274 THE HASSELBLAD MANUAL
with the image. They can also be changed if desired. It is also possible to program cameras or
backs to give different audio signals for the three different exposure values. IAA is described
in more detail in Chapter 5.
Furthermore, it is possible to see which areas or pixels are overexposed in a picture.
When programmed into the digital sensor unit, the overexposed pixels fl ash so you can
clearly see whether these areas are important and might be objectionable in the fi nal picture
and if so, you can change exposure or re-compose the image. Further details are also available
in Chapter 5.
DECIDING ON THE METERING METHOD
The lens settings that provide correct exposure in digital or fi lm photography are determined
with an exposure meter, which can be either a separate handheld meter or a metering system
built into the camera or prism viewfi nder. Modern handheld exposure meters are very sophis-
ticated with many different possibilities for evaluating the scene and its dynamic range in
addition to the possibility of metering the scene either in the incident or refl ective metering
mode. You may want to consider such a meter if the additional information is helpful in your
work. However, if your main or only concern is obtaining perfect exposures in your digital or
fi lm images, a well-designed metering system in a camera can give you just as accurate results
in an easier, more convenient, and defi nitely much faster fashion.
Using camera meters is still considered an amateur approach in some quarters, but the
metering systems in Hasselblad H cameras — the 203 and 205 models or in a meter prism
equipped 503 or other V system camera model — offer excellent professional metering
approaches. The advantages of Hasselblad’s built-in metering systems are so numerous that I
consider this feature another good reason for selecting Hasselblad for digital imaging or fi lm
photography especially for work outside the electronic fl ash studio.
The Advantages of a Built-In Metering System
A built-in metering system offers a number of advantages.
1. You can make the meter readings from the camera position while evaluating the scene or sub-
ject in the viewfi nder.
2. The focusing screen shows the exact area that is measured by the meter. With the measured
area visible on the screen, you know what area is measured and you can easily select the area or
areas that you want to measure.
3. The meter reading is fast because the metering system reduces the number of lens settings, if
any, that need to be made manually.
4. Determining and making the lens settings is fast and you can take the meter reading while you
compose.
5. The possibility of making mistakes is reduced as few, if any, values have to be transferred manu-
ally. Even with PME fi nders on 503 or other V system cameras, you only need to read the EV
value and set it on the lens.
6. As the light is measured through the lens you can always measure an area that is actually cov-
ered by that particular lens, which is especially helpful with long telephotos.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
