Re: Minilux

[Dan Cardish <dcardish@microtec.net>]

At 02:34 PM 26-12-96 -0600, Dick wrote:
>
>I have a question about the Minilux.  When the camera is set at infinity
>(too take a picture through a car window, for instance, as my wife does many
>times on trips)does the auto exposure system not work???  On page 22 of
>"Leica fotografie International," issue 5.95, it states:
>
>"Of course, when focusing is effected by hand, the AF module and the
>automatic exposure metering (which normally work in unison) are disengaged."
>
>Then in the next paragraph it continues:
>
>"This means that once the lens has been focused manually at infinity it is
>still possible to take a substitute exposure reading on the foreground and,
>maintaining slight pressure on the shutter release button, store the value
>before re-framing the subject."
>
>I don't understand the last paragraph (getting older all the time and more
>neurons are excaping).  If you can take a substitute reading and store it -
>why can't you just point the camera at what you want and just push the
button???

[snip]

It sounds like the way many autoexposure cameras operate.  You point the
camera at something of the correct tonality and hold down the shutter button
partway.  This locks in the meter reading.  Now recompose, re-focus if
needed,  and push the shutter the rest of the way, taking the picture. 

Of course you could just point the camera at what you are photographing and
click away, but then you are taking the risk that the subject may be lighter
or darker than the neutral grey that the exposure meter is expecting.
Remember, the camera is autoexposure.  For example, if you were
photographing a bride dressed in a white wedding dress, the camera will
underexpose if you just point the camera and shoot.  Instead, point the
camera at some green grass or a grey card or something else of a middle grey
tonality, lock the exposure (by holding in the shutter button), then aim at
the bride.

Dan C.