I would like to have a survey: Among the UHH members who started out using manual mode either by choice or because that was the only mode that was available at the time. How long did...

BebuLamar

Among the UHH members who started out using manual mode either by choice or because that was the only mode that was available at the time. How long did it take you to learn how to use it?
Among those who started out with one of the auto mode (full Auto, P, A or S) how long did it take you to learn how to use the camera in manual?
I am not Chris T but I can still ask survey question can I?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

BebuLamar wrote:

Among the UHH members who started out using manual mode either by choice or because that was the only mode that was available at the time. How long did it take you to learn how to use it?
Among those who started out with one of the auto mode (full Auto, P, A or S) how long did it take you to learn how to use the camera in manual?
I am not Chris T but I can still ask survey question can I?

My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic that I used in the Navy.
My first SLR was an Olympus OM-1.
It took me a while to learn the OM-1, I took a couple courses to help me on my way.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Since I use an evf, manual was as easy as using A or S mode.

Paulie Loc: NW IL

It was my choice about a year and half ago, I don't use M all the time, it's A or S quite often . I'm still learning and most likely always will be.
Basic knowledge of exposure triangle didn't take long to learn since there is plenty of useful information available online.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I use Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority and Program tools to save time and hassle, and, given the choice, I believe Ansel would have used them too. Well, maybe not, but there is no shame or stigma attached to using the tools that came with the camera.

kerry12 Loc: Harrisburg, Pa.

Honestly don't remember. I was about 12 or 13 and my dad had bought me an inexpensive twin lens reflex and he would take me out shooting and taught me how to use a light meter and set the shutter speed and aperture.

BebuLamar wrote:

Among the UHH members who started out using manual mode either by choice or because that was the only mode that was available at the time. How long did it take you to learn how to use it?
Among those who started out with one of the auto mode (full Auto, P, A or S) how long did it take you to learn how to use the camera in manual?
I am not Chris T but I can still ask survey question can I?

BDHender

I use manual for travel and general photography and have from the beginning. I started with a Nikon D7100. I use other modes when the task calls for it. For example, I do a significant amount of sports car racing and use shutter for much of the on track stuff.

BebuLamar

Thank you for all the responses. I would like to know how long it took you to learn how to use the camera in manual or you never use it in manual.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Not long at all. Probably, less than an hour. It took a bit longer to learn how to meter properly. However, that wasn't long either.
--Bob

BebuLamar wrote:

Among the UHH members who started out using manual mode either by choice or because that was the only mode that was available at the time. How long did it take you to learn how to use it?
Among those who started out with one of the auto mode (full Auto, P, A or S) how long did it take you to learn how to use the camera in manual?
I am not Chris T but I can still ask survey question can I?

fuminous Loc: Luling, LA... for now...

Like others here, "manual" was the only option- but my method might have been called, "shutter priority". I'd set the shutter speed- "ASA" was never changed unless the film was- and with a bit of dexterity, focus, compose and spin the aperture ring to match the exposure needle in the viewfinder... then trip the shutter. That's "shutter priority" isn't it? Don't recall ever turning the shutter knob- while looking through the viewfinder- to match the meter to aperture. If the aperture wasn't sufficient, then I'd drop the shutter speed two stops and try again. Didn't take long to learn... 'bout two rolls of bad exposures and I caught on pretty quick...

BebuLamar wrote:

Among the UHH members who started out using manual mode either by choice or because that was the only mode that was available at the time. How long did it take you to learn how to use it?
Among those who started out with one of the auto mode (full Auto, P, A or S) how long did it take you to learn how to use the camera in manual?
I am not Chris T but I can still ask survey question can I?

BebuLamar

fuminous wrote:

Like others here, "manual" was the only ... (show quote)

How long did it take you to do that? I guess not long.

promfh Loc: Redwood City, CA, USA

Since I started taking pictures in the early 50's I learned manual mode rather quickly. I first used "sunny 16" and soon got hold of a TLR with a built in light meter. My first serious instruction was about age 13 when the camera shop I would hang out at hooked me up with an older pro photographer who needed someone to carry his gear around. I traded labor for lessons for a couple of years. He thought it was important that I learn a lot of historical photo processes so I got a pretty good grounding in "the basics". I'm probably one of the few folks around who still knows how to shoot with flash powder and glass plates just because Mr. Larche made me learn about it. I'm still trying to figure out where a Nikon sync cable plugs into the flash pan. =:)

BebuLamar

rjaywallace wrote:

I use Aperture-Priority, Shutter-Priority and Program tools to save time and hassle, and, given the choice, I believe Ansel would have used them too. Well, maybe not, but there is no shame or stigma attached to using the tools that came with the camera.

I take it that you don't use manual?

BebuLamar

BDHender wrote:

I use manual for travel and general photography and have from the beginning. I started with a Nikon D7100. I use other modes when the task calls for it. For example, I do a significant amount of sports car racing and use shutter for much of the on track stuff.

Did you started using manual first? How long did it take you?

Paulie Loc: NW IL

BebuLamar wrote:

Thank you for all the responses. I would like to know how long it took you to learn how to use the camera in manual or you never use it in manual.

I'd say a few test shots with each setting, can't tell you exactly how many, but every time I learned something new I immediately had to try it and see what kind of situations is it good for.
Being able to use that knowledge in later real life is another thing, because sometimes one simply forgets to switch from one setting to another. Sometimes it's a trial&error so I take a lot of pictures just to be safe. TG we don't have to think how many frames we have left...