Aperture Priority ...

bessa_L_R3a

Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Messages
105
Location
Jersey City,
Format
35mm RF
Hi,

I have a rangefinder Voigtlander R3a with aperture priority so I like to use this mode a lot for street shooting where speed is important.

Is there anything inherently wrong with exposing using this mode? Am I better off doing it manually?

Can bracketing with exposure compensation help?

R.
 

matti

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2005
Messages
652
Location
Stockholm, S
Format
Multi Format
It is the same, of course, to run with aperture priority as it is to use exposure compensation. To me, it is just about how the information is displayed. And I find manual just a bit more simple for me to use. With aperture priority I find that I have to think in one more step than with manual. But if you think aperture priority is faster, it is nothing to be ashamed about

/matti
 
OP
OP

bessa_L_R3a

Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2008
Messages
105
Location
Jersey City,
Format
35mm RF
what is that additional step you are thinking of? in manual you are controlling two variables, in aperture priority, only one ...
 

matti

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2005
Messages
652
Location
Stockholm, S
Format
Multi Format
It might just be me. But when I shoot manual, I change shutter speed and aperture as one step, counting clicks in my head. But with automatic speed or aperture, I first set these, then compensate as a second step, if needed. There is one more control on the camera that isn't really needed IMO.
/matti
 

haris


There is nothing wrong with aperture priority mode. Some people are used to it, some are used to do everything manually. I used aperture priority mode with my Bessa R2A, but I wasn't happy with light metering, I needed to use -1 to -1.5 exposure compensation. Now I meter light with handheld meter and use manual mode. If you like how camera works in aperture priority mode there is no reason not to use it. I prefer aperture priority over speed priority mode which my Konica S2 Auto has. And with my Canon EOS3 or EOS500N when I use some automation, it is allways aperture priority mode (except if I must to use on camera flash, then I use Manual mode or even Program mode (I know, I know...)).

In short, if you like it, use it
 

23mjm

Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2005
Messages
450
Location
Rocklin, Cal
Format
Medium Format
I love aperture priority it is what I shoot 95% of the time on my automated cameras (35mm & Dig...) Is there anything wrong with it??? I think not--if you like it use it. No one is going to look at your pics and say "well it would be a great pic, but it was shot AP so it sucks"
 

Lol999

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
91
Location
Derbyshire,E
Format
35mm
I used to use an F3HP in AP mode for all my street shooting. 98% of the time this was okay but I got some dark shots where bright backgrounds were involved. Since changing to a Bessa L I take periodic readings off a typical Zone 5 and move up and down the shutter speed dial a couple of stops as appropriate. Using this method I have a greater percentage shots exposed sufficiently well to use.

Cheers, Lol
 

Leon

Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2003
Messages
2,075
Location
UK
Format
Medium Format
i always use my r3a in aperture priority mode as I find it much easier this way. If there is a tricky situation with the light, I'll meter from the are that is most important and use the exposure lock button. I've never used the exposure compensation on the camera. As already said here - it's down to whatever suits you and gets you the results you want.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…