BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		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!! To love this question, log in above 0 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. To love this comment, log in above 0 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 To love this comment, log in above 0 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 To love this comment, log in above 0 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 To love this comment, log in above 0 December 06, 2001

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