Using Filters - EV & Film Speed

[Scheelings]

Hi everyone,

This isn't strictly a Leica question - but I am using a Rangefinder without TTL metering.

I have just bought a set of filters for it, and the manufacturer's information give the filter factors as 2.5 for both the orange and yellow-green filters. (so 1.5 stops each).

My Graduated ND filter is 2 stops at the darkest area (although Ken Rockwell states that you should compensate for half the darkest area - so in this case - 1 stop).

If I stack a coloured filter and the ND filter, I believe that 3.5 stops is beyond what the camera can normally handle through Exposure Compensation.

What is the normal procedure?

I suppose since I would always use the colour-filter with a given film - that I could rate the speed of the film as lower (e.g. for 100 speed film - rate it at 50 and 400 speed at 200 etc) - that would give me 1 stop to work with.

Then set the EV to +0.5

That should handle the yellow-green or orange filter + my UV filter (no EV right?)

Then when I use the graduated ND filter - just set the EV to +1.5

Is that how everyone else would work?

 

[venchka]

I dial in filter factors, extension tubes, polarizers into the exposure setting on hand held meters or built in meters. It works for me. What kind of meter system and camera do you have?
You may find that the orange filter needs an extra stop more than the stated filter factor. Bracket exposures until you get the hang of it.

Wayne