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Exposure: Zone system visualizing techniques

Stealth3kpl

By Stealth3kpl
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andybarton

andybarton

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If you do it "properly" it needs the negatives developed according to how you have exposed it. VERY hard to do with 35mm... and needs very careful recording of the exposure on the sheet in the first place.

 

However, I have always found that over exposing and under-developing my film works very well for me. I rate 400 ASA film at 320, and 50 ASA at 32. I cut the developing time by around 10% and find that I have decent highlights and open shadows.

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Stealth3kpl

Stealth3kpl

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Thanks for your replies. I got the phrase from 2 year old post in a film vs digital type thread. I thought it was relating to determining what is the best part of the scene to expose for. I'm a hang glider pilot so I'm often as interested in what is happening in the sky (clouds) as what is on the ground so this makes determining exposure a little more difficult for me. Digital playback allows be to check the exposure but with a film camera I would have to hope that I exposed correctly. How should I be assessing a scene with respect to exposure with film?

Pete

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andybarton

andybarton

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You need to expose for what is important to you.

 

If it's the sky, then worry about that. If it's the ground, expose for that.

 

Most b&w films and C41 colour print film have a very wide dynamic range, and can cope with pretty large variations in exposure across a negative, if you expose and process carefully.

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Xmas

Xmas

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Hi

 

Try...

 

James's Light Meter Collection: Weston Model 348 Ranger 9

 

and

 

BBC - h2g2 - The Zone System

 

I do use an earlier Weston meter but don't stick on the enhanced calculator on it.

 

If you have partial cloud cover it will be difficult to meter off it without a spot meter, an M6 may be sufficient some of the time.

 

You need to bracket exposure initially with any new metering technique. Ansell wasnot flying into them he was letting them creep up.

 

Clouds are nice.

 

Noel

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Stealth3kpl

Stealth3kpl

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Thanks for that Noel.

I had a rummage in my mother's loft and found a mint condition Weston V with Invercone with leather cases and instruction books. RESULT! Unfortunately, the photocell doesn't seem to be working. I've stuck it on the window to see if a morning's sunlight might bring it back to life. Can anyone suggest somewhere in the UK to get it serviced?

Before you ask, no, there weren't any MPs or M3s in mum's loft ;)

Pete

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andybarton

andybarton

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Can you recommend a film type with wide dynamic range for landscape that scans well? Someone poo pooed Ektar for landscape. Any thoughts on fujicolor pro 160S or others? And don't say Astia ;-)

Pete

 

160S would be fine for landscapes. Alternatively, try some Portra, which also has a natural palette. I am trying out some 120 Portra NC/VC shortly to decide what to take with me to Scotland in the autumn.

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