How do I check my exposure meter?
Set your camera to Manual mode, then look at the bottom of the screen in your viewfinder. Notice the scale with zero in the middle. That is the light meter at work. Raise the shutter speed, and the little indicator will move to the left; this indicates underexposure.
What is a CdS exposure meter?
CdS light meters use a photoresistor sensor whose electrical resistance changes proportionately to light exposure. These also require a battery to operate. Most modern light meters use silicon or CdS sensors. They indicate the exposure either with a needle galvanometer or on an LCD screen.
How does an exposure meter work?
A light meter works by detecting the amount of light striking either the sensor or the subject. By following the information provided by the light meter, you can select the exposure triangle settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) that will result in optimal exposure for your subject.
What do light meter numbers mean?
A light meter is a line with a 0 in the middle, with the numbers 1, 2, and 3 going out in either direction from the center. The first important thing to know is that each of these numbers indicates a full stop. The higher the number, the further away you are from an even exposure.
How long do CdS cells last?
CdS cells sometimes will break down, but in general their operational life seems to be several decades. I have some cameras from the early 60s when CdS came into play, and their meter cells still work perfectly.
What are the two types of exposure meters?
There are two types of light meters: incident-light meters and reflected-light meters.
Do CDs cells wear out?
Yes, they will wear out.
How is reflected light measured?
A reflective light meter, such as the one in your camera, measures the intensity of light reflecting off of a subject. The light hits your subject, bounces off of, and then is measured as it hits the reflective light meter. The measurement is taken from the position of your camera.
How do you meter the shadows?
To meter for your shadows, which is what I recommend for film shooters, take your light meter and face it away from your light. Your light meter should still be in front of your subject, but the bulb should be facing into the shadows, or the darkest part of your image.
How do you measure exposure in photography?
We touched upon light meters briefly in our article on exposure. These devices help to measure how much light is falling on a scene. Light meters measure either the light that falls on the subject (incident metering) or the light reflected off the subject (reflective metering).