reub2000
Established
I'm wondering if you could put some type of neutral density filter in front of the meter so you could use ASA1600 film. Anyone try this?
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
That's exactly what I do when the film loaded is too fast for the exposure I want. If you're using b&w film, a contrast filter (green, yellow-green, yellow, etc.) also can be used; they alter tonal rendition as well as reduce the light reaching the film.
peter_n
Veteran
Yes, it works! 
reub2000
Established
No, I mean putting filter in front of the meter. So say you ASA 1600 film, you'd set the meter to ISO800, and then the ND filter would darken the the light reaching the meter so it would use a shutter twice as long.[LEFT said:
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
Is the meter handheld or built into the camera? If it's built into the camera, is it a through the lens (TTL) meter, within the filter ring but on the lens, or placed elsewhere on the camera body.
In any case, setting the meter to 800 and placing the ND filter in front of the meter cell but NOT in the lens path would have the opposite effect. The meter reading would be for 400 or 200 or 100 speed film, depending on which ND filter you used. You would be going in the wrong direction.
In any case, setting the meter to 800 and placing the ND filter in front of the meter cell but NOT in the lens path would have the opposite effect. The meter reading would be for 400 or 200 or 100 speed film, depending on which ND filter you used. You would be going in the wrong direction.
NickTrop
Veteran
I put Fuji 1600 print film and rate it at the max 1000 on the GSN and get good results. The prints actually benefit from the extra photons they receive, and 1000 speed ASA on a GSN with a 1.7 lens is really all you need. 1600 wouldn't really buy you much in most situations imo. In fact, I'm partial to the 800 speed Fuji because it's a lot cheaper and easier to get than the 1600 and - really, it's enough if there's any kind of reasonable light levels in the room.
The "1600" thing used to irk me a little on these cameras but after using them a while 800 is plenty, 400 is plenty actually in most situations. More than that (800), I break down and use a flash because you're in a low-lit room like a reception hall or something...
As others have stated, you really can't cheat the metering system. If you want to use 1600, look for a Electro GL (very hard to find...) or a manual Lynx 14 and a hand-held meter.
The "1600" thing used to irk me a little on these cameras but after using them a while 800 is plenty, 400 is plenty actually in most situations. More than that (800), I break down and use a flash because you're in a low-lit room like a reception hall or something...
As others have stated, you really can't cheat the metering system. If you want to use 1600, look for a Electro GL (very hard to find...) or a manual Lynx 14 and a hand-held meter.
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Trius
Waiting on Maitani
I agree about the rating of the Fuji 1600, the colour/Superia at least. I shot it at 800 recently and while that was a bit much, it was OK. 1000 should be about right.