Metering through a polarizing filter

[JeffD]

I understand why a meter is not accurate when trying to make spot measurements through colored filters.

Is there any reason why I can't meter through a polarizing filter, as opposed to just applying a general recommended number of stops increase in exposure, as per manufacturer?

 

[gchpaco]

Meters are frequently inaccurate with colored filters because the light sensitivity of the meter is different from the light sensitivity of the film. In-camera meters are inaccurate with linear polarizing filters because frequently no light can get to the meter. But with a circular polarizer, the color spectrum is essentially that of daylight, and the light going to the meter isn't polarized, so in theory it should be okay. Whether you will get the result you want is another matter; the meter may overexpose in response to your deep, rich blue skies.

 

[roteague]

When in doubt, I meter with my Nikon.

 

[BradS]

Is there any reason why I can't meter through a polarizing filter, as opposed to just applying a general recommended number of stops increase in exposure, as per manufacturer?

I may be niave, but I do it all the time (with 35mm as I have no way to meter through-the-lens with large format). Never had a problem. Just to make sure I wasn't doing something dumb, I took a meter reading without the polarizer and then with...sure enough two stops just like the instructions that came with the polarizing filter said....YMMV

 

[gma]

I think a polarizer filter would be the same as a neutral density filter. I have not had any problems with through the lens metering with a polarizer. I agree that color filters are a big problem with TTL metering.

 

[noseoil]

I've used 1 2/3 stops as my additive number for a polarizer with both E6 and B&W with no problems when spot metering with a Pentax 1 degree. With my toy cameras (35mm) and a linear polarizer, I just use what the camera's internal meter reads. No worries. tim