(e.g. foray 64ASA film set it to 65 on the ASA
scale, for a 25 ASA film set it to the click-stop
setting between 1 6 and 32 ASA.
3.
Match the Needle. While continuing to depress
the Shutter Release slightly turn the Aperture
Ring
(14)
or the Shutter Speed Dial (1) until the
needle bisects the circle situated between the +
and -- signs on the right-hand side of the
viewfinder. When the needle bisects the circle
correct exposure is indicated. If the needle is
deflected towards the -- sign a slower
shutter speed or wider aperture is required, if
deflected towards the + sign a faster shutter speed
or smaller aperture is required. Should you find it
impossible to line-up the needle within the circle
this indicates that lighting conditions or film
speed need to be altered.
4www.butkus.org
Helpful hints for better exposure
Remember that your exposure meter measures all the light that reaches its
cell and 'averages out the brightness or contrast range before giving a reading. With subjects of average
contrast (e.g. scenes lit from the front, or at an angle from the side, where there are no heavy shadows and dark
and bright areas are fairly balanced) the right amount of exposure is indicated automatically. However, to obtain
the best results with subjects of widely varying brightness range it is wise to take some precautions.
•
Take a close-up reading. If your main subject is much lighter than the background (e.g. a portrait of an
illuminated face against a darkened doorway, arch or foliage) or. . .if it is much darker than the
background (e.g. a person, boat or chalet set against a seascape or mountain scene directly lit by the sun)
move right up to your main subject until it fills the viewfinder. Note the exposure combination found
from this close-up reading and set your camera and lens controls accordingly before returning to the
original viewpoint to take the picture.
Take a substitute reading. Sometimes a close-up reading is not possible: if so, aim the camera at an
alternative subject of average contrast under the same lighting (the back of ones hand is a good example
or ideally a sheet of neutral gray card). Again, use an appropriate combination from this reading on the
camera and lens controls.
•
An alternative to both the above is to close the aperture by 1 to 2 stops (f/no's) as compared with a
straightforward meter reading of the former subject and open the aperture by the same amount for the
latter subject. This method will prove more correct in most circumstances of this nature.
•
Against the light, unless you're purposely striving after a silhouette effect, with your main subject very
deep in shade against full highlight detail, then you must open the lens aperture by at least one stop to
that indicated by an exposure meter reading.
