BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photographic Field Techniques

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 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 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 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 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 December 06, 2001

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