The right film for the job

Press, 2 January 1985, Page 22

The right film for the job

When buying a film for your camera, be sure you obtain the correct type, not only for the end result you want, but also for your particular camera. ■ There are three types of film — colour negative, which produces prints (or photographs); colour transparency (slides) for which you will need a projector or viewer to see the results; and black and white film which also produces prints, but is now rarely used by amateur photographers. You can of course have prints made from slides, and indeed slides can be made from negatives, but it is always best to load your camera with the type of film designed for the result you want. With each type of film different “film speeds” are also available. This speed is expressed by a number called “ASA” or “DIN” and is a measure of how light sensitive the particular film is. The lower the number, the less sensitive the film is. For general purposes, films with a speed of around 100 ASA or 200 ASA

are a good standard. If you are likely to be taking photographs in dimmer conditions, a 400 ASA film would be advisable. Finally there is the particular type of film cassette needed for your camera. The most common are: • 35mm film — which can be obtained for either 12, 24 or 36 pictures per cassette • 110 pocket cartridge — instant loading cartridge, 12 or 24 photos • 126 cartridge — also instant load, 12 or 24 pictures per cartridge • “Rapid” cassettes — developed by Agfa-Gevaert, available only in colour negative film • “Roll films” in sizes such as 120 and 127. The number of pictures per roll depends on the camera itself. So when buying your film you need to know: the type of pictures you want (slides or photos); the type of cassette; the number of shots you want to take; and the speed (ASA) of the film you require.