How do I use the OM4's spot meter in manual mode?

[carlb]

The operating manual for the OM 4 is the type that uses pictures, diagrams and few words (in 4 different languages!!) to try and tell you how to use the camera - personally I don't find these types of instructions very useful at all. So while I can work out how to operate most of the OM 4's features, including multi-spot metering in auto, it's not very clear to me how you use the spot meter in manual.

Is it a case of taking the readings and then choosing a shutter speed somewhere in the middle, or selecting one of the indicated speeds and matching the shutter speed to that?

Thanks

 

[marcr1230]

In both auto or manual mode the om4 averages multiple spot readings together. It displays the desired shutter speed as a solid sequence of bars in the bottom of the viewfinder
In auto mode you just press the shutter button and get that avg speed (with your fixed aperture)
In manual above the bar you see 2 indicators of over / under exposure you need to bring the bars on the bottom in between the indicators by adjusting aperture or shutter speed to achieve the "correct" exposure as defined by the spot readings

 

[marcr1230]

More intuitively. In manual mode you always adjust aperture and/or shutter speed to move the light intensity reading (the bars) in between the 2 arrows. Classic match needle style.
Spot readings just set , adjust and hold the light intensity bars
You still have to bring the left most of the bars in btw the arrows