Huram said:Some newbie questions:
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How crucial is it that I have a 1 degree spot meter for my 35mm and MF work?
The reason I ask is that I am going through Les McLean's "Creative Black and White Photography." In the first chapters, he mentions the importance of film testing which is aided by a 1 degree spot meter. I haven't finished the book, but I assume a 1 degree spot meter is essential for shooting all the time. But, I have heard that it isn't that useful for 35mm and MF photography (esp. if you do not have an interchangeable back on the camera). Is this true?
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Huram said:How crucial is it that I have a 1 degree spot meter for my 35mm and MF work?
Paul Sorensen said:You indicate you are a newbie, I think that spot meters can be a little dangerous for those who are not used to them or understand the philosophy of their use. What I see a lot with new photographers is that they think that the spot meter is merely more "accurate" and disregard that it is not an accurate representation of the whole scene unless they take several readings. Of course, the spot meters built into the cameras are more of a problem in this regard, where the beginner just points the camera in the direction and takes the picture, even though the spot may be pointing toward a particularly light or dark area.
I guess the point I am trying to make is that spot meters are great as long as you also take the time to learn how to use them well. In untrained hands, they can create more problems than they solve. I also don't believe that they are necessary unless you are going to be using the Zone system, and it is not easy to use the zone system with roll film.
Huram said:Some newbie questions:
I shoot BW with my 35 mm Canon EOS-Elan II and my Rolleicord Va. Never done anything bigger than 6x6 negs. My Canon, obviously has a TTL meter. I recently purchased a good all-around reflective/incident light meter for the Rolleicord -- a used Luna Pro F. It measures light a 30 degrees, I think.
How crucial is it that I have a 1 degree spot meter for my 35mm and MF work?
The reason I ask is that I am going through Les McLean's "Creative Black and White Photography." In the first chapters, he mentions the importance of film testing which is aided by a 1 degree spot meter. I haven't finished the book, but I assume a 1 degree spot meter is essential for shooting all the time. But, I have heard that it isn't that useful for 35mm and MF photography (esp. if you do not have an interchangeable back on the camera). Is this true?
If a 1 degree spot meter is an essential tool in making "fine BW prints," what would be a good beginner model. (Hopefully less than 100 bucks on eBay)?
Also, I do not have the spot attachment for the Luna Pro F, but it would give me the options of measuring 7.5 to 15 degrees. This doesn't seem to really be a true "spot meter" that would give me a 1 degree reading. This 7.5 degree attachment could not substitute for a 1 degree spot meter, or could it?
Thanks again in advance for the replies!
Huram
(David Nelson)
roteague said:Ornello, welcome to the forum. I didn't see your introduction, but wanted to welcome you anyway.
dr bob said:Ornello: I see no replies which I would disagree with. All have merit. I used a reflection/incident meter for years to augment my "practical" (read: the parts which work for me) 35mm and mf zone system work. However when I obtained my one degree spot meter, the work was made much much easier.
Ornello Pederzoli II said:If you learn to memorize the exposure, you find any meter superfluous. Try living with an M4 for a few years, and you'll never miss a meter.
It's exceedingly easy to judge exposure (for B&W at least) based on experience.
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