When a lens is between marked f. numbers

[seany65]

I was wondering what happens when a lens, such as a nikon ais 50mm f1.4 is set to somewhere between marked f. numbers but there's no click-stop there, and the camera's meter shows a difference in settings in the viewfinder, ie. going from 125 when the the ring is in one clicked position to between 125 and 250 and then to 250 in the next clicked position, whether in Manual or not.

Does the lens stop down to the "in between" position, if the ring is left there?

I understand that the film would be able to cope with the 1/2 stop difference if the lens doesn't go to the ring's position, I am just curious.

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[KenR]

The diaphragm motion is continuous, so half-stops are true half-stops. This is unlike shutter speeds which are only as marked in manual cameras, although more modern cameras with electronic shutters also do things continuously.

 

[sreed2006]

Yes, the lens stops down to where the aperture ring is set, whether on a click-stop or somewhere in between.

1/2 stop does make a difference in some cases. Negative films have some latitude, but it is best the get the exposure set correctly. That takes practice, trial and error, because even the best camera around does not have the markings at exactly 100% the right place.

 

[shimokita]

... some manual film cameras have ±3 step manual compensation dials in 1/3 increments... which in the case of the e.g. Nikon F3/F3P is an ISO adjustment. For any given f-stop (full or between clicks) the meter will recommend a shutter speed in full steps. The dSLR with continuous aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings is a different animal ; )

 

[seany65]

Thanks to everyone for the replies and the info.