drjoke
Well-known
I was reading about Nikon FA, and it's innoative metrix metering system. Do rangefinders today have that? I am using the current Zeiss Ikon. Would my light meter be primitive or does it already include some metrix technology?
migtex
Don't eXchange Freedom!
From a technical point of view, yes they have.
If one knows how to use them.... only one may say!
If one knows how to use them.... only one may say!
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
In real life(tm), I have not found my M6s or R-D1 less effective than advanced SLRs like the F4, N90x or similar cameras. Maybe an F6 or F100 would be better - I doubt it, though.
40oz
...
advanced metering systems like the matrix systems used in modern SLR cameras are there so the user doesn't have to pay attention to the exposure. Same with autofocus. The argument apparently is that a camera selling for what a top line pro model does should have features enabling even the most inexperienced to get a good photo simply by framing and pressing the shutter.
Those auto settings aren't there because they take better pictures, they are there because they help someone with very little experience get properly exposed shots.
It's similar to the electronic traction and stability modes on BMW and Mercedes cars. They aren't there to help the experienced driver get around the track faster. They are there to keep inexperienced drivers who really shouldn't be driving a 400 hp car keep it on the road.
Thankfully, even the most inexperienced can practice and see much success even without the benefit of complex matrix metering and advanced autofocus. Bottom line - complicated matrix metering isn't better than center-weighting or spot metering, it's just more complicated.
Those auto settings aren't there because they take better pictures, they are there because they help someone with very little experience get properly exposed shots.
It's similar to the electronic traction and stability modes on BMW and Mercedes cars. They aren't there to help the experienced driver get around the track faster. They are there to keep inexperienced drivers who really shouldn't be driving a 400 hp car keep it on the road.
Thankfully, even the most inexperienced can practice and see much success even without the benefit of complex matrix metering and advanced autofocus. Bottom line - complicated matrix metering isn't better than center-weighting or spot metering, it's just more complicated.
drjoke
Well-known
Then wouldn't spot metering be helpful? Why isn't it included in my camera? I take many street shots in Thailand. Between noon and 3pm, it's very contrasty and I miss exposure too many of my shots. I figure a hand-held meter would be too slow to use, but I never handled one before.
I will probably have to learn manual compensation myself then.
I will probably have to learn manual compensation myself then.
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
Spot metering is exactly the opposite of matrix and similar metering. It's very easy to goof if you don't know how to use the meter.
My own experience, though, is that advanced metering isn't really much of an improvement over centerweighted metering, which is what the M6 delivers (which is counterintuitive when you look at the spot on the shutter curtain, but the diagram that either Popular or Modern published when they tested the meter showed a very Nikon-like centerweighting).
My own experience, though, is that advanced metering isn't really much of an improvement over centerweighted metering, which is what the M6 delivers (which is counterintuitive when you look at the spot on the shutter curtain, but the diagram that either Popular or Modern published when they tested the meter showed a very Nikon-like centerweighting).
Graham Line
Well-known
drjoke said:
Innovative in 1984, of course. There have been some advances. The ZI is center-weighted in about the same manner as the Nikon FM2n and is not especially sophisticated. No CPU evaluation like the newer SLRs.
Minolta's CLE read off a dot pattern on the curtain and then off the film plane during exposure. That's the most sophisticated system I can think of in a film RF. It's good, but easy to fool with strong backlight.
What you really look for in a meter is predictability and consistency. The Nikon F100 (and later) meters are good enough that they rarely need correction. Other SLRs are probably about the same.
MCTuomey
Veteran
I shoot an M7 and a number of Canon 1-series bodies. In absolute terms, I have no idea which is better. They're different. The Canon bodies seem to require 1/3-2/3 stop positive exposure compensation, while the M7 seems not to need it. Of course I'm generalizing. Like others say, you just have to know the camera's metering well enough to be able to adjust for the exposure you want.
Morca007
Matt
I don't know if it's more or less accurate, but I far prefer the way my Bessa R displays it's reading to my FG or N80.