How to use a Canon T50 35mm camera

Analog photography is experiencing a sort of renaissance, with more and more enthusiasts approaching this world to discover the charm of film and old cameras. Among the most popular 35 mm cameras is the Canon T50, a model introduced on the market in the '80s that still represents an excellent choice for those who want to start exploring the world of analog photography.

In this article, we will see how to make the best use of the Canon T50, from focusing to choosing the type of film to use. We will also discover some tricks and tips for getting truly special photos.

How does the Canon T50 work?

The Canon T50 is a fully automatic reflex camera, which means that most of the settings are managed automatically by the machine itself. This makes the T50 very easy to use even for those without experience with analog cameras.

However, there are some settings that can be manually adjusted for better results. For example, it is possible to select the shutter speed or choose the desired focusing point.

What do you need to use the Canon T50?

To use the Canon T50 you need a 35 mm film, available in various types and sensitivities. Additionally, it is advisable to have a tripod to avoid blur in photos taken with long exposure times.

You can also use interchangeable lenses on the Canon T50, but the base model comes with a 50mm f/1.8 lens that is a good choice for most photographic situations.

• Note: The Canon T50 uses AA alkaline batteries for power, so it's always good to have some spares on hand.

Getting to know the Canon T50 camera

The Canon T50 camera is a 35mm film reflex introduced on the market in 1983. It was designed to be easy to use even for beginners, but still offers many advanced features.

Main features

• Automatic exposure sensor: The Canon T50 has an automatic exposure sensor that intelligently adjusts the exposure of the photograph based on the available light in the environment. This makes the camera ideal for taking photos in different lighting conditions.
• Manual focusing system: The camera has a manual focusing system that allows you to select the part of the image you want to focus on. This is particularly useful when creating special effects such as bokeh or when taking macro photos.
• Automatic aperture: The Canon T50 has an automatic aperture that adjusts the amount of light entering the camera based on lens settings. This means you don't have to worry too much about aperture settings and can focus on composing your image.

Shooting modes

The Canon T50 offers different shooting modes to help you achieve your desired results:

• Program Auto: This mode is ideal for beginners as the camera takes care of all the settings, allowing you to focus on composing the image.
• Manual: The manual mode allows you to have complete control over all camera settings, including exposure time and lens aperture. This mode is suitable for more experienced users who want total control over their photographs.
• Self-timer delay: The camera also has a self-timer function with a delay, which allows you to take photos with a short delay after pressing the shutter button. This can be useful when you want to appear in your own photos or when you want to avoid camera movement during the shot.

In summary, the Canon T50 camera is a versatile and stylish camera that offers many advanced features but at the same time is easy to use even for beginners. Knowing its characteristics and modes will help you make the most of this camera's potential.

Setting Exposure

Correct exposure is essential for getting a good photo. The Canon T50 35mm camera has an automatic exposure system that chooses the combination of aperture and shutter speed for you, but you can also set it manually.

Exposure Modes

The Canon T50's automatic exposure mode is called Program AE. In this mode, the camera chooses the combination of aperture and shutter speed based on the brightness of the scene. If you want more control over exposure, you can switch to Manual mode, where you can set the aperture and shutter speed yourself.

Exposure Metering

The Canon T50 has a center-weighted exposure metering system. This means that the camera measures the light coming from the center of the scene and calculates the exposure based on that. This can be useful if you have a subject in the center of the scene that you want to expose correctly.

White Balance

White balance is important to ensure that colors in your photo are true to life. The Canon T50 has several preset options for white balance, such as Daylight, Shade, and Tungsten. You can also set it manually using a white card as a reference.

Exposure Compensation

In some situations, the camera may not choose the correct exposure. For example, if you have a very bright or very dark subject in your scene, the camera may get the exposure wrong. In these cases, you can use exposure compensation to increase or decrease exposure by one or two stops. This allows you to get a well-exposed photo even in difficult situations.

• Example: If you're shooting a subject in backlight, the camera may underexpose the photo because it sees a lot of light coming from the background. In this case, you can use exposure compensation to increase the exposure by one or two stops and get a well-exposed photo of your subject.

Choosing the Right Film

When using a Canon T50 35mm camera, choosing the right film is essential for getting quality results. Here are some factors to consider:

ISO

ISO represents the sensitivity of the film to light. The higher the ISO number, the greater the sensitivity and therefore you can take photos in low light conditions without having to use a flash or fear that the images will be too dark.

However, a high ISO film can have a negative effect on image quality as it increases noise and decreases sharpness. Generally speaking, if you're shooting outdoors during the day, you can use a low ISO film (100-200). If you're shooting indoors or in low light conditions, you can opt for a higher ISO film (400-800).

Color vs Black and White

Depending on the style and effect you want to achieve, you can choose between color or black and white films. Color films are ideal for capturing vibrant landscapes or realistic portraits. Black and white films can give your photos a vintage or artistic look.

Type of Film

There are different types of films, each with its own characteristics. For example:

• Color negative film: is the most common film and is used for most photographic situations.
• Color slide film: has a wider dynamic range and produces sharper and brighter images than negative film. However, it requires more precision in exposure and focus.
• Black and white film: offers richer and deeper tones than color films. It's ideal for taking artistic photos or moody portraits.

Choosing the right type of film depends on your photographic style and the conditions in which you shoot your photos. If you're a beginner, you can try different options to see which works best for you.

Shooting with the Canon T50

The Canon T50 is a very versatile 35mm camera that allows you to take photos in different situations. Here are some tips for getting the best results:

Choose the Right Film

First of all, make sure to choose the right film for your needs. If you want to take photos indoors or in low light conditions, opt for a high ISO sensitivity film such as an 800 or 1600. If instead you want to shoot outdoors in natural light conditions, you can use a low ISO sensitivity film like a 100 or 200.

Set the shutter speed

The Canon T50 allows you to manually set the shutter speed. The general rule is to use a speed equal to the focal length of your lens. For example, if you are using a 50mm lens, you should set the shutter speed to 1/50s. This way you will avoid blurry photos.

Choose the aperture

The aperture determines how much light enters the camera and also affects the depth of field in your photo. A large aperture (small f-number) creates a blurred background while a small aperture (large f-number) keeps everything in focus. Experiment with different apertures to achieve the desired effect.

Use the flash

If you are shooting indoors or in low-light conditions, use the built-in flash of the Canon T50 to illuminate the scene. Make sure you are close enough to the subject to prevent the flash from dispersing too much light and do not use it when you are too far away from the subject.

Experiment with lenses

The Canon T50 is compatible with a wide range of Canon FD lenses, so experiment with different focal lengths to achieve different effects. For example, a wide-angle lens allows you to capture more elements in your photo while a telephoto lens allows you to get closer to your subject.

• Remember to keep the camera stable during shooting to avoid blurry photos;
• Choose the right format (horizontal or vertical) based on the object being photographed;
• Do not be afraid to experiment and try new things!

In summary, follow these simple tips and you will be able to take fantastic photos with your Canon T50. Remember to choose the right film, set the shutter speed and aperture appropriately, use the flash when necessary, and experiment with lenses to achieve different effects.