>
> But I would submit that histograms and chimping have totally obsoleted
> multi-spot metering. I can take a test shot and adjust the camera for
> perfect exposure with the histogram before you can ever get through
> measuring your multiple spots.
>
Chimping is as "valid" of an exposure method as any other. However, we're
again entering the realm of anticipatory vs. reactionary photography. In
anticipation of a picture that is evolving before my eyes, I can multi-spot
without taking my eyes from the viewfinder AND there are times where the
pre-shot (for chimping purposes) disturbs the outcome. Multispot is silent,
taking a picture isn't.
Also, something that is specific to the high-order OM bodies, we have the
hi-light/shadow buttons. I never used them till recently and I'm in hog
heaven now. Take a common snowscape, all I have to do is take a single spot
reading of the snow that I want bright, press the hi-light button and fire
away. In the time it takes for the histogram to appear on the back of the
DSLR, I've already completed the picture and am going on to the next one.
Point, press one button, press a second button while recomposing, press the
shutter-release, done. If I'm taking several shots, click the lever over to
memorize the setting. (assuming auto-exposure). What takes me less than two
seconds will take no less than six seconds when doing the
shoot-chimp-adjust-shoot method. Please try it and see just how quickly the
chimp method really is for you. I know my way around a DSLR as well as most
here, and I can't do it under six seconds--and this is assuming that I can
do it with just one chimp cycle.
As to multiple multi-spot readings? Since I've learned the hi-light/shadow
functionaly, I'm frequently doing just one spot-reading, but if I'm doing
the full monty in manual-exposure mode, I'll do three: One highlight, one
shadow, one midtone, and I adjust exposure to make sure all three dots line
up within the exposure range of the film I'm using. A poor man's histogram,
so to speak.
Honestly, though, this comes down to working-method comfort. I find myself
easily getting caught up in one style of metering or shooting. For a couple
of years (three?) I was parking my brains and letting auto-exposure do it's
thing and dialing in exposure compensation. My poor E-1 never saw the "M"
position for 18 months, I think. But nowadays, I'm doing so well with "M"
modes that the the "A" setting is getting lonesome. "P" gets used when I'm
totally in brain-dead mode, and "S" is just plain silly. ;)
I got the negs back from last night's shoot. I just held them up to the
light to eyeball them and I'm in hog heaven. Every single flash and ambient
exposure is exactly what I wanted. Yes, Joel, even slide film would have
been dead-on.
No chimping required.
AG (got them hanging out in the breeze) Schnozz
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