Using DSLR as light meter


Just buy a cheap & good exposure meter.
 

I really don't get what you are trying to explain. Lenses with different max aperture do not matter, as long as the set aperture are the same and the focal length is the same. The metering outcome should be around the same.

Think about it :)
 

Measurement of light is independent of the lens being used. The aperture set on lens is just one of the variables and it does not matter what is the maximum aperture of the lens.

But what you train you lens on, does matter in a reflected light reading. Reading off a bright white wall filling the whole frame will give a different measurement from reading off a black wall filling the whole frame.

That is why there is incident light exposure metering. Or else use a grey card.
 

Last edited:
Do bear in mind you are using TTL metering when you read exposure with your DSLR. So the type of lens (at max aperture) between your DSLR & film cam will impact your resulting exposure measurement. For example your DSLR using a F3.5 constant zoom vs your film cam using a 50mm F1.4 so you need to make the necessary compensations (if not use the same lens for your film camera, if possible, on the DSLR and take the reading and explore the results in your negatives so as to have a guide for future exposure estimation) That said, yes films are forgiving. No offense but don't waste money on a light meter for now imo :D

I'm assuming ISO is fixed and the same for both cams :-)

I try to re-read your post and do not find it make any sense.

if Shizuma using her DSLR with a F3.5 constant zoom to take a meter reading, it shows the exposure of the scene is f3.5, 1/500s at ISO 200, and her film camera mounted with 50mm F1.4 lens and loaded with a ISO 200 film, she can exposed the scene at f3.5 with the 50mm f.4 lens. So where is the need of compensation?

So what if she want to use f1.4 instead, since she open up lens aperture by 3.5 stop, she will need to cut down the shutter speed by 3.5 stop, is this what your call it "compensation"??
 

Just buy a cheap & good exposure meter.

please recommend me one? so far I only encounter Sekonic in studio setting. I know how it measures flash but no idea of cost or if measure ambient
 

I try to re-read your post and do not find it make any sense. if Shizuma using her DSLR with a F3.5 constant zoom to take a meter reading, it shows the exposure of the scene is f3.5, 1/500s at ISO 200, and her film camera mounted with 50mm F1.4 lens and loaded with a ISO 200 film, she can exposed the scene at f3.5 with the 50mm f.4 lens. So where is the need of compensation? So what if she want to use f1.4 instead, since she open up lens aperture by 3.5 stop, she will need to cut down the shutter speed by 3.5 stop, is this what your call it "compensation"??

lol seriously if you think so. So be it :-)
 

please recommend me one? so far I only encounter Sekonic in studio setting. I know how it measures flash but no idea of cost or if measure ambient

The Sekonic L308S is good.

I have a few meters such as:
Gossen meters like Lunasix 3 and Profisix SBC with good wheel design showing all combinations of shutter speed and apertures.
Minolta meter IV and Minolta meter VI are good. Both measure flash.
Gossen Digisix meter.


If you like a meter to be very small and handy, can look at Gossen Digisix.

images





(If you want a small meter to also be able to measure flash, buy the Gossen Digiflash 2 meter)

digiflash_1.jpg


You can consider Minolta VI in addition to the Sekonic L308S.

minoltaflashnws.jpg
 

Last edited:
In days of film cameras, it was noticed that different model of bodies from same manufacturer can give slightly different reading for exposure, different makes also gave differing readings. In days of digital, it has been found that the DSLR and the incident hand held light meter can give a read out that your DSLR may find brighter or darker. So I tell you if you want same same no can have. Close to is possible. Negetive film has a tolerance of over exposure but less so for under, slide has very low tolerance so you will have to do some calibration test runs with film in camera and use sunny 16 rule to double check.
 

That is true. Because same brand but different model cameras have differently designed meter measuring patterns.
 

Et tu Brutus lol

Trolling is not going to get you anywhere. Especially when it comes to basic camera operation and theory.

Wrong means wrong. Take this as a warning.
 

Trolling is not going to get you anywhere. Especially when it comes to basic camera operation and theory. Wrong means wrong. Take this as a warning.

I'm not the one who's being rude here. Read back and see who's more of a troll !
 

Trolling is not going to get you anywhere. Especially when it comes to basic camera operation and theory. Wrong means wrong. Take this as a warning.

Plus I won't bother to explain to people who thinks they know all ;-)
 

Plus I won't bother to explain to people who thinks they know all ;-)

You don't have to explain. And I do not know all.

But I know for this particular issue, your understanding of the matter is wrong.
 

Back
Top