How do I take pictures indoor with Pentax K1000 camera?

Hi, I'm a beginner photographer. I recently bought a Pentax K1000 and have had a lot of luck with the camera when taking pictures outdoors. Although, I can't figure out how to get them to come out clear when taking pictures indoors without a lot of light. My teacher told me to meter off of the subjects face, but I didn't really understand what she meant. Any tips? I'm using TMax 400 speed film. Was wondering if I should get a higher or lower speed perhaps. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The 400 speed film could be your problem. It will always be grainy simply because of its speed. The best way to take indoors pictures is with a lower speed film and a good light source. (BTW, I had a Pentax K1000 and it was my favorite camera of all time but it was destroyed in a fire).

TMax 400 is a relatively sensitive film. Anything faster would produce too much grain. First I suspect that you are not using a flash. Second, metering off the subject simply means that if you are taking a shot of someone/thing that has a light source behind it (a window) move right up to the subject and meter read.

As you have probably learned, correct exposure is the combination of expore time (shutter speed) and aperture. Indoors, no flash, you will a fairly large shutter speed, but since it is hard to hold a camera steady when the shutter spead is leass than 1/60th, try not to go slower. (unless the subject is a still life and you have a tripod and cable release)

So, basically, set the camera to 1/60th and try to get the aperture as large as possible f8 or 5.6

Unless your shutter speed is 1/125 or faster, you'll get blurry pics from camera shake and subject movement.

Here are your options:

- Use a tripod (still won't stop subject movement)
- Use a flash
- Shoot at a higher ISO and push-process the film
- Get a faster lens (wider maximum aperture)

As for metering, meter off a dark grey surface (or use a grey card) just as you would outdoors.

Hope this helps.
V

Depending on your situation, there may not be enough available light indoors to expose 400 speed film.

Here's what your teacher meant: Put your camera right in front of your subject's face, and take a light reading. Use that lens opening/shutter speed combination when you stand back to take the picture.

If you're using a shutter speed slower than 1/30, your photos may come out blurry due to camera shake during the exposure. You can try any of the following:

Use a tripod
Use a flash
Use a higher speed film (not slower!)