What lens for a nikon f60?
I have ordered a nikon f60 and it will be my first slr, and i'm wondering what type of lens to get?
i'm looking for one thats good for a newbie but also takes great pictures. And it would be great if it wasn't that expensive also! I've already heard of the 50mm f/1.8. And can you just use any film, or do you have to buy a certain one?
The 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent starter lens for a film camera. Used to be in the 1970s, that was standard gear.
Any 35mm film will work, but you buy film for a desired ISO speed, whether you want slides or prints, whether it is daylight or tungsten, and if it has a certain color balance you want to achieve.
Sounds like you're on your way to taking some great photos Amy! I highly recommend the Nikkor 50mm 1.8, cheap but very nice performance in a variety of situations. As you grow as a photographer, you'll buy many other lenses but you'll always have room in your bag for the 50/1.8!
Here are some photos that I've taken with my Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AIS:
It sounds like you should read a basic 35mm photography manual. If you are not aware of how the use of different types of film affect the final image, you can learn this with such a book as well as many many other essential points. Here is a manual on Amazon but you can really buy any one that you find convenient.
http://www.amazon.com/...584280301/
For starters, if you are purchasing this camera for photography class, you will likely be processing your own film at school and teachers use traditional b&w film for this. This type of film you can't buy at the grocery store but must get at camera shops. Your teacher will let you know what types of film they want you to use but a few examples are Kodak TMAX 100 or 400 and Kodak Tri-X 400. I also really enjoy Fuji Acros 100 if you can use that! If you're taking a class, also, you will probably have to buy a basic photography guide as a textbook.
If you are learning photography on your own, I'd suggest buying what is know as C41 process film. This can be processed at drug stores and 1 hour labs, very cheaply. For color, I suggest Kodak Gold 100, 200 or 400 or Fuji Superia 200 or 400. These films only cost $2-$3 a roll and are great just to get you started. If you'd like to shoot b&w but take the film to a 1 hour lab, Kodak BW400CN will be good, this is one of only two C41 process black and white films and is very nice.
Btw, I take my less important film to Target for affordable processing and scanning. Eventually, after you feel comfortable shooting, you may want to try using a local professional lab. They are much more expensive but the results are more consistent and higher quality. 1 hour labs are fine for learning to shoot with though, or just when you want to save a buck and don't need really high resolution scans or need absolutely perfect negatives.
I hope you enjoy your Nikon. Please feel free to email me with any questions at JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com
35mm and 50mm lenses are the two best options. For the F60 the AF 50mm f1.8 D is a cheap and readily available option. The AF 35mm f2.0 D is your 35mm option, they're less common and more expensive.
In terms of film, any 135 film with DX coding (automatic film speed detection) will work in the F60, this is because the F60 does not permit manual setting of the ISO speed. Non DX coded films can be used, but you will need a DX code labels which need to be applied to the cannister. Essentially anything currently made by Kodak, Fujifilm and Ilford should be fine to use. Small run films like Adox and Efke should be avoided with the F60.