f-stop and aperature chart?

Question

does anyone have a chart to help me setting my f-stop and aperature right? if you do id appreciate it.

Answer 1

If you are having a problem with figuring out your aperture and shutter speed here is a simple rule that is taught in every introduction photo class. The rule is often refered to as the sunny 16 rule and it basically goes like this, "on a bright sunny day, set your aperture to f16 and set your shutter speed to the number nearest to the reciprocal ISO of your film. For example, you are shooting on a sunny day and using 100 iso film, so set your aperture to f16 and your shutter speed to 125 which is the closest number to your ISO. You can read more about the sunny 16 rule on this site. Anyhow, it sounds like your camera doesnt have a built in light meter, my suggestion is that if you really want to get the right exposure, dont use these chart, or exposure calculators which you can find at most professional photo stores, instead invest in a handheld light meter. You can get a nice used one at keh.com...really it is an important thing to have if you want accurate exposures.

Answer 2

A good, not really expensive, hand held light meter will be your chart. The above answer is a bit simplistic. The light intensity and even the color temperature of the light changes throughout the day. A rule of thumb on a very sunny day without clouds is what is called the "rule of 16". You can set your camera at f 16 and then set your speed at the closest thing to 1 over the ASA that you can get. If your film speed is 400, you can shoot at 1/500, if your film speed is 200, you can shoot at 1/250. However hedge your bets and bracket your shots if it is a picture you wold dearly love to have, raise and lower either (but not both) the shutter speed or the f stop

Answer 3

If you are using film, the charts should come in or on the package. basic exposure in sunlight for ASA 200 film is f8 at 1/100 sec. Most film now is ASA 400 so go to f16. Current high end cameras have auto exposure so you can set either f stop or shutter priority and the camera adjusts.
If you are using an older camera, you could use an exposure meter or look up exposure chart in Google. GOOD LUCK!