My pictures came out too dark. What caused that?

There are two possible reasons your pictures are too dark. The film was underexposed and the resulting print looks dark due to low contrast in the negative and print. There are a number of factors that can contribute to underexposed pictures: Wrong film type: All films are rated by ISO number; the higher the ISO number, the more quickly the film will absorb light. Scotch™ 200 and 400 Print Films and Scotch 400 Slide Film offer greater latitude in outdoor low light settings. For indoor shots without a flash or filter, try Scotch 640T Color Slide Film. Chart of 3M Color Films Film Speed Prints Slides 3M 35mm Daylight Films (outdoor daylight balanced; indoor lighting use filter or flash) ISO 100 3M 100 Print Film 3M Chrome 100 Slide Film ISO 200 3M 200 Print Film - ISO 400 3M 400 Print Film 3M Chrome 400 Slide Film 3M 35mm Tungsten Film (Color-balanced for indoor use) ISO 640T - 3M Chrome 640T Slide Film Flash required: In low light situations, a flash is usually required for exposure. Failure to use one will result in underexposed pictures. Long range use of flash: Each type of flash unit has its own limits of effectiveness as specified by the manufacturer. In order to increase the light on your subject, you may need to move in closer or purchase a flash unit with a longer effective range. Dead batteries: Every camera contains one or more batteries to power the various functions, including the light meter, auto-focus, flash and the automatic film advance. If these batteries are low or dead, the camera's performance will be severely impaired. Most drug stores and camera stores have facilities for testing your batteries. If in doubt, replace the batteries. It is also possible that the battery contacts in your camera may be dirty. Clean with a cotton swab and alcohol, if necessary. Fast shutter speed and/or high aperture setting: If the exposure shutter does not remain open long enough or the aperture does not open far enough, you will underexpose the film. (Mini-mum recommended shutter speed for hand-held shots is 1/60-second; for slower speeds, you should use a tripod or set the camera on a firm base.) The second possible cause is that the processing lab you used may have printed your pictures with too much density. If you suspect that this may be the reason, go back to your photofinishing outlet and discuss it with them to determine if reprinting the negative with less density will result in a better print.

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