[Leica] BESSA R3A or M7

[phong at doan-ltd.com (Phong)]

Julian Koplen wrote:
> Hence, I think I'll spring for one of the Digisix-like small 
> meters that can do incident measurements.  Do my assumptions 
> about more constant slide density with incidents work out that way 
> in practice?

Not in my experience.   You can get constant slide density with
either reflective or incident, as long as you meter once, and
do not change the exposure as long as the light does not change.

Even with incident meters, you still need to use your judgment
to interpret the light in contrasty situations; in such situations
it takes a lot of experience with how your films/paper/digital sensors 
respond to light  to decide where to place the meter.

For the most part, I prefer incident meters.  However, with media
with very narrow latitude in the highlights such as color slides or 
digital sensors, I sometimes prefer reflective meters and always 
check the "hot spots".    See Dan Cardish's recent allusion to 
reflectance, summarily dismissed by Karen Nakamura.  It appeared
that people missed Dan's point, and Dan is too lazy to elaborate.  :-)

Also, if you do any sort of "zone system", reflective meters are 
de rigueur, a must.  While not a great fan of Ansel Adams, 
if they are good enough for him, they are good enough for me.   :-)

Make sure you learn to use any meter properly; reflective or incident.
WIth reflective, do not just point to the scene, line up the arrows and 
shoot.  Yeah, yeah I know Ted and his KISS.  I am all for KISSing too,
but what he didn't tell you is that it takes a lifetime to know where to 
point the  camera before you line up the arrows.   That's what I hate 
about pros.  They make it look so darn easy and simple.  ;-)
At the very least, point the reflective meter at something "middle gray",
before you line up the arrows.

You can get excellent results with either reflective or incident.

Please excuse my ramblings, for I do not know what you do or
do not already know.   :-)

Cheers,

- Phong