It is never sunny in Rochester New York because of the lake effect. George Eastman founded Eastman Kodak in Rochester because it is the world's largest natural darkroom. Also the normal overcast gray sky in Rochester was the color and inspiration for the Standard 16% Gray card.
That's a myth.
It is never sunny in Rochester New York because of the lake effect. George Eastman founded Eastman Kodak in Rochester because it is the world's largest natural darkroom. Also the normal overcast gray sky in Rochester was the color and inspiration for the Standard 16% Gray card.
I think Stephen really meant the gray card and the whole 18% is not middle gray thing.
One thing I know for sure about a gray card: If you meter it... and shoot it as meter recommends... it will be properly exposed.
Not to hijack the thread, but I have often wondered if the dull grey (or gray) of my vintage Tamrac Expedition was chosen so that it could act as an in-the-field grey (or gray) card. It works... when in doubt meter the camera bag.
Use a densitometer or spectrophotometer to check it out if it's really 18% gray.
Use a densitometer or spectrophotometer to check it out if it's really 18% gray.
It's likely not "spectrally neutral" enough to be a reliable gray reference. But there's nothing wrong with using it. And then depending on if your results are good, too light or too dark, you'll know how good a reference it is.
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