Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/19

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: [Leica] Incident Metering - resources needed
From: "William Gower" <wgower@eco-tec.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 09:33:50 -0400

The last few threads on Reflected vs. Incident metering has gotten me 
thinking:

How do _you_ incident meter ?

I has been only in the last year that I've weaned myself off reflected TTL
metering. Some success, some failure. It's to be expected, but I am getting
much, much better. Years back, I picked up a used Gossen LunaSix meter but
it mostly sat in my bag. I never had the patience or the need to be really
proficient with it. Now, armed with a meterless Leica, I am, as they say in
Pennsylvania Dutch country - "Euchred".

My theory: Learning hand-held metering is analogous to learning Chinese -
it's best to totally immerse oneself.

....or as they say at summer camp - "sink or swim".

I've had the opportunity to observe 3 photographers lately using incident
metering at 3 weddings this summer (all three using 2-1/4 cameras w/WL
finders) . All three fellows used incident meters in totally different ways.
(And seeing as they were working, the last thing they needed was someone
asking them questions.)

One fellow pointed the meter directly at a. the SUBJECT. One fellow pointed
the meter with his back to the subject at b. the CAMERA, and one fellow
stuck his arm up at 90 degrees and metered c. the SKY. All three situations
were basically identical, group shot, on the lawn, subdue 3-4pm sunlight, no
apparent tricky shadows.

I use method b. But barring all other factors, does it matter how you meter
in these cases, or does it come down to personal preference? Are there any
"rules" here ?

Thanks

William

Replies: Reply from "Clive Sanbrook" <clive.sanbrook@care4free.net> (Re: [Leica] Incident Metering - resources needed)
Reply from Mark Rabiner <mark@rabiner.cncoffice.com> (Re: [Leica] Incident Metering - resources needed)
Reply from "Simon Lamb" <simon@sclamb.com> (Re: [Leica] Incident Metering - resources needed)