John_Nikon_F
Member
For me, program mode is overrated. Granted, the only film body I own that can do P mode only does it with AF lenses, and I only have MF lenses. Aperture-priority comes in handy for when I need to grab a quick shot of something, like when I've been driving along a country road, seeing a thunderstorm cell ahead with sunlight in the foreground, and didn't want to pull off the road. Set the F3 on A mode, set the aperture to f/8 on the 50f1.4 with the focusing ring set on infinity, then hit the MD-4's firing button.
With respect to in-camera meters, people seem to forget that, yes, you do have to compensate some, if you're not shooting a middle-toned subject. Otherwise, everything *will* come out looking gray. It's not always convenient to walk over to the subject, point a Gossen Luna-Pro back at the camera, then walk back to the camera and transfer the settings. I know that with the weather we've had recently, I would've missed out on many of the photos that I was able to get, using the 60/40 centerweighted meter in my Nikomat FTn (or whichever body I'm using). I admit, I've forgotten the Sunny-16 rule somewhat, so I need to freshen up my skills. That way, I can use my SV without having to grab one of the Nikons (or purchasing a hand meter) to achieve proper exposure.
-J
With respect to in-camera meters, people seem to forget that, yes, you do have to compensate some, if you're not shooting a middle-toned subject. Otherwise, everything *will* come out looking gray. It's not always convenient to walk over to the subject, point a Gossen Luna-Pro back at the camera, then walk back to the camera and transfer the settings. I know that with the weather we've had recently, I would've missed out on many of the photos that I was able to get, using the 60/40 centerweighted meter in my Nikomat FTn (or whichever body I'm using). I admit, I've forgotten the Sunny-16 rule somewhat, so I need to freshen up my skills. That way, I can use my SV without having to grab one of the Nikons (or purchasing a hand meter) to achieve proper exposure.
-J