Nikon f2 - Manual (Page 21)

HOLDING THE CAMERA
Camera shake is one of the most common causes of un­
sharp pictures, especially at slow shutter speeds. Learn
to hold the camera correctly and practice steady shutter
squeezing. The photos show the best ways to hold the
camera for sharp pictures.
Wrap the fingers of the right hand around the camera
body so that the index finger rests comfortably on the
shutter-release button and the thumb fits between the
camera body and the film-advance lever. Position the
camera so that the eye looks through the center of the
viewfinder. Cradle the camera in the left hand for addi­
tional support, with the left thumb and index finger
grasping the focusing ring. From this basic stance, the
camera can be properly supported and easily switched
from horizontal to vertical format shooting. Asa general
rule, the slowest shutter speed you should use with the
camera hand-held is equal to the reciprocal of the focal
length of the lens in use (e.g., for a 500mm lens, use
1/500 sec.; fora 105mm lens, use 1/125 sec.). However,
as the ability to hold the camera steady may vary with
each individual, we recommend that you experiment. In
general, the higher the selected shutter speed, the sharper
the picture.
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