Know how to use tripods with a professional camera lens

Tripods are essential when using professional film cameras. The camera must be still to aid in focusing, especially if you must focus manually. You must know the right type of tripod to place the camera on and how to position it correctly.

I recommend: Expert Village has a video tutorial on using tripods properly. Owner IQ offers manuals on several Sony tripod products. The Nikonians are a conglomerate of photography buffs who provide information on many Nikon film cameras and equipment, including what type of tripods you should use. Gary Stanley writes in Vivid Light Magazine on carbon fiber tripods and their advantages.

Use the right lens for film camera

Whether you're using still cameras or movie camera equipment, the lens means everything to whether the film will turn out. Knowing if you have the right lens especially important with filming camera equipment, since you can't discover the picture's quality until after processing.

I recommend: ACM Siggraph explains the more traditional techniques for film camera lenses, explaining shots, camera moves and angles. SLR Today goes into detail on lenses and their focal lengths, from wide-angle and telephoto to macro and apochromatic.

Learn to use a film lens on a digital camera

Many photographers feel that using film camera lenses on digital cameras can improve their digital pictures' quality. This all depends on the lens filter and how well it picks up the light.

I recommend: Chris' Camera Center suggests which film lenses may and may not work with digital SLR cameras along with times when using them isn't a good idea. Several members on Betterphoto.com discuss the benefits and best ways to use film lenses. The Online Photographer has a blog on whether or not film lenses work on digital cameras.