Stupid Question?

[dkg]

I just got a Canon IIf for my son for Christmas. I have always used SLR's, both film and digital, and am used to having the camera tell me what aperture to use given my shutter speed choice, etc. Here's the stupid question. How in the world do I know as I'm framing up a shot which speed and f stop to use absent any metering info from this old camera? Do I need a separate meter of some sort, or is this trial and error?

 

[dedmonds]

I use an external meter (Sekonic L-308S).

 

[ruby.monkey]

Separate meter.

 

[dkg]

Thank you both. A light meter it is, then. Did everyone who used these cameras back in the day use a meter as well?

 

[ZeissFan]

Yes, although some photographers simply guess. I wouldn't try this with slide film.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Print film is forgiving, you can be off two stops and get a printable image. Slide film is more like 1/2 stop.

I use a meter with my IIf.

 

[airds]

See the 'An exposure chart for your pocket!' thread