Starting out needed tips and help

nsurit · Sep 6, 2016

Dinis Figueira said:
Other thing is, what are the best accessories, besides a notebook and a better strap, to help me out, considering that I will only shoot Black and White film?

This is going back to your original question. In addition to the tripod and yellow filter (as suggested by others,) I would probably have a proper lens hood, extension tubes and a polarizing filter, none of which are particularly expensive and each of which can make a significant difference in the results produced. Bill Barber

Dinis Figueira · Sep 6, 2016

nsurit said:
This is going back to your original question. In addition to the tripod and yellow filter (as suggested by others,) I would probably have a proper lens hood, extension tubes and a polarizing filter, none of which are particularly expensive and each of which can make a significant difference in the results produced. Bill Barber

I already have the hood (chinese trademark) but the extension tubes will help me how? Only for macro right?

nsurit · Sep 6, 2016

It will allow you to focus closer with any lens to which it is attached, not all of which will be macro situations. These are made up numbers, so please don't beat me over the head with them. Let's say you have a 135mm lens that only allows you to focus 3 1/2 feet, but you want to focus closer for the composition you want, an extension tube will allow you to do that. Bill Barber

Dinis Figueira · Sep 6, 2016

nsurit said:
It will allow you to focus closer with any lens to which it is attached, not all of which will be macro situations. These are made up numbers, so please don't beat me over the head with them. Let's say you have a 135mm lens that only allows you to focus 3 1/2 feet, but you want to focus closer for the composition you want, an extension tube will allow you to do that. Bill Barber

Is quality a issue or any extension tube will do?

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 6, 2016

The biggest difference in quality for an extension tube is how easy it is to put on and take off. The second issue is alignment - is the tube perfectly square, plumb and parallel the whole way around? Otherwise, a tube is a tube, especially for your Practika which has no focus or exposure automation between the body and lens. Any brand should do, and used is fine, so long as you inspect them to make sure they are not bent from being dropped or mis-handled so the lens is hard to remove or the tube is hard to remove from the body.

nsurit · Sep 6, 2016

Any port in the storm or as stated by the previous reply, any tube (OEM or aftermarket) will work assuming they have not been damaged, which is relatively unlikely. Tubes typically are found in sets of three or can be found in separate lengths. Were it me, I'd probably look for a set and if available in either manual or auto version, would go with the auto tubes which don't require you to remember to stop the lens down before taking your shot. Look around, you will find them to be affordable. Bill Barber

Alan Gales · Sep 6, 2016

seezee said:
*Some forum members will vehemently disagree, saying you should never put anything between your lens and subject, believing it to degrade the final image.

Yes, and then they will shoot their cameras hand held instead of using a sturdy tripod.

Alan Gales · Sep 6, 2016

Shoot! I didn't realize that this was an old thread.

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 6, 2016

Alan Gales said:
Yes, and then they will shoot their cameras hand held instead of using a sturdy tripod.

If you're using a fast enough shutter speed, a tripod is NOT necessary. It may even be an impediment if you're trying to take pictures of moving subjects.

Alan Gales · Sep 6, 2016

TheFlyingCamera said:
If you're using a fast enough shutter speed, a tripod is NOT necessary. It may even be an impediment if you're trying to take pictures of moving subjects.

Well that all depends upon just how shaky you are! Unfortunately, I have found that I have trouble shooting hand held at 1/60 second now. When I was young I used to shoot at 1/30 and stilll be able to blow up to 8x10. Getting old sucks!

I shot Zeiss lenses on a Contax camera for many years. I used Contax UV filters on my lenses and never noticed degradation. I've got a buddy who won't use a filter on a lens unless he has to. We argue a lot but mostly for fun.

I just say if you are that picky you should always use a tripod. Of course that is just my opinion and I am half joking here.

Helios 1984 · Sep 6, 2016

Note the Sunny 16 and all the other rules.

cooltouch · Sep 6, 2016

Invest in a hobby knife, like an Exacto, for example. They're not expensive. It should be thin enough.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 7, 2016

Any cheap bag for all of this (except tripod) and space for 1 more DSLR and lens? Any recommendations?

Helios 1984 · Sep 7, 2016

Dinis Figueira said:
Any cheap bag for all of this (except tripod) and space for 1 more DSLR and lens? Any recommendations?

I use a laptop messenger bag to carry my camera and lightmeter on the street but I use a LowePro 35L AW to store my gears. Often I will bring the LowePro, grab what I need and leave it in the trunk of my car.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 7, 2016

Something cheaper. Don't care if it gets wet

Helios 1984 · Sep 7, 2016

Dinis Figueira said:
Something cheaper. Don't care if it gets wet

My mistake, I forgot to mention a very important detail... I was talking about the Nova Sport 35L AW priced at +-35$, not the ~~Rover Pro 35L AW~~ at 300$.

thuggins · Sep 9, 2016

Dinis Figueira said:
*BTW: I don't have caps for this lens. Is it 42mm on rear and 49mm on front or it has other measures?
Can't find info anywhere..

A 49mm front cap should be easy to find, that was an Olympus standard and used by various other manufacturers. An M42 rear cap must be common enough that you get a free puppy with it. Both of these are definitely worth the investment; all optics should be protected at all times.

Dinis Figueira · Sep 14, 2016

thuggins said:
A 49mm front cap should be easy to find, that was an Olympus standard and used by various other manufacturers. An M42 rear cap must be common enough that you get a free puppy with it. Both of these are definitely worth the investment; all optics should be protected at all times.

Done ;D

And I screwed my MTL3... word of advice, never try to do these things when someone is around you.

Helios 1984 · Sep 14, 2016

Rule #01

That strap has a purpose, put it around your neck as soon as you pick up the camera.

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