Re:

[Ian Stanley <ian@mos.com.np>]

At 08:30 PM 97-05-28 -0700, you wrote:
>Hey Guys,
>
>Is the light meter in the present body M6 as accurate and definitive as it
>is pro ported to be?  I am currently in the market for either a M6 or R8
>after my R4 and several lenses (35/1.4, 85/14, 100Macro/f4, and a 180/f2.8)
>were stolen.
>
>JamesV
>
Hello James,

	I bought a  new M6 in March of this year and have been very pleased with
the metering system.  Before that I used my M4-P and a Zone VI modified
Pentax spot meter and my own best guess.  I have put over 100 rolls through
the M6 so far and have found the meter to be extremely accurate as long as
you know what to point it at.  Many of the rolls were Velvia and even given
the need for greater accuracy and care when shooting chromes the meter was
accurate.  It is far more sensitive than I first thought it to be and I
trust it more and more.  It is nice to be able to go for a walk with one
body, one lens and not have to worry about carrying a light meter as well.  

	I always estimate my settings before I even bring the camera up to my eye
and at first I always forgot to check the meter.  Now I still estimate and
then check the meter and if the meter and I do not agree I will shoot two
frames - one at my estimate and one at what the meter tells me.  It is
embarrassing to say but the meter is usually right especially in tricky
scenes.  I will admit that when I have the time and a situation is tricky I
will still use my spot meter.

	I forget who mentioned it earlier but I have also gotten into the habit of
using the chrome M6 for chromes and the black M4-P for b&w.  I have also
found lately that I am shooting a lot more transparencies these days due to
commercial needs.  I still prefer black and white.

Ian Stanley

Kathmandu, Nepal