Using a grey card...

[90blackcrx]

No no not if its worth it, but what are the tips on using it ? I know mine had some light ratios they totally confused me. And how do you get the grey card in focus, it must be in focus to work right correct ?

[90blackcrx]

One thing I was unsure of today when using it was, do I meter off the grey card itself or the object I'm shooting ?

[kevin_c]

Use Manual focus - focus is not important, grey is grey regardless of if it's in focus or not.

Are you using it for exposure or White balance? - Using it for exposure you will obviously need to use the card (otherwise what was the point of buying it?).

if you bought it mainly for WB, you can use it for exposure as well, but make sure the reading is taken in the same light as is falling on the subject - It's no good taking a light reading where you are shooting from if the subject is in different light.

[Cubix Rube]

Here...Lemme have a go.
For WB:
1. Shoot the gray card, as Kevin says, "in the same light as is falling on your subject".
2. In custom functions, select Custom WB
2a. Your camera will bring up your shot of the gray card (or the last shot you took).
2b. If the gray card shot wasn't the last shot you took, scroll until you get to that shot, and select it.
3. Change your WB setting on top of the camera to custom WB (check your manual if you're not sure which one that is).
4. Click away.

For Exposure:
1. Same as step one above, making sure that the circle in the center of your viewfinder is completely filled with the gray card.
2. View the image, in camera, and check the histogram (press "info" twice to bring up histogram)
3. The histogram should have a large spike or narrow column very near the middle, which would represent the gray pixels.
4. If that column is not dead center, adjust your exposure up or down, accordingly, to center that spike on your histogram.
5. Click away.

Yes, you can set both the WB and exposure for the one scene with your gray card.

This does take a couple of minutes, so I usually only go to that much trouble for "difficult" scenes, i.e. high contrast, mixed lighting, etc., or shots that I really want to be perfect (which should be every shot, but I get lazy sometimes, and end up paying the price later in PP...)

Hope that helps!

[chauncey]

FYI I've got 2 cards, one is a little darker. Thay give slightly different colors.

[90blackcrx]

Setting exposure, I don't really no to much about setting exposure with the grey car. I have it more for white balance, but if I were to use it for exposure, do I just meter off that I take it ?

Why would someone want to use the grey card for exposure ?

Also one thing I know , well atleast I don't think someone mentioned was to make sure the light is not reflecting off of it.

[PhotosGuy]

Setting exposure, ... do I just meter off that I take it ? Generally, yes for an average subject. This will work too, & you don't need to carry a card: Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)

For subjects that aren't average, read down in this thread: exposing to the right question. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3068220#post3068220)

[Glenn NK]

Personal take on white/grey cards:

Both work fine for white balance (they are neutral),

White is white whether or not it's in focus.;) Changing the focus won't change the colour.

[PhotosGuy]

I forgot this question: Why would someone want to use the grey card for exposure ?
Because meters can't think, so photographers should.. ;)

This thread has a good illustration of target influenced differences in exposure readings, too.
Gray card: Why your meter may be lying to you! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54281)

[90blackcrx]

Photosguy I have read your post about 5 times, do you mind if I PM you and ask you some things that are bugging me ?

[PhotosGuy]

Why don't you post in whatever thread you have the question or post it here? Maybe someone else has the same question.