[Leica] Re: Autoexposure enlarger and camera

[Bill Lawlor <wvl@marinternet.com>]

I agree with the caveats expressed about using an enlarging exposure 
meter. Some people learn to drive only with an automatic transmission 
and never know the rewards of driving a spirited car with manual 
gearbox. The autoexposure camera and the various enlarging meters 
will get you to the destination if all you want is a photo just like 
a minilab would print.

The joy of photography is greatly expanded when you learn the craft. 
That requires understanding the materials and processes as well as 
the capabilities of fine manual cameras and lenses of character.

The contact sheet is a virtual exposure guide. Pick an average neg, 
make a good test strip and print and with a little practice you can 
estimate the correct exposures for the other negs on the sheet by 
comparing them to the standard. In the process you will learn not 
only to make good normal prints but how to get the most out of the 
materials when the best print is outside the "normal".

The same thinking applies to cameras. Most LUGGERS use M's and LTM 
cameras. Autoexposure can lead to boring photos. Experiment with 
exposure to discover the potentials of the craft.

Bill Lawlor