want the mood of B&W. "Real" B&W will provide wider tonal range. 2) Macro lens' are really great fun! A tripod is essential. Someday when I can afford it, I'm going to get one of those rails that move the camera back an forth. Easier to focus. 3) 1hr vs next day? I've not found too much difference. Biggest difference will be if some place actually abuses, scratches, and dusts. Given that no actual damage is done, the next question is best way to digitize; "Photo-CD," flatbed scanner, slide scanner. Too many opinions here to count. 4) Read up? My references are still very good, but (gasp!) somewhat outdated. [Ansel Adams , "The Camera" "The Negative" "The Print." I know it borders on blasphemy, but I would NOT recommend these to a modern beginner.] Take a look around a library or large book store.

Hey thanks! I suppose I should shoot a few rolls of B&W and 'color' B&W and see. Uh-Oh, I'll find out tomorrow if my hand is steady enough for the macro lens, maybe the mistake will be 'art', or a 3D app texture :) I've got a scanner (Canon LiDE 30), I'll probably bring them in that way. I wanted to develop my own B&W negatives (I've been warned that color is tricky), and scan them in, but the sticker shock of the dedicated 35MM scanners still has me reeling! I always forget Borders, I suppose the digital age has me programmed to search the net :)

...the FAQ....I didn't see that.....

Attached Link: http://www.photo.net/learn/

Welcome. Try this link...some good information. Also, I'd consider picking up a copy of Photography (7th Edition) by Barbara London and John Upton. Great book (it's used by a lot of photo classes). If you're just going to experiment with different films, keep one thing in mind. Just because films have the same speed, don't think they are all the same. They each have their own characteristics. So, don't think because Kodak T-Max 100, Macophot PO100, Ilford Delta 100 and Fuji Neopan ACROS 100 are all b&w ISO 100 films that they are the same. They each have their own amount and grain sizes, exposure latitudes (you'll understand this after reading abit on exposure and film), contrast, etc. That said, trying the different films out yourself is the best way to see how they behave. Good luck. -=>Donald -=>Donald

One of the best ways to learn, aside from reading up and asking as many questions as you can, is to keep shooting. I myself concentrated on several disciplines (macro, landscapes, figures etc) before I settled into Fashion/Glamour. Try each one in turn. They will each throw up a different set of problems. I am not saying that you should become a jack-of-all-trades, by all means pick a subject/s that you enjoy and stick with it. And, as Donald has said, each film has its own merits/demerits. Experimentation is the key!! I wish you all the best in your photographic endeavours!! Regards Dave....aka Bidsy..:))