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Question: How to set lense speed on Nikon D40
I have a Nikon D40 and I've been told to set my lense speed to certain fractions (1/60!.!.!.etc etc)!. First of all!.!.!.how do I set my lense speed!? I have the standard lense that came with the camera - 18mm-55mm!. What do the numbers in the fraction mean (1/60 and so on)!? Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
They have already told you how to do that in your camera ( Tortuga Tom 's answer ) !.You can read what the shutter speed is in the viewfinder or on the back LCD!. Fast shutter speeds let in less light so need larger aperatures for the same shot than a slower shutter speed would!. Faster shutter speeds will stop action without blurring!. So ask yourself first what do you want to do with the picture/ If you want to catch action on a moving pictures use shutter speed priority or flexible progam and set the shutter speed!. If you want to control depth of field then choose aperture priority or flexible program and set the aperature!.

I would add a suggestion that you get the magic lantern book on the Nikon D40 by Simon Stafford!. It does a great job of putting the stuff in the manual in step by step format and it has quick reference cards in the back of it that you can stick in your camera bag or use a thin wire tie to attach to you camera strap for quick reference while you are learning the cameras controls and functions

And yes though some will make smart comments when you ask questions on here they too were beginners once that did not know the answers!. So the only dumb question is the one you do not askWww@QuestionHome@Com

You mean the shutter speed!. In Shutter Priority and Manual mode, use the jog wheel (that little black wheel where your thumb rests)!. The fractions of which you speak are the shutter speeds!. In Auto, Program, and Aperture Priority, shutter speed is set automatically!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Shutter speeds are expressed in fractions of a second!. 1/60 means 1/60 of a second!. These speeds can typically be set anywhere from 30 seconds to 1/4000 of a second!. I cannot take the time trying to explain WHY you need certain shutter speeds for certain situations, as well various f stops on your lens!. You obviously need to sit down and read your camera manual and / or get some books on basic photography!. You are going to be totally wasting your time and money on your camera if you do not increase your knowledge far beyond what it obviously is now!.

EDIT!.!. In answer to your "additional details", yes, everyone has to start out as a beginner, but no one can teach you photography here in a few sentences in one of these text boxes!. You will NEVER get anywhere asking such basic questions here!. Even a beginner has to make an effort to help themselves!. From your question, it appears you have not so much as opened the manual that came with your camera!. Study up on the basics, then if you still need some clarity on some things, we can help!. But this is not a forum that can teach you what you need to know from the ground up!. It is amazing what a person can teach themselves if they really want to!.

Sorry, I did not mean to sound harsh to you, but I have dealt with so many people who will not make any effort to help themselves and put a good camera to total waste because they do not want to be bothered to learn to use it correctly!. Just the fact that you are asking your question though at least shows you have a desire to do more than just put the camera in AUTO and "use" it as an expensive point and shoot!. For that I commend you!

No hard feelings!. Take care!.

steveWww@QuestionHome@Com