p30n ISO control?

Hi all, if I am correct in that the p30n has no camera ISO control, how do you alter ISO? Is it down to film choice?

Deryn

For many years, film canisters have had DX Coding, used by the camera to set the correct ISO/ASA/DIN film speed.

If you cove those silvery code marks with masking tape you usually have an alternative method of setting the film speed.

I have no experience of your camera, you'll need to check the manual to find out how to change it but there's usually a dial somewhere.

EDIT: According to the P30 & P30T manuals, the only non-DX coded film that can be used is ISO 100, there is no facility to change it.

The camera reads the dx coding on the film canister and sets itself automatically. Advantage - you'll never leave the camera on the wrong ISO by mistake. Disadvantages - if you load your own film canisters from a bulk spool, or want to shoot at an ISO other than the one your film is rated at, you'll need to purchase dx coding labels.

Hi and thanks guys, BUT, I havn't got a clue what all that means!?

I go to the shop and buy a roll of film, is that the canister?
What is a bulk spool?
How does a manual film camera 'read' a DX coding?
DX coding labels - and do what with them?

Deryn

Hi Deryn,

For info on DX coding: link

Yes the roll of film is the canister (or cassette).

The left hand side of the camera back will have a row of electrical contacts. These are used to read the DX code - black/silver pattern of squares on the canister (almost all boxed film will have one). This sets the camera to the correct ISO for the film. All you have to do is load the film and the camera does the rest.

Some films are available in a long spool instead of a 24 or 36 exposure roll. You need to load this (in darkness) into re-loadable canisters to use in the camera. Spools are much cheaper (because you buy in bulk) than buying individual canisters, but not necessary.

DX coding stickers used to be used to change the ISO of the film or for rolls that weren't coded to override the original DX coding. They covered the original code on the roll and work in the same way.

You don't need to worry about it until you're more experienced with film, simply loading the film will set the right ISO.

John.

Thanks, that brings me up to speed now.

I probably have an antiquated view of SLR's as it really surprises me to hear about 'electrical contacts' e.t.c.

Deryn

DX coding labels can be made with paper, tin foil and glue, it's easy. However, this is only if you want to shoot the film at anything other than it's stated speed. Most people will usually shoot at a film's nominal speed.

Peter is quite correct, the P30 automatically sets ISO to 100 if non DX coded films are used, however this can be compensated for by shooting in manual and deliberately under or over exposing for higher or lower film speeds.

Basically, just buy a film, put it in the camera and don't worry!

The camera will set itself to the correct settings.

You only need to worry when you start filling your own film cartridges, I'd stick to the shop for the time being.

And there's a manual HERE for your camera, it says P3n, that was the US designation.

Maybe I should start selling my home-made DX stickers, a lot of people seem to worry about this when they have a P30...