[Leica] Exposure and Development

[mark at rabinergroup.com (Mark Rabiner)]

On 3/1/07 5:21 PM, "Jeffery Smith" <jsmith342@cox.net> typed:

> I made a rather sobering discovery a few weeks ago. I was using a Nikon RF
> which, of course, has no meter. So I used a Gossen digital light meter and
> used ambient readings rather than reflective readings. The exposure in 
> most of
> the frames was right on the money, much better than my usual TTL reflected
> light frames. This made me want to use a handheld meter and blow off the
> in-camera meter.
> 
> Last night, I watched "War Photographer" again, and saw (for the first 
> time,
> although I've watched it several times) Nachtwey pulling out a Gossen 
> digital
> meter and taking readings of ambient light while using a Canon 
> auto-everything
> SLR. So, I'm going to brave it with a Leica M3 or M4 and ambient light
> readings for a few weeks to see if I need to be doing this all of the time 
> it
> is feasible.
> --
> Jeffery
> 



We should be clear that when he did this it was not while dodging bullets.
The war was not going.
He was shooting as I recall creative broken brightly painted windows during
a lull.

I first found the idea when I heard about it of a war photographer doing a
ambient readings rather humorous to put it mildly.

As it would seem to be how should I say to be quite
DANGEROUS!!!!
and 
SILLY!!

As you're supposed to take an ambient reading from where the picture is at
not where you are at.
...So you're supposed to run out and get a reading.
....With the war going.

Though me I'd say "forget that" and assume that the light in their trench
would be roughly the same as the light in my trench. Or tree.
If not tough luck. Tough luv.

I think I'd shoot war stuff in full program AF. Which is how I shoot trees
now if the camera has that feature. If they stay still long enough.

Mark Rabiner
8A/109s
New York, NY

markrabiner.com