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Comprehensive Exposure Charts


I have quite an old camera, passed down from the old man :) and its light meter is broken. I am looking for a comprehensive chart (the kind that used to be on the inside of film boxes) that relates light conditions, to aperture size and shutter speed etc, so that I don't have to buy a new meter. Is there one on the web anywhere? or in a book? I hope someone can help... thanks a lot!!


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July 18, 2001

 

Jon Close
  Check out this index of technical data for Kodak films

For example, clicking on the link for "KODAK GOLD 100 and 200 Films,
Pub. No. E-15" brings up the document with the following exposure info:

Daylight
Use the exposures in the table below for average frontlit subjects from 2 hours after sunrise to 2 hours before sunset.

Bright or hazy sun on light sand or snow:
GOLD 100 - 1/125, f/16
GOLD 200 - 1/250, f/16
Bright or hazy sun (distinct shadows)*:
GOLD 100 - 1/125, f/11
GOLD 200 - 1/250, f/11
Weak, hazy sun (soft shadows):
GOLD 100 - 1/125, f/8
GOLD 200 - 1/250, f/8
Cloudy bright (no shadows):
GOLD 100 - 1/125, f/5.6
GOLD 200 - 1/250, f/5.6
Heavy overcast or open shade ¹:
GOLD 100 - 1/125, f/4
GOLD 200 - 1/250, f/4

* Use f/5.6 for backlit close-up subjects.
¹ Subjects shaded from the sun but lighted by a large area of clear sky.


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July 18, 2001

 

John A. Lind
  Lucie,
In addition to the data Jon has provided for your immediate use, see also my answer to a similar question a few days ago. The guide referenced can be found for less than $15, it's quite durable and it easily fits in a shirt pocket:
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=2082

-- John


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July 18, 2001

 

John A. Lind
  Oops -
Forgot to mention, the guide has better descriptions (longer definitions) of what constitutes "open shade," "weak, hazy sun," plus how to adjust slightly for side lighting.

-- John


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July 18, 2001

 

Michael J. Cunningham
  The old rule of thumb which I picked up somewhere is the "Bright Sun" rule.

It says that a subject to be photographed in bright sun should be shot at f16 with a shutter speed of
1/(film speed). If you're shooting ASA 100 film in bright sun, use f16 at 1/100 or 1/125.

This is a great general rule which my experience has allowed me to adjust as lighting conditions or subject motion has changed.

--Mike C, Philadelphia


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December 06, 2001

 
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