Using underwater light meter

[agenkin]

I got a Nikonos III camera for a bargain, and the seller threw in an underwater lightmeter. I have never used anything like that, and would appreciate any help. In particular, do I point the light sensitive snout of this meter towards the subject, or towards the source of light? Any other tips for shooting underwater? I will not go deeper than 2 meters and won't be using flash.

Here's what the meter looks like. It is marked "Farallon Oceanic".

 

[Mick Fagan]

I had a similar underwater light meter made by Sekonic. I also used it with my Nikonas III as well.

Basically I just measured the light in a horizontal fashion. either pointing towards the subject or away from the subject. This usually gave me a quite constant reference. One problem with swimming pools is the underwater lights, they can give you a wrong reading if they are anywhere near the way you are pointing the meter.

You will have to experiment but once you have an idea of your film developing technique with regard as to how the light meter actually works, you'll be off.

Make sure you grease the rubber water seal with the correct lube on the light meter and for heavens sake ensure that the camera seals are up to scratch before you take it underwater. Also lubricate the camera seals as well!

Mick.

 

[agenkin]

Thanks, Mick!

I have greased all the o-rings and tested that there are no leaks by submersing it in a bucketful of tap water.

Another question, if I may: I read that the Nikonos 35mm lens under water gives a narrower angle of view, almost equivallent to that of 50mm lens. Do the distance scale and the DOF scale still work under water, the way they are marked?

 

[Mick Fagan]

I haven't used a Nikonas III for over 25 years, so I'm a bit vague regarding the scales.

One thing I do remember, someone showed me how to put the lens on upside down, this makes it really easy to view the settings underwater.

I originally bought mine for motorcycle touring in extremely bad weather. I ended up using it for all sorts of things, swimming pools, boating, sailing, skin diving, snorkelling.

I only had the 35mm lens.

Mick.