Just because we are in the digital age, this does not mean that a person cannot use a 35 mm camera. In fact, some people still enjoy using these cameras because they feel that 35 mm cameras require them to think more than the new, automatic digital varieties. For some, using a device like a Minolta 35 mm camera is something of an art form.
While some of these 35mm cameras are completely automatic, there are many others that are completely manual. There are still others that are manual, but have a few automatic components, such as film loading and aperture control.
To use one of these cameras, the most important thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the basic controls of a Minolta 35 mm camera that is completely manual. If there are some automatic settings, they will not be hard to adjust to.
Instructions
1. Find the shutter speed dial. This is a dial that will be surrounded by numbers such as 1/500, 1/250, 1/125 or the like. If the subject of a picture is moving, set the shutter speed to a higher number. If the subject is not moving, the setting can be a much lower number.
2. Learn to adjust the aperture ring. The aperture ring might also sometimes incorrectly be referred to as the "focus." It is located near the focus on the lens of the camera. The ring will have settings marked on it, such as letter-number combinations like f8 or f11. The focusing ring, on the other hand, has marks around it in feet. If you are taking a photo from 10 feet away, turn the focus ring on the lens to line up with the "10."
The larger the aperture number that is selected, the less of the screen will be in focus. The larger numbers are used for taking a picture of someone in front of a background if you want the person to be in focus, but not the background. Most of the time, it is best to find the number that is in the middle and keep the aperture set there.
3. Set the mode dial. This dial sets different automatic exposures. Some of the settings might say "S" or "TV." Unless you are an advanced photographer, it is best to always keep the setting on "P." Just remind yourself that P means perfect as far as you are concerned.
4. Load the film by taking the camera into a dark room and sliding the switch on the back of the camera to open the film chamber. Pull out some of the film slightly from the film cartridge and make sure the bottom of the film is lined up on the teeth inside the film chamber. Close the chamber and wind the film four or five times by sliding your thumb across the dial on the top of the back part of the camera.
5. Rewind the film when it will no longer allow you to take photos. The film rewind device is on the top of the camera on the left-hand side. Pull out the little lever on the dial and begin to turn it. Continue turning until the film has wound back in. You can tell the film is finished winding, because the sound the camera makes while you wind it will be different, and winding will become difficult.
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