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Thread started 15 Jan 2009 (Thursday) 20:40
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Histogram vs. Hand Held Meter

 
jr_senator
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Jan 15, 2009 20:40 |  #1

I have a friend who tells me that there is no reason to use an incident meter or bracket exposure, if one gets all the pixels in the histogram because one can make it any exposure one wants. He shots only RAW and is a very accomplished user of Photo Shop.Thoughts?



  
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Jan 16, 2009 13:42 |  #2

I'd say there's no reason generally to use a reflected light meter - the camera sees reflected light and the histogram is a much more sophisticated readout than a needle.

There are still cases where an incident meter is useful...

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Mark_Cohran
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Jan 16, 2009 15:28 |  #3

What if you're using studio strobes? Sure, you can chimp until you get it right, but if you want specific ratios (key to fill to b/g) then an incident flash meter sure helps you set things up quickly.


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PhotosGuy
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Jan 19, 2009 21:31 |  #4

...if one gets all the pixels in the histogram because one can make it any exposure one wants.

I've rescued some bad exposures, but that's no reason to throw the meter out the window & rely on PP. You may have noise issues...
For a good starting point, this is what I use:
Need an exposure crutch?


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Have you thought about making your own book? // Need an exposure crutch?
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jr_senator
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Jan 20, 2009 07:23 |  #5

I read your posting. Yes, it's a lot of words, but one doesn't have to take it all in at once. I have been a shutter bug for over 50 years now. Maybe that's why it's sometimes difficult for me to understand digital. BTW, I use an incident meter (analog, of course).



  
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PhotosGuy
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Jan 21, 2009 21:04 |  #6

Well, there is a learning curve, but it's worth the trip. My Nikons have gathered dust since I went digital, so hang in there.


FrankC - 20D, RAW, Manual everything...
Classic Carz, Racing, Air Show, Flowers.
Find the light... A few Car Lighting Tips, and MOVE YOUR FEET!
Have you thought about making your own book? // Need an exposure crutch?
New Image Size Limits: Image must not exceed 1600 pixels on any side.

  
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Histogram vs. Hand Held Meter
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