On a bright cloudy day with no shadows, which aperture setting is recommended and how should it relate to film speed?

On a bright cloudy day with no shadows, a mid-range aperture setting such as f/8 is often recommended because it strikes a balance between depth of field and exposure. This setting allows for a good amount of light to enter the camera, which is suitable for the overcast conditions where light is more diffused.

Using f/8 also aids in achieving a sharper image across a wider plane, which can be particularly beneficial in landscape photography where you want both the foreground and background to be in focus.

In terms of film speed, if you're shooting with a slower film (higher ISO), a moderately open aperture like f/8 helps ensure that the exposure is sufficient without being overly bright, preventing highlights from being blown out. Conversely, if you're using a faster film (lower ISO), the aperture can still accommodate the amount of light available on a bright cloudy day without risking underexposure.

This aperture setting provides flexibility and works well in conjunction with the type of film speed used, ensuring that pictures remain well-exposed without losing detail or suffering from the effects of too shallow or too deep a depth of field.