Mamiya DM System, User Manual

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Chapter 1 - Basic info
155
Chapter 11 - Using the software
optimisinG exposure
For advanced exposure adjustment, it is recommended that levels are adjusted first, followed by
curves. The curves tool has been designed not to clip image information and will only operate on
tones within the defined white and black points of the image.
The correct Level settings
In an ideal situation, levels should be adjusted to slightly clip the end points of the image histogram
at the shadow end and to the maximum highlight level on the right side of the histogram.
The images below show before and after adjusting the levels for an image.
As shown, black point and white point adjustments have been brought in very slightly. This has the
effect of lightening the lighter tones and darkening the shadow tones in the image, at the same
time increasing contrast slightly. The process has to be done very carefully in order to preserve
the feeling that the image evokes.
The highlight warning function can be configured to provide visual feedback when adjusting the
levels.
Once the highlight and shadow points of the image have been fixed, the density or mid-tone values
of the image can be adjusted using the centre or gamma slider on the levels tool.

The fastest way to use levels is by using the auto tool as a starting point. This will not clip
information – if the result is not desired you can fine tune the result manually
Highlight warning shows where the
levels should be set – here app 245