Night exposure help

[kevino]

Tonight I'll be attending a Christmas tree lighting ceremony (outdoors) at a local mall. The festivities kick off at 6:30 and it will be dark by then. I'm anticipating that the light will be similar to that of a night time fair or festival (I've never photographed either - just trying to provide reference)

Any tips for a good exposure starting point? I'll be using Tri-X at 400/800 (or faster?).

Should I take a few average readings or is there an "off the top of your head" or "Kentucky windage" type setting that you typically use as a starting point?

My max apertures are f2 & f2.8.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Hektor]

1/25 @ F2 and clip test the film if you're unsure.

try 800asa or 1600 if you can.

don't use a reflected lightmeter reading, it will be almost useless.

try to take an incident reading if you've got the kit, otherwise just shoot wide open as slow as you can hand-hold reliably, hence 1/25@F2.....simple really, you've no other choices.

 

[Stu W]

I scanned this page. It's a large file, and you have to zoom it for it to be legible, but all the info is there. Stu
Make sure you calculate for your asa naturally.

http://mysite.verizon.net/stuems/exposure.jpg

 

[kaiyen]

Have you ever looked up the Ultimate Exposure Computer?

http://www.fredparker.com/ultexp1.htm

Look closely at the exposure value chart and the exposure settings table below that.

allan