Can I use a Nikon D7100 as a light meter for a Mamiya RB67 with Tri-X 400?
Asked 9/1/2016
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I want to use my Nikon D7100 to meter exposure for a Mamiya RB67 Pro (original version) instead of buying a separate light meter. I'll be shooting Kodak Tri-X 400. Is there a simple way to transfer the DSLR meter reading to the RB67, and do I need any conversion or formula?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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If you can set your D7100 to the same ISO and aperture as your RB67 while using a focal length that provides the same field of view as the lens attached to the Mamiya you don't really need to do any math at all. Just dial the indicated shutter speed from the Nikon when the meter is centered in Manual exposure mode into the Mamiya. If you elect to spot meter you don't even have to worry about the focal length/FoV.
Do note that many digital cameras tend to "cheat" a little in terms of actual ISO sensitivity versus the set ISO. Before you shoot too much film you should probably run a test roll to be sure it's in the ballpark. You'll probably find that you need to set the D7100 to ISO 500 or even 640 to simulate Tri-X when shot at ISO 400.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. You can use the D7100 as a reflected-light meter for the RB67 without a special formula.
Set the Nikon to:
- the same ISO as your film (start with ISO 400 for Tri-X),
- the same aperture you plan to use on the RB67,
- Manual mode.
Then meter the scene and adjust shutter speed until the Nikon’s meter is centered. Use that shutter speed and aperture on the RB67.
If possible, use a lens/focal length on the Nikon that gives a similar field of view to the RB67 lens, especially for general metering. If you use spot metering, matching field of view matters much less.
One caution: digital cameras don’t always match film speed perfectly in practice. The D7100 may not meter exactly like Tri-X at its box speed, so it’s wise to test a roll. You may find that setting the Nikon to a slightly higher ISO, such as 500 or 640, gives better results for Tri-X rated at 400.
So: no real math required—just match ISO and aperture, meter on the Nikon, and transfer the shutter speed to the Mamiya.
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