Nikon N50 Film camera

Just found this old Nikon camera (not digital), its the N50 and there are a bunch of number on the back of the flash that you can attatch does anyone know what it might be for? (Aperature, exposure, shutter/film speed) if anyone knows please let me know!

Added (1). For the response "the numbers are a table to tell you the right combination of film speed- distance from subject and aperture setting for a reasonably good exposure. Film cameras took a lot more work than the new digitals." can someone tell me a little bit more about the numbers, ex. Is a higher number combo for distant photos (like landscapes) or close ups etc. The more detail the better!

The numbers are a table to tell you the right combination of film speed- distance from subject and aperture setting for a reasonably good exposure. Film cameras took a lot more work than the new digitals.

Sara---its all algebra for the serious amateur or professional lens person. I suggest you use Fujifilm w/ ISO 400 or 800 ( new and not expired). Check out the CHEAP 35mm films at Ebay.com ( Cameras & photo category). Buy many! ( so you'll not bother going to film shops!) : )

There are three variables in flash photography;

Range.
Guide number (changes with ISO)
Set Aperture.

Shutter speed doesn't come into it, because the camera has a maximum (only-for the moment) synch speed (X or lightning symbol).

Guide Number divided by the distance gives the aperture for correct exposure. The table simply lays out these values so you aren't trying to do algebra in your head while shooting.

One side of the table will be ISO speeds (from the film box-top) with the top showing apertures, or vice versa.

Find the ISO setting of your film, read across the column until you find the range (the easy way is to focus and take the distance value from the lens) and set the aperture where the two intersect.

It's less complicated than it sounds. If you don't know your synch speed, just set 1/60th, and shoot.

Set the camera's shutter speed to 1/60s. Focus on your subject. Read the distance from the lens. Look for range that distance falls into on the back of the flash. Now look for the film ASA on the other axis. The number that appears where the distance and ASA connect will be the recommended aperture setting. Set the lens to that f/number.

If the flash has an Auto setting, you can save time by simply choosing a distance range you want to shoot at at the film's ASA value and set the lens to the recommended aperture size then shoot using DOF without having to check distance and aperture settings each time you shoot.

The external flash has its limits. You can't use it for landscapes. Detail depends on how you expose the picture according to the quality and quantity of light.

http://www.illustratedphotography.com/basic-photography