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Olympus OM4-Ti spot/highlight/shadow metering

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thuggins

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I've never shot negative film (either color or B&W) thru either my 4 or 4T, and the thousands of slides run thru them invariably come out properly exposed - if not perfect, damn close to it. As noted above, 90% of the time I just use the center weighted metering and it comes out great. If the scene is contrasty I'll meter across it and make a decision on the exposure based on that info.

The only time I have really had a challenge is at high latitudes (e.g. Alaska, Scotland). As the sun does not feel as intense, you think the exposure should be increased. But I've found the opposite to be true. The low angle of the sun directly illuminates subjects so it is not unusual for the meter to read a stop or more brighter than one would expect.

Alaska was especially challenging. The low sun played on mountains topped with snow and girdled with dark pine forest; between these were the grey scree and talus, and it was all crowned with a bright, pale, blue sky. Two readings on the snow, two on the rock and two on the pines gave perfect exposures.

As for the Highlight/Shadow thing, that is a ridiculous kluge. It is amazing the Maitani would allow it. The camera has the most versatile metering system in the world, literally allowing the user complete control of what the film sees; and they add a couple of buttons for photographing priests and white cats!
 

mynewcolour

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What about a white cat on a priest's lap? No button for that?

In all seriousness I'm new to shooting slide film. I thought I was pretty good with exposure but recent transparencies show otherwise. I think I've been flattered by colour negatives.

This thread has some excellent rationale. Thanks all.
 
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faberryman

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That would be center weighted average - no button at all.
 
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