some questions on the natura f1.9 black camera

[haagen_dazs]

hi all
i just acquired a natura f1.9 black camera
i am trying to get used to it but have some questions.
i know there are are alot of information when i search but just wanted to run my thoughts on some things

1) everytime i turn of the camera, it doesnt save the settings eg no flash,
can the settings be saved? or do they always default to AUTO

2) what is the difference between NO FLASH and NIGHT mode ?!?

3) what is the AF with a "mountain" icon suppose to do? (3rd item in the menu settings)

4) i understand that loading the camera with a natura1600 will allow something special to happen ...
was it that the camera will not fire the flash at all?
or was it that the camera will always add a +2 exposure to the settings?

i just ran a roll of natura through it but it seems to me that its underexposed in dim lighting... leading me to believe that it did not automatically +2 for me.

5) this camera doesnt do that half press focus concept that i am used to (in SLR systems)
however i aim the center point at my subject, half depress the shutter (though there isnt any sound indicated it registered my choice of subject to be in focus) and recompose and shoot

how do users like you ensure that you get your subjects in focus?

 

[noughtme]

1) everytime i turn of the camera, it doesnt save the settings eg no flash, can the settings be saved? or do they always default to AUTO

unfortunately that is a shortcoming of the camera. settings are not saved. there is a hack to get the flash to default to off. you can scrape off part of the dx label on 400 ISO film, making the camera think that it's 1600, thereby putting it into Natura Mode. the flash will default to off, the shutter is limited to 1/45, and the +2 exposure compensation will cancel itself out. (if you still want + exposure compensation, you'll have to trick the camera by putting an ND gel over the light sensor)

http://homepage2.nifty.com/vasolza/NATURA.htm
(use google translator or babelfish)

2) what is the difference between NO FLASH and NIGHT mode ?!?

NO FLASH is simply, no flash. NIGHT mode is basically slow flash sync, allowing the camera to expose for ambient light.

3) what is the AF with a "mountain" icon suppose to do?

the mountain icon locks the focus to infinity - useful for shooting through windows.

4) natura mode:

when you load 1600 film the camera defaults to no flash, limits lowest shutter speed to 1/45 and adds +2 exposure compensation

5)focus

the camera does focus lock when you half depress the button (green LED beside viewfinder lights up, flashes if you're trying to focus too close), it just doesn't prefocus.

like any point and shoot, i've found focus to be a little hit or miss, especially at close range if you're trying to lock onto something small. overall though, i find the natura black to be a perfect take-everywhere camera that is always in my bag.