I just purchased an elan 7e and am wondering about the metering options. I realize this is very broad question with a lot of opinions but I have yet to see a comprehensive explanation about what the advantages and disadvantages are between evaluative, center weighted, and partial metering. Also what are the advantages of linking the metering to the focus points? Any help would be greatly appreciated. On another note, does anyone know how to get Lithium film in 35mm format?

-- shadowman (mshadow818@msn.com), January 28, 2002

Answers

The older metering method was center weighted. Everything fits into one metering zone but a large central area is given priority. Some center weighted systems were really just very fat partial area meters. Center weighted works fine as long as you know what to expect from it. A back lighted subject will need some compensation to keep the subject from going dark, stuff like that.

Spot metering meters a very small area. Usually the operator takes meter readings from several areas in the picture area and decides what he wants to make look like a middle tone. This is a great metering system but it takes quite a bit of time and knowledge to pull it off well. "Zone System" users insist that this is the only way to get an accurate exposure.

The Elan 7 uses a partial area meter instead of a spot meter. It's like a fat spot meter or a narrow center weighted meter. People use it like a spot meter, but it isn't quite as precise. However it is easier and faster to use if you don't know jack about the "Zone System."

Evaluative metering automatically takes a bunch of small area meter samples. I think 35 areas with the Elan 7. Then it compares that pattern of lighting with a databank (or something like an index of the databank) of posible lighting situations that would cause this particular lighting pattern. Then it makes an educated guess about what you are focusing on and what area you want metered as a middle tone. Think of it as the electronic perversion of the Zone System. In reallity Evaluative makes fairly good guesses and usually makes the right choice for metering accuracy.

Evaluative is usually more accurate than center weighted but the problem is you never really know what the camera is thinking so you don't know if it is biasing the exposure the way you want it to. For that reason some people that are very familiar with doing their own exposure biasing still use center weighted metering. But sometimes taking the time with measuring several partial areas yourself is the only way to get an accurate exposure. Also with that back lit subject, it's easy to use partial area metering right on the subject and then you know that the bright areas surrounding the subject won't effect your metering at all.

There really are good reasons to use each type.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), January 29, 2002.

Oh yeah, the advantage to linking Partial Area metering to the AF point can found with that same back lit subject, if the subject is off center. I never use this however. When I want to use partial metering it's almost always with AE Lock or manual exposure. I just take the reading at the center, lock it in and then reframe the picture how I want it. But to each his own.

The evaluative metering is normally linked to the active AF point. I use that all the time, since when I'm using evaluative metering, the area I'm focusing on is almost always the area I want metered correctly.

I don't know anything about lithium film.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), January 29, 2002.

"Lithium film"?

Is that explosive film that burns when it comes in contact with oxygen? An antidepressant film for the clinically depressed?

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), January 29, 2002.

Thanks for the info. You just told me more in one page than a dozen web sites and two profesors. Lithium (or lith) film is EXTREMELY high contrast. Absolutely no gray or middle tones. Kodak makes some called Kodalith but I have only been able to find it in medium format. I know there is 35mm Lith film out there because I used it in high school, but alas it was out of a bulk loader and was unable to get a brand name. This stuff IS AWESOME! If you can get your hands on some BUY IT NOW! Thanks again.

-- shadowman (mshadow818@msn.com), January 30, 2002.

Oh, you mean lith or litho film. That comes from the word "lithography" - it has nothing to do whatsoever with lithium.

Lithium is an element; a lightweight metal commonly used in photographic batteries. Lith film refers to a very high-contrast film stock which can be used to create a line-art effect when developed with lith developer.

The name derives from the way it sort of simulates a lithographic effect. Lithography is printing with engraved or coated (with ink repellent material) metal or stone; hence the name. ("lithos" being Greek for "stone".)

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), January 30, 2002.

nothing to contribute by way of the problem at hand...

just wanted to let NK GUY know i'm doing the "arms outstretched bow" i saw ur site too....damn good pal...

thanx for the effort..

venkat

-- Venkat (venkat_p_iyer@yahoo.com), January 30, 2002.

I guess I showed my ignorance here. This probably explains why I haven't had any luck finding it. Thanks for all the info.

-- shadowman (mshadow818@msn.com), January 30, 2002.