Questions tagged [metering]

The means by which a camera automatically determines exposure settings such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO (sensitivity).

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Metering Mode Doesn't Effect RAW Files? What About The JPEG Preview?

[Sony A7R5] Ok, this is more about confirming what I think is true. I know that the metering mode doesn't make a difference to the RAW files when I'm shooting in manual because I'm setting ISO, ...
TRH's user avatar
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1 answer
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Is a ~2/3rds-stop delta between Olympus and Panasonic metering typical?

Moving from Olympus (OM-1) to Panasonic (S5-II), I'm finding that comparing the whole-scene metering modes (ESP on the OM-1, "multi-metering" on the Panasonic), the Panasonic tends to ...
Charles Duffy's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
397 views

Nikon D850 images are always underexposed

I have set my D850 to matrix metering and I shoot RAW only. When I review my images on the screen they look good in terms of exposure. I dont always check the histogram. However when I look at the ...
Arji's user avatar
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3 votes
4 answers
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How exactly does an incident light meter determine the exposure?

I am struggling to understand what is going on inside the logic of an incident light meter in order to determine the exposure as opposed to a reflective light meter. I understand that a reflective ...
Leo's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
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Is Evaluative metering exposing the scene to 18% gray?

An article I saw mentioned that evaluation metering calculates the average to decide how much light received would be considered as properly exposed. Only considering digital cameras, what is this ...
Amarth Gûl's user avatar
1 vote
3 answers
178 views

Why are dedicated light meters supposed to be independent on the sensor?

As I have understood by this question, an exposure value of a certain scenario cought from a digital sensor (CCD or CMOS) results from: the scenario luminance the sensor sensitivity the ISO, shutter ...
Kinka-Byo's user avatar
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3 answers
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Confused by a paragraph in the classic photography book Understanding Exposure explaining the limits of today's camera meters

In the classic photography book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson, on page 113 of the fourth edition of the book, the author writes that: [...] in addition to being confused by white and black,...
Brian Daniels's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
482 views

Why can't auto ISO be applied after the image was taken?

I shoot a lot of macro images with flash and custom light mods. Most often I set my camera to F/18 and 1/200 of a second with 1/4 flash power. Every time the light changes I need to adjust my ISO. I'...
Arji's user avatar
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1 vote
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Metering red lights in film photography

I’m a film user and I measured this using a sekonic L508 meter. The light is led continuous light reflected to the ceiling. Why is the face detail blown when I used the light meter? Does red light ...
sj.film's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
782 views

How would I manually compensate +1 stop on my light meter using the ISO setting?

I am new to film photography and just wanted to double check something I am confused about. So imagine I am using a fully manual film camera with an older light meter in the cold shoe. No exposure ...
Mr Smith's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
951 views

Why is S-Log2 exposed for correctly at 32% for middle gray

I though that when metering, cameras set the exposure so the average brightness in the scene is 18% gray or RGB(127,127,127). Then I read this article and am confused on this chart http://www.xdcam-...
J Bailey's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
395 views

Same manual camera settings under continuous light but some pictures are yellow and some are blue

I recently did a product photoshoot. After a few pictures, I noticed that some of the photos are warm coloured, some of them are cold. I have not touched the object, my camera was on a tripod, and I ...
Anikó Ficsor's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
568 views

Random EXIF data with same camera settings

I have a few problems with exposition with my Canon 70D: with same camera settings I get random EXIF data for focal lenght and aperture. This is the setup Table with white paper as white background....
Mario's user avatar
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2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Why is the subject too dark when using auto modes on Nikon D5600?

I have a problem with using automatic and semi-automatic modes. For example, I have "fairly optimal" light, in "A" mode I set the desired aperture value, let it be 2.8 and ISO 200, when I switch to ...
jano27's user avatar
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2 answers
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Is is possible/practical to adjust the Gost scale light meter on a Kiev 4M to work in ASA values?

I just received a Kiev 4M (Ukraine-built Contax II or Contax III variant made with repatriated equipment from the Zeiss factory). This is the version with a selenium (or silicon?) light meter on the ...
Zeiss Ikon's user avatar
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7 votes
1 answer
194 views

How do I meter with a split ND filter?

As a present1 to myself I am renting a Mamiya RB67 kit for 2 weeks. One of the things I want to try is to take some sunsets using a split ND filter. The kit doesn't come with a metered viewfinder, ...
Peter M's user avatar
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-1 votes
3 answers
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Real light increments using aperture scale in fractional stops

In the case of using f-number with full stops, the +1EV step means 2*light because the Area (A = πr^2) in the diaphragm is doubled (i.e. radius*√2). However, I don't know why in fractional stops such ...
RobinHood's user avatar
  • 113
1 vote
1 answer
240 views

Why did my Canon 80D recommend such a fast shutter speed in near-total darkness?

