K1000 Star Trails

csacco · 07-30-2011, 01:50 PM

So i just purchased an old K1000 on ebay and am pretty eager to try and see if i can can get some nice star trails. I am new to 35mm photography, although i am relatively familiar with basic camera functions, but i was wondering if anyone had successfully done startrails with a K1000, and if so what film/settings/exposure time did you find worked best. I did get a shutter release cable too so i am set for that. Thanks a ton

aurele · 07-30-2011, 02:22 PM

i never done starstrails with a SLR, only with DSLR.

But, i do know that film exposure at 1/2 sec and more (1s, 5s, 10s, etc ...) require to over-expose the film exponentially.

So, for a Ilford delta 400 iso, if you use your SLR metering, and you have a couple like f8, 10 sec. You will need to expose your film 30sec, to get the right aperture. And the more your SLR ask a lot of second, the more you will have to over-expose.
( see, page 2 -> http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2010628953322222.pdf

For more information, choose a film, then go on the website of the maker, and go into data sheets, or specifications, and you'll find all those data.

To finish, a release cable is absolutely necessary to get good result.

BillM · 07-30-2011, 03:21 PM

Here's a couple links Csacco,
first is a chap that speaks mostly of film...requisite equipment and technique.
Your K1000 fills the bill nicely in that respect.

Photography techniques: Star trail photography

This is one pic out of thousands available from NASA,have a look and enjoy,
Its done on digital,employing stacking technique,you'll be hypnotized.
If you back link through,be overwhelmed
at info that relates to film and more great looking pics.
Not brand specific,no hype.Lots of great info and pics

APOD: 2010 October 29 - Star Trails and the Captain's Ghost

csacco · 07-30-2011, 04:52 PM

Awesome, thanks a ton

Wolzal · 07-30-2011, 11:32 PM

Took this with my Spotmatic II with a 28mm Vivitar wide angle lens on some standard store bought Kodak 400 film. Probably a 15-20 minute exposure, its actually from my first roll when I stupidly didn't write anything down, so I'm not 100% sure of the settings. This is pretty much the key, experiment with wide apertures and different exposure times to figure out what works and what doesn't. Write it all down for future reference.

I also used that weatherscapes site as a reference.

I haven't found a cable release though, I've just been using a rubber band.

BillM · 07-31-2011, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by Wolzal

been using a rubbing band

Works out nicely in a 'pinch' Wolzal.Did same on ME super way back when,
had to stick a marbel underneath,shutterbutton is configured little different
than K1000 or your spoty.Great looking pic too,bet you were happy about that one.
Did some on B/W years ago,nothing to brag about.Lotta fun doing it.
Try to find and scan.

07-30-2011, 01:50 PM	#1
csacco New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: United States Posts: 2	K1000 Star Trails So i just purchased an old K1000 on ebay and am pretty eager to try and see if i can can get some nice star trails. I am new to 35mm photography, although i am relatively familiar with basic camera functions, but i was wondering if anyone had successfully done startrails with a K1000, and if so what film/settings/exposure time did you find worked best. I did get a shutter release cable too so i am set for that. Thanks a ton

07-30-2011, 11:32 PM	#5
Wolzal New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 5	Took this with my Spotmatic II with a 28mm Vivitar wide angle lens on some standard store bought Kodak 400 film. Probably a 15-20 minute exposure, its actually from my first roll when I stupidly didn't write anything down, so I'm not 100% sure of the settings. This is pretty much the key, experiment with wide apertures and different exposure times to figure out what works and what doesn't. Write it all down for future reference. I also used that weatherscapes site as a reference. I haven't found a cable release though, I've just been using a rubber band. Last edited by Wolzal; 07-31-2011 at 05:48 PM.

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07-30-2011, 02:22 PM	#2
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	i never done starstrails with a SLR, only with DSLR. But, i do know that film exposure at 1/2 sec and more (1s, 5s, 10s, etc ...) require to over-expose the film exponentially. So, for a Ilford delta 400 iso, if you use your SLR metering, and you have a couple like f8, 10 sec. You will need to expose your film 30sec, to get the right aperture. And the more your SLR ask a lot of second, the more you will have to over-expose. ( see, page 2 -> http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2010628953322222.pdf For more information, choose a film, then go on the website of the maker, and go into data sheets, or specifications, and you'll find all those data. To finish, a release cable is absolutely necessary to get good result.

07-30-2011, 03:21 PM	#3
BillM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ferguson, Mo. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,348	Here's a couple links Csacco, first is a chap that speaks mostly of film...requisite equipment and technique. Your K1000 fills the bill nicely in that respect. Photography techniques: Star trail photography This is one pic out of thousands available from NASA,have a look and enjoy, Its done on digital,employing stacking technique,you'll be hypnotized. If you back link through,be overwhelmed at info that relates to film and more great looking pics. Not brand specific,no hype.Lots of great info and pics APOD: 2010 October 29 - Star Trails and the Captain's Ghost

07-30-2011, 04:52 PM	#4
csacco New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: United States Posts: 2 Original Poster	Awesome, thanks a ton

07-31-2011, 10:32 AM	#6
BillM Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ferguson, Mo. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,348	Originally posted by Wolzal been using a rubbing band Works out nicely in a 'pinch' Wolzal.Did same on ME super way back when, had to stick a marbel underneath,shutterbutton is configured little different than K1000 or your spoty.Great looking pic too,bet you were happy about that one. Did some on B/W years ago,nothing to brag about.Lotta fun doing it. Try to find and scan.