So I finally got a new camera using the advice from another thread....
 

I got a Pentax IQZ Zoom 130 M 35 mm. I shot a test roll of Black & White film. I commented in my earlier thread how my APS took a lot of blurry pics- it happened again! What seemed to come out blurry were panaramic pics which I had zoomed in on. Actually, many of the zooms came out blurry! Any tips as I (hopefully) leave this week for Italy.

by the way- is 800 speed film recommended? Or just stick with the 400?

Set the camara down on something sturdy, zoom in on anything, then set the timer and let it take the photo. If that picture comes back sharp, then the problem is you not holding the camera steady enough. <BR><BR>Personally I try to avoid the higher speed films like 400 on up. I don't think they have nearly as fine a quality as the 100 speed film.

I am not sure about this, but I think someone said that the 800 film should not be used in bright sunshine. Check the box when you buy film and it tells you what the speed is best for.

Indytraveler may be right about quality, but using 100 ASA film cuts down on your flexibility, e.g., great on a sunny day, but not so great on a cloudy day. It's tradeoff. I've found 200 and 400 much more practical.

I know you are not supposed to use 800 for everything, but I have been lately, and it has worked great, especially for pictures taken with a zoom lense. I used the Kodak 800 gold. Now, the caveat is that I rarely go anywhere sunny....

800 ISO film exsists only for use in dark conditions and by nature produces more blurry photos. You sacrifice quality for the ablity to get an image in low light. 200 ISO is the best film overall for traveling. I can't believe you even found 800 in a store.

jor, I seriously question some of your comments. First of all, 800 film can produce excellent results even when used in non-dark situations. And, where do get the idea that 800 film is hard to find? It's readily available nearly everywhere!

If the blur occurs more when you are using the zoom it is most likely camera shake. Remember to squeeze the shutter, not push it. A tripod is an excellent idea.<BR>The main variable for film selection is the amount of light needed to properly expose the film. (ASA or DIN) Slower film = finer grain, more exposure needed; faster film = coarser grain less exposure needed. <BR>Exposure is a combination of shutter speed and aperature. A wider aperature (bigger opening) reduces the depth of field (more fuzzy) and a smaller aperature increases the depth of field (sharper). Vary the aperature for things which are not moving. If your subject is moving make the shutter speed your primary consideration for the exposure.<BR>I use ASA 200 for general purpose but I also carry ASA 100, 400, 800 and 1000 for special situations.

Howard, Jor has it right. Yes you are only more technical about it. We are not pros like you, and don't want to be. I also have never used 800 film and have never known of anyone else using it.

I regularly use a 28mm to 210mm zoom lens with no problem, no blurs at 210 with no tripod. Film speed usually is 400 ASA. If AP6380 is not a novice photographer, I would tend to attribute the problem to the lens.

One more thing about 800 film. I seem to recall that 800 or higher is definitely vulnerable to those x-ray machines at the airports.

Whoa, let's clear up a few misconceptions!<BR>First, thanks, wernr, but I am hardly a pro! I do not own an expensive camera or equipment. I attribute any success I've had as a photographer to a good eye, rather than an expensive camera.<BR>Second, in response to julies, 800 film is safe in your carryon luggage. I believe the danger to that xray exposure starts at 1000 or just over 1000. 800 film is safe in your carryon. I've done it many times.<BR>Third, 800 film is indeed generally available where I live--Target, Sam's BJ's and, of course, camera stores, just to mention a few.<BR>I generally use 200 or 400 for &quot;normal&quot; picture taking. When we went to Paris last year, I borrowed a camera, so that I could take indoor and night shots with one (using 800 film) and outdoor shots with the other (using 200 or 400). It worked out perfectly, and I've been doing it that way ever since! It was really the first time I had used 800 film and I was delighted with the results. My indoor shots in the Louvre and d'Orsay Museums came out great, as did a couple of the Eiffel Tower all lit up at night.