Brightness Level Indicator

[Thierry Humeau]

I am a bit puzzled by the F3's Brightness Level Indicator function. Which part of the picture is used to measure brightness? Does it used a spot or average metering algorythm? I have never use this on EX1s but exposure on the F3 being a bit more tricky, it may prove to be a useful tool.

Thanks.

[Andy Shipsides]

I believe it is reading the brightness at the center of the frame.

Andy

[Andrew Stone]

Andy's right. It takes the reading at the center of the frame. There is no averaging involved.

[Dave Sperling]

Originally Posted by Thierry Humeau

but exposure on the F3 being a bit more tricky,.

Hi Thierry,
Not quite sure what you mean in terms of exposure. Just did my first couple of shoot days with an F3 and found that using the same 'exposure procedure' I'd been using with an EX1 worked fine - primarily zebras for skin tone and for judging overexposure, occasionally checking the histogram (or waveform when connected to a monitor) yielded excellent results. Only really tricky part was when trying to adjust nikon mount lens exposure using the MTF adapter (on a lens with no f/stop ring), since a little movement on the adapter produces a big exposure change, so it's tough doing a live 'iris pull' with the adapter.
Perhaps this opens up the possibility for the next adapter level - with a geared iris pull step-down to give us greater throw on the adapter??
When using my (older) Nikon lenses, the f/stop ring on the lens worked well, and I was surprised how well my ancient 200mm f/4 lens intercut with the Sony Primes!
Best,
Dave S.

[Thierry Humeau]

Dave,

I was just wondering how big of a target area the brightness indicator uses to measure brightness. With that damned viewfinder, I have trouble nailing down proper exposure when outdoors. And I spend a lot of time outdoors. I also have to get used to the histogram. When comparing to an EX1, the F3 seems to have greater latitude, maybe a stop or two.

Thierry.