how to set Aperture on 40D

I have a 40D that I was given as a gift...I am a very rookie photographer,

getting more into it. I have the camera on "M" and can set the ISO and Shutter

speed, but cant figure out how to set the aperture (f-stop)?

Thanks

You might want to find a copy of the manual , and as I do not have this camera I can't tell you for sure, but I believe you rotate the horizontal wheel directly under the shutter button. You can usually change this to the wheel on the back in custom functions. I hope this helps.

Use the big wheel at the back, or the little wheel by the shutter release - just be sure that your power switch is in the position that's furthest away from off (the middle position disables the "big wheel at the back) (QCD) (Quick Control Dial)

 

Cheers,

 

Colin

You also need to enable the QCD on the power switch (2nd setting).

Hi Brent, Being a "very rookie photographer" as you say, I would advise you to start either in aperture priority mode (AV) or shutter pri (TV). I think you will have more fun and learn more at first trying to keep it simple. When I first started, I tried shooting in manual mode and just got frustrated. I'm not saying that it can't be done by a "rookie photographer" but I've always felt like I should take it slow and learn as much as I can about the simple stuff first.

Thanks this worked (QCD wheel with pwr switch in 2nd pos, dont know why the QCD wheel doesnt work with pwr in the 1st "on" position). One more question.

My lens is a 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 but when I got adjust the f-stop on the camera it goes all the way down to 3.5 and up to 22. I am assuming it only maxes at 5.6 regardless if you set it higher on the camera?

Your specific question should be answerable in the manual but beyond that ... You have a reasonably sophisticated camera and what sounds like very little photo knowledge or experience. There's nothing wrong with that, everyone has to start somewhere but you are learning to drive in the equivalent of a racing car with a manual transmission.

 

Do continue playing, experimenting, but at some point read a book, start with the manual though much of it will make little sense, take a photo course at your local community college, learn the basics, it will pay off in the end.

 

Good luck.

 

Eric

Brent,

 

I'm not trying to be harsh... Please read the manual. Your camera is an expensive and complex device, and should only be operated after at LEAST reading the quick-start card or similar item.

 

As per the 3.5-5.6 f/stop question... Read these:

http://theonlinephotographer.blogspot.com/2005/12/variable-aperture-zooms-fear-no-longer.html

http://planetneil.com/tangents/exposure-metering/variable-aperture-lenses/

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Mr0Q

yea I have read it...I think the problem is understanding some of the terms (photographic terms) that arent explained in the manual. I am off to get a basic photography book this week.

May I recommend this one:

 

http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/nat_geo_guide_review.htm

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/

Hey Brent

 

One thing I have learned about many things including photography is that you will have some who will just tell you to read a manual or go to the library and feel this will help you. For some it may but for others who are just learning ... the manual is no help to fully understand the ins and outs of your camera or how to take full control of your photography.

 

My advice to you, because I am also still learning some of the basics, is to start from point A and slowly work your way into this as was stated above about using other modes first before going into FULL manual. A very helpful book that will help you understand not only aperture, exposure, lighting, shutter speeds etc .. is Basic Photography from Focal Press (Langford). http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Photography-Seventh-Michael-Langford/dp/0240515927

 

This is the link and i'm sure you can find it just about anywhere and I recommend it. I have it and have read it and still use it to look back on and some of it may be hard to grasp at first but i'm sure you will do fine and learn tons.

 

Also don't stop asking questions because some may not give the best answers but there is also no "dumb" question. Just happens that a few people think they know it all and don't have time to explain it over and over to rookies. Not realizing they were once in the same position!

 

Good luck.

Totally agree Jay. I am also a novice and I dont want to ask the basic questions because people say "read the manual", I read the manual and was left with many more questions.

 

I rely soley on the internet (and this site in particular) because being in a remote area I dont have access to a local college, other photographers, a library etc. To buy books I need to wait 3 weeks for for delivery if they are in stock, I ramble on.

 

For some people the internet can be one of a very few resources (which makes it a wonderful thing). It would take some people as long to type do this and that and answer the question as it would to type "read the manual"

 

Dont get me wrong most people are very understanding.

 

GH

Hi Brent, You might also try shooting in "Av" mode instead of "M" (Manual). This lets you set the aperture you want using your index finger and the dial next to the shutter button. The camera then figures out the appropriate shutter speed for the aperture you select. You can then use the big dial on the back (usually with your thumb) to dial in plus or minus exposure compensation depending on whether you'd like the shot "lit up" a bit more or less. Good luck!

Hi Brent, Congrad on the new camera. It's a very good camera & lens combination you have there, I hope you enjoy them. Having that camera right now to you is like learning to drive using a Corvette with a manual transmission. It's challenging because it's more complicated, but it's fun! Keep reading the manual, search online for what you don't understand. The manual shows you the functions that your camera has to offer, and the internet explain those functions and show you how to apply them to your work. Good luck and enjoy your new toys.

 

Check out these links, they explain to you about Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/shutteraper

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/drive-your-camera.htmture.htm

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/Exposure-Basics.aspx

Brent Atkinson,

 

I certainly meant no offense, nor did I intend to demean you.

 

The fact that you demonstrated a knowledge of the required terminology for the task (as per the manual), I assumed that you simply hadn't read the manual. Everybody makes mistakes.

 

 

Jay Landry/George Harris,

Please read the above.

BTW,

 

I had a "read the manual" moment the other day. I was forgetting an important step in setting up my Pacemaker Speed. I read right past the part telling me what to do at least four times.

<p>isnt that what the photo forums are for? to ask a quick question? i get so annoyed with 'read he manual' responses. true you should read it, but if you have a quick question then ask</p>