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How do you meter with your meterless Leica?


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You do it the old-fashioned way - First you begin training your eye to the existing needs for the existing light, and you add the reference data that comes printed on the packing sheet with the film.

 

Which sort of supposes the 'old-fashioned' photographers wouldn't have bitten your hand off for some of the modern meters that are available. Doing something by necessity is one thing, doing it as penance is another.

 

Steve

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Your phone can run lovely meter apps that work well.

 

Guessing an exposure means you really haven't considered your environment. Exterior, interior - wherever - pull out your iPhone before you shoot a frame and see where the shadows and highlghts sit. Dial in your aperture and shutter speed to what you're going to be primarily shooting and adjust from there.

 

Negative film is very forgiving. And, using the sunny 16 rule, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can become accurate with exteriors and won't need a meter. It's rewarding and can be learned easily. Try sticking to one ISO to start - say, 400.

 

I have an M9, and an Ikon -- but my most satisfying photos, because of no meter and using personal judgement, come from my M3, IIIf, and Zorki 4. It's an extension of why I love rangefinders -- there is a challenge and personal involvement.

 

Revel in it.

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