Metering

[kat]

I've been doing some reading, youtube and now I'm back to confused.

Spot meter.

What is the process after selecting it to taking the photo, and how do you keep that same spot meter reading for several photos?

I'm not to sure if I'm doing it right...

And I've tried to look this up..but I get what it is, the differences between the three metering systems but not how to physically do it.

*Remember also though..my internet search skills are horrible and patience even worse :(

[Marko]

I think this particular question is BEST answered in your own camera manual if you have it...

In general when you choose spot metering mode...the camera spot meters from a tiny central point that you should be able to see in your viewfinder.

If you spot meter a scene and want that same exposure for future shots (obviously the lighting cannot change) shoot in manual...you are set.

Keep in mind though....you want to spotmeter from a neutral grey zone or your exposure will likely be off.

Hope that helps - Marko

[kat]

Yes, I do understand taht. No..I guess it's the physical part. I've read online that one would hold your shoot button half way to get the spot metering, adjust your camera to where you want to shoot then shoot, but you can't let your shoot button release or you'll have to spot meter again.

My manual doesn't tell me anywhere how to physically do it. And how to keep it.

[zenon5940]

What I would do is note the exposure settings, once you have that spot meter reading (as Marko says, off a grey card ) and set the camera to manual using those settings (ie shutter speed and F stop) say 1/60, F:8 for instance.

Then, all the shots you will take while in manual will retain the same settings...

Hope that helps.

[Marko]

Hmm can't help further,,,why can't you do this for the time being tho..
spotmeter (should tell you the exposure in the window)..adjust exposure manually in manual mode - shoot.

maybe someone with the same camera can help? what camera u have again?

[kat]

Yes, Zenon and marko!


Okay that makes sense. For manual..lol. I don't know if I'm putting too much into this or just having a brain fart. For some reason I think that when I'm in Aperture or Shutter, when I spot meter and then go to focus on my subject that it would read the scene again and it wouldn't keep the grey card meter. Make sense? Oh dear lord..think I have to go do this..

I have the nikon d40x.

[Marko]

Yes, Zenon and marko!


Okay that makes sense. For manual..lol. I don't know if I'm putting too much into this or just having a brain fart. For some reason I think that when I'm in Aperture or Shutter, when I spot meter and then go to focus on my subject that it would read the scene again and it wouldn't keep the grey card meter. Make sense? Oh dear lord..think I have to go do this..

I have the nikon d40x.

Note the exact reading of the spot you are metering. Plug THAT into manual mode - ADJUST that setting unless it was taken from a grey card. Shoot. This method SHOULD work well for the time being.

The refocusing makes no difference in exposure since you already plugged it into your camera and will NOT change since you are in manual mode. Both aperture mode and shutter mode WILL confuse you until you figure out how to "hold" the exposure in those modes.

[kat]

Okay. So those modes will do that. Alright. I'm good. I think I am good. ha ha..thanks!

Manual it is.

[Fortytwo]

To put your D40x into spotmetering mode, go to the custom setting menu and go to number 05 - metering. There you can select spot metering.


Then, like Marko said. Go to manual exposure. Point the camera at the subject you want to meter and look through the viewfinder. Half press the shutter to see the metering and select your exposure based on that. Now, all you have to do is make the composition you've had in mind and shoot.