How do I compensate one stop on a manual light meter by changing the ISO setting?
Asked 1/7/2021
5 views
2 answers
0
I’m shooting film with a fully manual camera and using an older cold-shoe light meter that has no exposure compensation control. If I add a yellow filter that requires +1 stop of exposure, can I compensate by changing the ISO on the meter instead of adjusting shutter speed or aperture after every reading? For example, if my film is ISO 100, should I set the meter to ISO 50 so the meter gives me readings that are one stop more exposure?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
6
So if my film ISO is 100, before metering and taking pictures with my camera, shouldn't I dial in 50 ISO on my light meter to compensate for that +1?
Yes.
You've got it.
If your shutter speeds are edging into the seconds, do keep in mind reciprocity failure and the additional time needed to compensate for that as well. But, for general shooting at handheld shutter speeds, the method you've described will get you by beautifully.
Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67377
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. If your film is ISO 100 and your filter needs +1 stop, setting the meter to ISO 50 is the correct way to make the meter automatically account for that extra stop.
Lowering the ISO on the meter makes it assume the film is less sensitive, so it recommends more exposure. One stop more exposure means halving the ISO setting: 100 to 50, 400 to 200, and so on.
That’s a practical way to work with a manual meter when you want the compensation applied to every reading, rather than remembering to open up the aperture or slow the shutter each time.
One caution: if your exposures get into long shutter speeds, film reciprocity failure may require additional exposure beyond the filter compensation. For normal handheld shutter speeds, though, your method is fine.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI5y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Does a handheld light meter make sense if I use off-camera flashes in TTL mode?
Should flash compensation change exposure compensation on a Nikon D3200 in Aperture Priority?
Why doesn’t my Sekonic flash meter reading change when I adjust flash power?
How do I use a non-TTL light meter with ISO 800 film and extension tubes?
How do I compensate for reciprocity failure with Agfa Vista 400 for long exposures?