First time using filters?

stvn

Senior Member
Hi, This is my first time I will be using a variety of filters with one of them mounts that slips the filters in and I have a question (this may seem obvious but I still want to check).

Do you meter before you slide in a filter and then add it or do you meter with the filter already in place :confused:

That's it, thanks.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I believe the answer to that is "it depends". With polarizers I always meter with the filter, and do the same for low value ND's. With high value ND's, where I'm doing 30 sec exposures in full light I will meter with it off first and then adjust based on the ND value in manual mode.
 

STM

Senior Member
I am assuming you are talking primarily about black and white film as that is where the majority of filters are used. It is usually best to meter with the filter already in place. Filters vary widely when it comes to their exposure factors, from 0 stops with a K2 (yellow) filter to 3 stops with a 25A (red) filter. In the case of a rotating polarizing filter, depending on the angle the sun is coming hitting the subject, its eposure factor can vary considerably. There is also going to be some variability between manufacturers so it is best to meter with the actual filter in place.
 
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