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Passing By


Michael Hiles

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Michael,

 

A great snow scene. I like the way the background in the top middle blends in with the snow without detail. Even though it has been a long winter with lots of snow, this is still a delight to see. A classic capture.

 

Paul

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Thanks Michael.

 

I have not tried to take a reading at night in moonlight. I use a Soligor 1 degree spot meter. It will register as low as 1 EV, so it should pick up the moonlight from the snow. I would then put the snow on zone VII or perhaps VIII - as you suggest. I think I may have to wait until next year for a full monn, good snow and a clear evening.

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Hello Michael,

 

Zone VII is equally good for snow showing just a hint of texture in daylight since, as you know, moonlight is reflected sunlight.

 

It is too bad more people don't meter using the Zone System. It is really easy, works really well w/ no downside & consistently lets you create the picture you think you will. A 1 degree spot is easier but anyone who knows how to use any reflected light meter can use the Zone System. I do it w/ an MR & it works just fine. You just have to move a little more & be a little more ingenious.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

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Agree completely. I don't try to apply the Zone system rigorously - I never tinker with development, N+1,+2 etc. Not practical with 35mm. Also, I can't since I use mainly XP2, which goes through C41 and I have no control of development. I just try to think in terms of the 9-10 steps in the gray scale. I also follow the Zone film speed test regime. The ISO that produces a Zone I density of about 0.1 on the film is the speed I stick with. It is rarely the box speed. Needless to say that gets done once per film - but then I know for sure what will happen when I make exposure decisions.

 

I spent many years using an MR meter with great success. I went to the spot meter after the MR took sick and after - around the same time - I took a week long seminar with Fred Picker. He was a large format type, and a friend and acolyte of Ansel Adams. So Zone ideas and spot meters were the coming thing.

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