This morning I went out to shoot the sunrise. I went out well before dawn, and it's one day from the new moon, so it was very dark while I was setting up. I turned the ISO up to the maximum setting ...
Gern Blanston's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
239 views

How does a camera determine aperture when in shutter-priority mode?

Recently I experimented with using shutter-priority ("Tv" on my Canon DSLR) for images shot from my kayak, because movement is a constant factor in that situation (even if there's no wind, there's ...
LMacB's user avatar
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6 answers
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Is spot metering just an EV compensation?

I can expose a scene based on EV compensation or spot metering. If I spot meter...can I achieve identical results with EV compensation? Or is spot metering more than just a generic EV adjustment ...
user2662680's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
2k views

My new Nikon d3500 is not showing the light meter in live view mode

All the tutorials are saying the light meter (exposure meter) in live view mode should be there, except that it's not showing there in my brand new camera, lol. Is there a setting I might have set ...
Asli Theobald's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
688 views

Meaning of the value showed at the bottom left of Sekonic L308X screen

I have a Sekonic L308X. At the bottom right, next to aperture value, there is a number. See below image: The manual only said it's a 0.1 step display. What is it? ...
littleworth's user avatar
4 votes
7 answers
2k views

How important is it to have a spot meter on the light meter?

I'm considering getting a Sekonic LX 308 light meter without a spot meter. That is to use it with my Nikon FM2. I'm wondering if I will miss something important without having a spot meter. Is it ...
neversaint's user avatar
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2 votes
3 answers
511 views

How far should I place the camera from the light meter for incident metering

I have my FM2 with me and I want to make a portraiture. For that I use Sekonic L-308X-U as my light meter and I use incident metering. Is the distance of light meter to camera important? If so what ...
neversaint's user avatar
  • 1,452
1 vote
1 answer
903 views

How do you meter shadow with Nikon FM2 built-in light meter

I tried to follow the old adage "expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights", so that I can capture the shadow detail. I only have Nikon FM2 light meter. How can I meter the shadow with it?
littleworth's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
744 views

What's the meaning of reading light at X degree angle

Often when people talk about using light-meter, they mention that it has the ability of measuring light at X degree angle. What does it mean? How can we make use of that information to measure the ...
neversaint's user avatar
  • 1,452
3 votes
2 answers
535 views

What kind of built-in light meters in film cameras exist?

There are a number of light meters built into film cameras I am aware of. First there's selenium cell light meters, like on the below old Canonet. Later cadmium sulphide (CdS) photocells became more ...
G_H's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
2k views

How to meter when pushing film?

I'm using a Nikon FM2 SLR camera. Suppose I use Kodak TMax 400, and I push to ISO 1600 on the camera. Let's say the current meter says shutter speed 1/250 at f/2.8 is the correct exposure (i.e. ...
neversaint's user avatar
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5 votes
2 answers
210 views

Metering on a Zenza Bronica with ND-Filter

I have recently acquired a 10-stop ND filter for my Bronica ETRS, but I have run into a problem while metering. I use the Bronica with the AE-II prism viewfinder with integrated light-meter, and so ...
Philipp Grewenbach's user avatar
1 vote
5 answers
808 views

Why did Ansel Adams say reflective metering was more common than incident metering?

The following passage is from Ansel Adams' The Negative: "In most photography we record light reflected from the subject, rather than the light incident upon it." Here, Adams states that reflective ...
timvrhn's user avatar
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2 votes
4 answers
760 views

Should I use +1 EV compensation when shooting with Ektar 100 on a cloudy day?

I'm using Ektar 100 for the first time and the weather report is not looking good. I think my day trip will be cloudy and will try to use an old Pentax Zoom 280p with Ektar. I will take city/ street ...
Andy Andy's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
457 views

Do vintage lenses meter on a Nikon DSLR?

I am keen on getting a Carl Zeiss Jena DDR Electric MC S 135mm f/3.5 lens but i'm wondering if this lens will meter on a DSLR, specifically Nikon D7100?
NewbieAtPhotography's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
98 views

How does the camera meter in auto mode when you are not taking a photo?

Typically, when you are in auto mode, if you half-press the shutter, the camera meters. But, even when you don't do that, the camera seems to be continously metering, so you get a pretty accurate ...
user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
4k views

What is DX film encoding?

