Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/23

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Grey card
From: "Bill Larsen" <ohlen@sierratel.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 21:01:44 -0700

My understanding is that the grey card is supposed to be
reflective of the average of the total amount of light
hitting the subject.

Usually, the term 18% is thrown around.  In reality, it
depends upon how the specific meter is calibrated.  As I
recall, Bob Shell consulted with Kodak to write a more
definitive description of what the grey card really meant.
( I can't remember if this was on the Rollei Users group or
on the newsnet).  The grey card reading is suppose to
represent what your EV should be.

In reality, it depends upon how you consistenly meter the
card, the type and charactericts  of the light of of the
film.]

Rather than make broad statements about how to use a grey
card, I think you need to consistenly use it the same way
and use Kodachrome to see if the results are what you want.
If not, change the film speed to compensate for the way you
meter.

Bob Shell is an admirer of the 13 percent statement.  You
all need to see what works for you.  Kodachrome (which I
personally hate for day-to-day usage) is a great standard
which you can see what is reallly happening as regards your
exposure.

Bill