How to Meter for Film Photography

Metering for film photography can seem complicated and convoluted, especially when so many photographers do it differently. In this video, I want to break down the essentials and give you the tools so you can meter deliberately from a place of creativity and understanding.

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0:00 The Struggles of Metering (A Dramatization)
2:01 Film Density
8:42 Ansel & The Zone System
13:16 In the Field
21:00 Final Thoughts

[zjkingsley]

This was easily the most useful photography lesson I've ever received. To call this a video about metering is really underselling it. If you understand how to implement all of this, you'll take intentionally exposed images every time.

[Sorarse]

I've been doing photography since the '80s and this is one of the best explanations of how to choose your settings based on what the light is doing in your intended image that I have ever seen.

[orngpeelr]

the production, editing, and sequencing of concepts show just how much thought and effort went into making this video. I really can't believe this is free and for that it is invaluable to me as a beginner. Instant sub.

[JeffreyHauser]

I remember viewing this video sometime ago. I recently viewed it again as I decided to unpack a couple of my film cameras that have not been used in quite a few years since the digital revolution.Your spot metering technique with clearly detailed examples were quite helpful. Shooting film required me to “slow down” & think about my photographic technique & exposure process . Unlike digital photography, shooting film can be expensive, so I find myself being more deliberate as to what I choose to photograph. Your teaching skills & humble manner are exemplary. Thank you for posting this video.

[jurdl]

My first time hearing about the zone system and I am blown away. Exposure makes so so much more sense to me now, and I can't wait to use this knowledge while shooting!

[daveed]

You are a gifted teacher. Clearest explanation of zone system I've seen.

[danielss]

best explanation of film and metering on the internet

[kenleppek]

This is the first video I've seen with the Zone System that I walked away with a complete understanding and not scratching my head and saying wait what!

[stephenperera]

I've been shooting film 39 years and counting, I have seen/heard many explanations of all this. Great tutorial for beginners in the zone system. Your delivery was calm and well paced. Showing us what you called a mistaken exposure at the end (given your stated artistic intention) was perfect to include in the video. The light meter is a very artistic tool, as is scanning film. With time and knowledge of the film stock you are using you will make faster decisions based on whether you want the scene as you see it or not. That's a key factor. Do you go to shoot at a given time of the day and month of the year to capture a specific light you are likely to get or do you go to shoot and alter the scene with exposure. That's photography in the field.

[savvyandskye]

No exaggeration, but this is the best photography video I’ve seen. I appreciate your in-depth explanation and examples. Thank you!

[matthewpenfound]

Hey Cody! Don’t stop making content like this. You present information in such a stress free yet articulate way. Im learning a lot from your videos. The best photography channel I’ve come across yet. Keep it up!

[josekaijiecastaneda]

I'm new to film photography and you explained metering so well! I now feel like I know what the heck I'm doing! Thank you

[andrewhowarth]

This was a very well written and filmed piece. I've been using the zone system since the early 70s for both film and digital, and I haven't seen a better tutorial. The sliding placement of the zones across the bottom of the screen is the best way to visualize what you're doing. I'm a visual learner, and that's part of why I find the analog meter displays easier to use on all of my meters. They'll pry my Pentax spot meter only from my cold dead hands. ;) Andy

[DigiBentoBox]

This is legitimately, in full sincerity, the best Youtube tutorial-type video I've ever seen, and I'm an INSTANT fan of your style, your work, and your channel. Thank you for this gem.

[kelvinkurniawanshorts]

This is the best explanation video I've watched. Thanks! 💯

[michaelr]

Holy smokes. As a newbie who is hungry to learn, this was way more than I hoped for. Excellent video!!!

[David_analogue]

Cheesy peeps this is perhaps the most informative photography video I have ever watched. Extraordinary work.

[rothellecooke]

Love the Zone System, Been doing it since 1999 once I took a photography class at Foothill College in Los Altos Ca, before the digital age. I still use it and still shoot film. I've now found an interest in 8mm/16mm movie film and the zone system is all I know:). Thanks for giving props to the owners who started it. I'm thankful to be from the Bay

[MickBenjamins]

Less than 6 minutes in and I already learned super value information. You explained that very well - thank you!

[ilovemusic]

Man, I’ve been trying to understand the zone system and this was super helpful!