Re: R8 metering (was: incident metering)

[ted grant <75501.3002@CompuServe.COM>]

Elliot wrote:

<<would the spot or central weighting feature of the R8 meter system have solved
the question of  under and over exposure that you noted?>>>>

Hi Elliot,
PMFJI on your note to Pascal,

But the metering can be as simple as, if you like a darker, more saturated
transparency, use the Intregal (center weighed) and if a slightly hotter
exposure (lighter) go with the multi pattern (matrix)

Pascal's description of the scene, white table and chairs, and an under exposure
would seem it was in reverse of what he said, ie: he said "matrix --
underexposure" and yet that should have given a hotter look than an under
exposure that would have occured in the Intregal  (centerweighted) mode.  

The reason being that the Multi pattern would have gone hotter, therefore
creating an over exposure of the white table and chairs due to trying to get a
balance for the darker surrounding area. On top of the fact that it tends to go
to the hot side anyway.

I can understand the single person against an all dark back ground and burning
out the person due to the longer exposure to compensate for the treed
background, howver the meter as perfect as it is, is still a tool and is only as
good as the tool handler.

I wouldn't have thought to shoot the way he did of the human being in his
description, as I would have spot metered for the face and let everything fall
where it may in relation to the face exposure.

Then of course to have bracketed a few frames. Particularly with slide film. :)

Don't know if this is of any help, but let me assure you that you have one
awesome piece of picture taking machinery in your hands! :)

ted