 Roland Towey |
All About Light Meter Reading Hi, again, I have just purchased a Gossen Sixtino light meter. I know how to read off readings. Could you explain an incident reading, i.e. where do I point the meter to measure it? Could you explain a reflected reading? Where do I point the meter to measure it? What are the reasons for taking 2 different reading? The Gossen Sixtino is an older model light meter; however, it is accurate when compared to the reading off my Nikon F70. I have heard the term diffusing disc - is this the creamy coloured shutter which can be rolled across front of the meter? When does this need to be used?
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
For incident readings the generally accepted method is to always point the meter towards the camera. There are those who always point it at the main light source. Either way will work it is just a matter of consistency. Pointing at the camera will make sure you are reading light from all light sources if there is more than one. I use incident readings 70-80% of the time. Reflected readings indicate how much light is reflected from the subject based upon 18% gray. For reflected you point at the subject. The resulting reading is the exposure required to make that subject appear 18% gray in the shot. If your subject happens to be something other than 18% gray then you have to compensate to make it lighter or darker. That's why I like incident readings. The light is what it is and you don't have to compensate no matter what shade your subject is. Reflected readings are handy for the zone system since it is all about shades of gray. I use reflected readings when the light is tricky such as strong side lighting. The diffusing disc should be in place when taking incident readings.
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Roland Towey |
Thanks Jeff, Your explaination about reading on light meters - clear & concise. Thanks again. Roland
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