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Re: [OM] Light meter

Subject: Re: [OM] Light meter
From: "deebel" <deebel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2011 14:17:52 +0100
Descriptions, Instructions, history and other resources here

http://www.johndesq.com/westonmaster/

Dave


-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Trask [mailto:christrask@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: 08 September 2011 14:07
To: Olympus Camera Discussion; Olympus Camera Discussion
Subject: Re: [OM] Light meter

>
> > Looks like I have a lot of practice and evaluation to do
> > once the weather cools down some and I can spend a few hours 
> > outdoors. For now, we have already broken the record for the
> > number of days at 110º or higher, and we may tack on another
> > one tomorrow. Not a good time to be outdoors for any length
> > of time. So, it's back to basics time once again. 
> > I will satisfy my need to improve my techniques by first
> > reading chapter 3 ("Exposure") of Adams volume 2 ("The 
> > Negative"). 
>
> I've been reading this thread with some bemusement.
>
> 1. You are talking about simple, old, battery free, selenium
> meters.
>

     Yes.  They take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.

>
> 1. Selenium meters are wonderful, as long as it doesn't get
> too dark for them. That's the big weakness with contemporary 
> high ISO capability.
>

     Some of them have range expanders that swing down from the bottom side.
I was also looking for f-stop range as I have two or more lenses that go out
to f/32.

>
> 1. As you say, the first meter I ever used, the GE PR-1, is
> an simple, well designed tool that gets the job done. I was 
> amazed when I later used some other meters that they didn't
> trap the needle, I had to pay attention to a reading and 
> transfer it to a dial. There is also an incident light
> attachment for the PR-1, but probably pretty rare, although I 
> have one.
>

     Both of my working ones have that attachment.


>
> The Weston Master V .... does offer a choice on meter
> trapping. Put a thumbnail in the slot on the button on the
> right side. Turn left and let it pop out, and it acts as a
> read and trap button. Turn to the right and push in, and it
> lets the meter needle run free.
>

     I'll have to see if mine has that.  It's a very worthwhile feature but
I did not see it mentioned on any of the meters I looked at.

>
> The Invercone incident 'dome' is supposed to be excellent.
> I think I may have a spare somewhere around here.
>

     That would be nice to have, though I've never done incident lighting.
It seems to be a technique more suitable for portraits.

>
> 2. I'm largely an adherent of the Chuck school. Learn your
> camera's histograms and flashing out of range indications on 
> the LCD and bracket where it's important.
>

     I'm even more basic than that.  I like to develop a "feel" for what I'm
doing, rather than rely on some sort of crutch.  The majority of electronics
designers I knew were just like that, and they had little perception of
anything beyond the computer display.

>
> 4. Before considering a LunaPro, check out how big it is - a
> monster. Also at least early ones (all?) used the 1.35v 
> mercury batteries. Gossen sells an adapter, but it's kinda
> pricy.
>

     The whole battery issue of that one made me drop it from consideration.
I had both of my OM-1 bodies converted to silver oxide batteries many years
ago.

>
> 5. Have you considered trying incident light metering? It's
> not for everybody, but the situations and difficulties you 
> describe seem to me ideal for incident measurement.
>

     I've never used that technique, but I'm going to try it out to see how
it compares with reflected metering.  The more I know about such things the
more flexible I become.

Chris
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