Understanding exposure, whats your method?

[jaffa_777]

I am interested to know your method of exposure and developing mainly for B&W. Every one seems to have their methods of determining exposure from simple to elaborate.

The reason I ask is that the method I use seems to get me good to great results most of the time, but I am not sure I really understad why?

My method is with films like trix and hp5, -

* put my incedent meter at around 200-320. (200 for a more contrasty scene, 320 for a flatter scene).
* use the incident meter in the shadow areas of the scene to determine my shutter speed at my desired depth of field.
* shoot.
* note the speed down on the film and give to my pro lab to develop
*scan on nikon 9000 for large inkjet prints

When I read peoples different methods of determing exposure for a well balenced neg, their are so many different views and methods, it seems like we are all taking different round abouts to end up at the same destination?

Whats your method and how does it work for you?

 

[Fred Burton]

I use an incident meter most of the time. I have a spotmeter but don't think there have been a lot of times that basing exposure on multiple readings from it have significantly improved my results. I usually just point the incident meter at arms length back at the camera and use that reading.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

For total control of your results - have you thought about developing your own Tri X, HP5, etc., it's surprisingly easy, more convenient and satisfying, and does not take much outlay on equipment and materials. 🙂
Cheers, Dave.

 

[jaffa_777]

Hi Dave

Yes that is one of the reasons I guess I was asking too. I am about to buy the gear I need to do my own developing and am looking forward to getting into it.