What is "DX encoding" of roll film, such as 135 format film used in 35mm cameras? How does it work? When was it introduced? Is there anything else I need to know about using DX encoded film in a ...
Michael C's user avatar
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3 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do I figure out what ISO to use when shooting film?

I'm new into film and I recently bought a pack of 200 film. I'm just not sure what ISO to use. I don't want my photos to come out over or under exposed. (I have a Minolta X-700)
Fernando's user avatar
-1 votes
3 answers
220 views

If I use my digital camera (w/min. ISO of 200) as a light meter, how do I set exposure for ISO 100 film?

I have a Fuji X-T100 and its lowest ISO setting is 200. Now, I’d like to shoot some slides like Provia 100 or Ektachrome 100 as well as Portra 160, using my Fuji as a light meter (it works pretty well ...
LonelyStudent's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
824 views

Older lenses on Nikon d3400 [duplicate]

I’m new to photography, and I’m interested If I use older lenses like series E ,AF, AF-D or AF-G will I have problems with metering system or just have to use manual controls ?
Nik Sot's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
138 views

How can I keep the same shutter and aperture for a series of photos, while still letting the camera figure it out automatically?

I want to take a series of photos of a still object from changing locations. All photos should have the same aperture, shutter and color balance to avoid any differences in brightness/color in the ...
MrSparkly's user avatar
  • 115
1 vote
2 answers
526 views

How can I use a non-TTL lightmeter beyond its built-in ISO range?

Some introductory information first: I got into photography a few months ago and I have very basic knowledge on the matter so be patient - the answers may be obvious for you. The camera is Zenit 11 - ...
fakebutt fishmonkey's user avatar
1 vote
4 answers
2k views

Wondering about the metering mode and focus area? [closed]

I just learn about the metering mode and focus area on youtube. But i am wondering about are they on at the same time? I got a sony a6300 camera.
RisingCode's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
133 views

How do I Calculate correct exposure when shooting long expired Fujichrome 400?

I was given two rolls of very long expired FujiChrome 400 slide film - one of which I gave to a friend, one I kept. He shot his roll at the rated speed, but did not get much in the way of results. ...
Alex's user avatar
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4 votes
4 answers
2k views

Why does my camera's automatic mode render both white and black cards as more of a medium grey?

Can anyone tell me why when taking the following 3 photos, in a room with natural light coming in and fill my viewfinder... a) when I take a photo of a white piece of card it comes up as grey in ...
PhotoH's user avatar
  • 41
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

Using a camera as Lux-meter

For a project I want to use a USB-camera (https://www.e-consystems.com/ar0330-lowlight-usb-cameraboard.asp) as a Lux-meter. I control the camera using v4l2 on Linux. I have a real lux-meter (https://...
riccardolardi's user avatar
4 votes
4 answers
2k views

With the same camera settings, will a photo always be exposed correctly across different cameras?

I want to do a photo shoot using film, but due to not being able to see the shots I've taken I would first like to take a digital photo, then recreate it using film. If I used the same focal length, ...
Magna Wise's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
557 views

Does the Pentacon Six TL have a built-in light meter?

Does the Pentacon Six TL have a light meter built in? If not, how does one measure light with it?
neversaint's user avatar
  • 1,452
5 votes
3 answers
184 views

Digital zoom: Is the exposure computed using the zoomed frame?

I am trying to focus on the differences between digital zoom and cropping an image afterwards. This is discussed in detailed here: Is digital zoom really useful? focused on the compression ...
myradio's user avatar
  • 152
2 votes
1 answer
930 views

Why is my DSLR's exposure meter always showing high exposure?

I own a Nikon D5300. After a few months, my camera is showing this problem. The exposure meter is always showing high exposure. But the camera is working fine. Please suggest a solution.
Tamoghna Purkayastha's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
413 views

Effect of lens on the exposure metering [duplicate]

Last weekend I was shooting in studio and tethering to laptop as well. First I measured everything and shot the portrait with a 24-70mm lens at ...
Brandon's user avatar
  • 2,460
4 votes
1 answer
342 views

Is evaluative metering linked to multiple focus points?

This question is about some slight confusion about evaluative metering on a Canon EOS-1V (and possibly early 1D bodies as well). In the manual, the picture for evaluative metering looks like this: ...
user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

How do I calculate what aperture and shutter speed to use in M mode with my DSLR's pop-up flash?

I am pretty new to DSLR exposure settings with flash. When I do not use flash, I know how to set aperture and shutter speed to get correct exposure, but when I turn on flash, the metering system ...
Kuan's user avatar
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