Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/09/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In addition to the conventional, most film boxes contain some hints on exposure setting indoors or at night. I have seen old calculator disks (from Agfa) with several, concentric disks and segments which take into account a fistful of parameters (time of day, clouds, winter/summer, latitude etc.). Generally speaking, lighting conditions indoors are more complex. We have direct and indirect sunlight through windows of various sizes. So for objects close to large windows I apply the usual "outdoor" rules. For objects behind smaller windows and/or farther inside, I make deductions which however are difficult to generalise.. Artificial light is easier. Since lighting conditions in known places hardly change, it makes sense to bring a meter once and then memorise the readings. In an underground station and with 400 ASA I set 1/50s and f1:2. One stop more for a department store, two or three stops more for a modern, well lit office (1/125, f1:4). For these types of building there should be design standards. My favourite pub starts at 1/30s and f1:2 during the early evening. Later in the evening they dim light and I go as low as 1/8s and f1:1.4. Living rooms in private homes are more difficult, since many people prefer spotlights, reading lamps etc. over a uniformly bright light from the ceiling. Within the beam of a reading lamp, the above "office" rule applies. Outside, the "pub" rule is valid. Yes, automated cameras and even handheld meters are more convenient and safer, but I sometimes like it the old fashioned. Hans-Peter - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html