
Originally Posted by
Charles Glatzer
Jay,
Note-
A Spot pattern renders whatever is in the pattern a mid-tone; it does not tell you if the element being metered is a mid-tone. This is in effect one of the detriments, and it is why at times you substitute meter something of known value.... white, black, or any element you have already referenced and data based in your mind. Your primary goal is to ascertain and apply the correct amount of exposure to render the subjects tonality properly on the histogram or as desired . An incident meter measures the quantity of light illuminating the meter, negating tonal influence. It is a very useful tool for understanding and obtaining Reference Values. These Reference Values are key. The incident meter provides an accurate and consistent method of determining the mid-tone value. You need only transpose the exposure settings provided by the meter into your camera in manual mode, choose and set a meter pattern in your camera, look at various elements and note the deviation in exposure. The DIFFERENCE will be the correct amount of exposure variance you will need to apply in order to render the scene as viewed. The Spot Meter Pattern eliminates the variables typically associated with the Evaluative/Matrix pattern. Sunny f/16 and more are simple reference values, a bit of wispy cloud cover open up a 1/3, slightly more overcast open up 2/3. After a while it becomes second nature.
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