Is it me, or is it the camera?
May 14, 2019 14:45:33 #
Bill P wrote:
I suspect that you problem is using a reflected light meter. When shooting for a living, I always used an incident light meter. Was super easy to use, just do what it tells you, no need to interpret.
What good would a light meter be when I am not allowed on the field to meter the subjects, I ask respectfully.
May 14, 2019 15:23:19 #
I suggest you look at the Sekonic Joe Brady videos on light meters on YouTube. Mark Wallace also has some videos on using handheld meters but his are more studio use IIRC.
I think the point is that if you are in the same light as the field that you can take an incident reading and use that to set your exposure assuming the same light is falling on you and the subject. If the meter has a spot meter capability then you can also spot meter with it on the subject and surroundings and average the exposure. Handheld spot meters are often only 1 degree which is finer than in camera spot meters. Others have mentioned other metering methods you can use in previous posts... such as matrix metering or center weighted. You can also spot meter off you hand or something else you would think is mid gray. Part of this is as Bob suggests in just playing with your camera and learning how it works as much as you can.
Personally I like and use handheld metering but many people will tell you they are not necessarily in today’s world. I wonder how many of those people have ever used one though.
I think the point is that if you are in the same light as the field that you can take an incident reading and use that to set your exposure assuming the same light is falling on you and the subject. If the meter has a spot meter capability then you can also spot meter with it on the subject and surroundings and average the exposure. Handheld spot meters are often only 1 degree which is finer than in camera spot meters. Others have mentioned other metering methods you can use in previous posts... such as matrix metering or center weighted. You can also spot meter off you hand or something else you would think is mid gray. Part of this is as Bob suggests in just playing with your camera and learning how it works as much as you can.
Personally I like and use handheld metering but many people will tell you they are not necessarily in today’s world. I wonder how many of those people have ever used one though.
Dziadzi wrote:
What good would a light meter be when I am not allowed on the field to meter the subjects, I ask respectfully.
May 14, 2019 15:24:52 #
Dziadzi wrote:
What good would a light meter be when I am not allowed on the field to meter the subjects, I ask respectfully.
Although in your case it's possible to measure the light at your location without having to be where the batter is but there are many situations where the incident light meter can not be used at all. Besides I don't think you have one and not everyone should go out and buy an incident light meter.
May 14, 2019 16:28:07 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Although in your case it's possible to measure the light at your location without having to be where the batter is but there are many situations where the incident light meter can not be used at all. Besides I don't think you have one and not everyone should go out and buy an incident light meter.
Thanks, BebuLamar. How much would an incident light meter cost? Do you recommend any? ...........Anyone have a recommendation that isn't too costly?
May 14, 2019 16:56:03 #
Dziadzi wrote:
Thanks, BebuLamar. How much would an incident light meter cost? Do you recommend any? ...........Anyone have a recommendation that isn't too costly?
Many people would recommend the Gossen Luna Pro SBC but personally I would recommend the Minolta Auto Meter III or IV used. You can get good ones for less than $100.
May 14, 2019 18:33:11 #
Yes this would be a good inexpensive meter. You sort of have $200, $400 and $600ish price points on new meters depending on features and capabilities.
May 14, 2019 18:50:59 #
Dziadzi wrote:
Thanks, BebuLamar. How much would an incident light meter cost? Do you recommend any? ...........Anyone have a recommendation that isn't too costly?
Alas, for it to be useful to you, you still have to understand what the light meter is doing. If the batter is in the shadow of the dugout, for example, the light incident on him is going to be different from the light falling on your light meter if you are out in the sunshine. Or if you are in the shadow of the refreshment booth and the batter is in sunshine, the opposite situation. Since the matrix meter has improved so much in newer cameras and the dynamic range of sensors has expanded, fewer people get into the fine tuning the incident meter would provide.
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