8 THE HASSELBLAD MANUAL
reason why I like to suggest to all digital photographers to use the viewfi nder of the camera
to view the image rather than the Preview screen where you must hold the camera a foot
away from your eyes so you can see the image on the preview screen. This approach cannot
possibly provide a steady support for any camera and is a main reason for blurred pictures.
Consider handheld camera use also for selecting the best camera angle, even if you plan
to use a tripod for the fi nal picture. Move around the subject with the handheld camera: view
the scene or subject from every angle, from different distances, through different lenses; go
down on the ground and view it from below; and go as high as possible and look down. In
digital photography, evaluate the different composition on the Preview screen. Set up the tri-
pod, and place the camera on it only after you have exhausted all possibilities and have found
the most effective camera position.
Shutter Speeds and Apertures
To reduce the danger of camera motion blurring the picture, shutter speeds must be relatively
short. How short depends on many factors, including your own steadiness, your method of
holding the camera, the focal length of the lens on the camera, and whether it is windy or
calm. The longer the focal length, the shorter the recommended speed.
Based on an often seen suggestion, the shutter speed should not be longer than the
inverse of the focal length:
1
/
60
second for a 60 mm lens and
1
/
250
second for a 250 mm lens.
It is a good rule to follow in most situations. I have found, however, that I can use somewhat
longer speeds in many situations especially with the H cameras, and I have photographed at
1
/
30
and even
1
/
20
second with the 80 mm lens and have found the image sharpness completely
up to my expectations.
Handheld photography limits the choice of aperture, a drawback in many situations
indoors and outdoors. As shutter speeds must be short, the existing light may not be suffi -
cient to photograph at small apertures that provide the desired depth of fi eld. This is the main
reason I always carry a small tripod, even for outdoor photography, and use it often even in
bright sunlight. It allows me to use any desired aperture and shutter speed combination with
any lens and in practically any lighting situation.
Camera Grips and Handles
The H camera has a beautifully designed battery holder and motor drive that also serves as
an excellent grip for handheld photography in the horizontal or vertical format. Brackets or
grips can be attached to some V system camera models, but be aware that these accessories
do not ensure a steadier camera in handheld work. They make carrying the camera more con-
venient. Detachable motor winders can make a good support for handheld work but they are
not designed for carrying the camera between shots.
Reasons for Using a Tripod
Camera steadiness is only one reason for using a tripod. With a mounted camera, you prob-
ably spend more time in evaluating the image and are more critical in composing the scene
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