TOMMY WILLIAMS / L’Observateur / August 14, 1999

For the last few articles we’ve discussed how the camera’s metering system and its various components work or function in relation to achieving proper film exposure, components such as the light meter, shutter speed and lens aperture.

Well, not that I want to shock you with any disturbing news, but, at some point in your life you’ll have to be responsible for your own actions. Oops! Sorry,wrong conversation, that line is for my 10-year-old daughter.

We’ll give this another shot. At some point in time, while operating your cameraof course, the meter will not always work. Which means that you’ll have to usethat old, but not completely forgotten about body organ called the brain. Ifyou’re one of the few still conscious at this point, don’t worry, I have spoken to numerous medical physicians and they all agreed that you can handle it. Nowthat we’ve gotten pass the bad news, back to the article.

If your camera’s metering system ever stops working or becomes non- functional, try the “sunny 16 rule.” The sunny 16 rule pertains to basic lightexposure settings for most outdoor lighting situations. Keep in mind that if youdon’t own a camera with manual capabilities, please proceed to the last paragraph for more jokes and bad humor.

First, set your camera’s shutter speed as close as possible to the actual film speed (or ASA) that you’re currently using. For example, if the film speed yourusing is 100 (ASA) film, set the camera’s shutter speed to 125/sec or 100/sec.

Next, use these average aperture settings for the following lighting conditions: sand or snow scene under bright sun, set the aperture to f-22. Bright sunny daywith no clouds covering the sun, set the aperture to f-16. Weak sun light (hazy),set aperture to f-11. Slightly cloudy, set lens aperture to f-8. Heavy cloudcover, rainy day, or in the shade, set the aperture to f-5.6. These are basicmanual settings for shooting outdoors and should be trial tested whenever possible for minor adjustments in exposure settings.

Remember that this is called the sunny 16 rule, not the Sunny Delight rule. And,most importantly, besides from me, the only other place that you can get this highly technical information from is the inside cover of the film packaging box that houses the film you use. Also, never, I mean absolutely never try to writean article after arguing with your spouse. Smile!

Back to Top

Back to Leisure Headlines

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

Internet services provided by NeoSoft.

Best viewed with 3.0 or higher