Going fully manual

[Dan Cattermole]

I've decided to get my old school Leningrad4 light meter out that I've never had the patience to use, and use it like it should be used. Now that I've got 8 rolls of Kodak Gold 200, I feel more relaxed about giving this a real go. I have a good understanding of this light meter, but faffing about too much before a shot was not on my to do list.
So then, I've got the Light meter, behold, The Leningrad4

I've got my camera.... Which is my fully manual Edixa Prismat with a Panomar 135mm f/2.8, and it's now loaded with 36 exposures of Kodak gold.

I could do this on my OM10 if I wanted to, but I don't want the temptation to cheat.
I'll let you know how I get on. I may just get another M42 mount lens for a bit of variety. only a cheapish one.

Thanks for looking

 

[Davie Hudson]

That light meter would confuse the life outta me, i use the one on my phone

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Very cool!

I would check the meter against a modern camera just to be safe Dan

The ASA ratings have changed over time I understand - plus old meters may not read accurately as the light sensitive cells have aged

If it has an offset, it's easy to compensate for, once you know!

 

[Dan Cattermole]

Thanks Chris.

I've had the light meter in a case and it's hardly been used. It's only just come out of the case for those shots.

Rest assured though, My OM10's built in light meter is spot on. and I've just done a comparison check to it, it appears to be spot on too ,'/

Lets hope the results come out too

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That light meter would confuse the life outta me, i use the one on my phone

Suprisingly, It's very easy (and good fun) to use. I'm going all analogue on this roll ,'/

 

[Pete Askew]

Good man! And being of Soviet design, if you take any photos of gloomy tower blocks etc and meter the scene using the Leningrad, the photos will come out sunny and full of optimism with happy people in them!

 

[Beth Carter]

wow, that looks like the thermostat in my grandparent's house.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Nice Dan, nice! Good luck with it! I may move an m42 50mm knocking about you can have if you want ... Let me know

 

[Pete Askew]

wow, that looks like the thermostat in my grandparent's house.

If they start to complain they are feeling chilly, you know who to call!

 

[Dan Cattermole]

Nice Dan, nice! Good luck with it! I may move an m42 50mm knocking about you can have if you want ... Let me know

Hamish, I LOVE to. Doesn't matter the condition. Very greatful for anything
I'm going to try out this method on this roll and if all goes to plan, slap some HP5 in it and get deving finally.
Now THAT will be fun!

 

[David Mitchell]

You should see my light meter as its got 3 different scales on it depending on what light opening is used lol.

Most fully manual cameras do have light meters inbuilt, although the older Selenium based ones can cause issues, I love my FM2N light meter as it shows when the exposure is slightly over or under by 1/3 of a stop to help just over or under expose.

The good thing about shooting film these days is that once its digitized you can adjust the exposure, as long as its not too over or under exposed its amazing how much detail you can still get from post processing.

I have scanned in around 200 frames for my neighbor on my V600, looking at some of what seem to be under exposed frames after tweeking its amazing how much detail you can coax out of them.

If you are wanting to borrow any of the cameras you see below in my signature let me know, some have quite limiting options, I shot on the Bessa without a light meter, just used a sliding exposure calculator and guessed the brightness lol.

 

[Stan Hesketh]

I like using my old Zenith in this manner, and really look forward to seeing your shots. As a youth I had (amongst others) an Ilford Sportsman which had a superb lens/shutter. After years of rattling around in the tank bag on my motorcycle, the light meter had given up the ghost and I would just guess the exposure. It is surprising ho accurate you can be once familiar with the camera/film type. Of all the cameras I have owned, I got along with this Sportsman the best. Funny thing is it has disappeared; can't find it anywhere.

 

[Nihat Iyriboz]

In the end you will be happier. Congratulations, Dan - a brave photographer

 

[Brian Moore]

I am proud of you, laddie,...Proud I say!

 

[Dan Cattermole]

I am proud of you, laddie,...Proud I say!

Thanks Brian

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Good man! And being of Soviet design, if you take any photos of gloomy tower blocks etc and meter the scene using the Leningrad, the photos will come out sunny and full of optimism with happy people in them!

Yeah, I see where you going with that...... so far I've been taking pictures of my daguhters, so yeah, happy people in them. lol
I must try a mixed bag on this roll.

 

[Dan Cattermole]

If you are wanting to borrow any of the cameras you see below in my signature let me know

Thanks David, thats extremely kind of you.
I'll keep you informed. Thank you

 

[Hamish Gill]

It's in a box at work ... You ever I Worcester city centre during working hours?

 

[Paul Lange]

Top Man Dan!! I do have a Sekonic meter that a friend gave me but I find the meters in my cameras are good enough anyway so I don't use it much outside. A spot meter would be really nice.

 

[Dan Cattermole]

It's in a box at work ... You ever I Worcester city centre during working hours?

Yeah, I could easily make that arrangement. I'll drop you a text before I nip in. Be good to see your office.

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Top Man Dan!! I do have a Sekonic meter that a friend gave me but I find the meters in my cameras are good enough anyway so I don't use it much outside. A spot meter would be really nice.

Fabulous Paul, just fab!
Was that a recommendation? eBay would surely have a tonne of those. Will have a gander.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Yeah man! See you soon then!

 

[Paul Lange]

I like to meter the highlights and then the shadows and see how many stops in between. If its extreme I then decide if I want blown out highlights or overly dark shadows. Easy with spot metering if your camera has it but a bit of a pain if it doesn't.