Sunny 16 rule

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Discussion

Austin Prefect

Original Poster:

800 posts

6 months

Sunday 18th May
quotequote all
Does anyone manage to use a version of this in the UK? Probably not because everyone has meters these days but anyway...

From what I've read it's meant for use in sunnier places and on the principle that a bit of under exposure it better than over.

Using a 'sunny f8' rule seems to work in bright sunshine, with an extra stop if the sun goes behind a cloud. But in dull weather or in winter it's difficult to judge.

spookly

4,272 posts

109 months

Sunday 18th May
quotequote all
Just get a metering app for your phone.
Take a guess what the EV is randomly when you're out and about. Before long you'll be getting pretty good at guessing what the measured EV is +/- 1.

As for over/under exposure, it really depends what you're trying to capture. The dynamic range of whatever you're shooting, and how you plan to use it.

I shoot a Fujifilm GFX almost always in manual mode. I rarely agree with the suggested metering, and often run a slightly faster shutter speed than the metering suggests.

I also shoot an old Hasselblad 500cm. I have two meters, but after shooting with it for a couple of years I find I'm using them less and less. As my older lad does all my film developing and printing at home I can get him to push or pull when printing anyway, so can tolerate a stop or two either way.

But, a light meter will agree with the sunny 16 rule. If I was out today int he midday sun and got a meter out, I'm fairly sure it would have been EV 16 or so.

Simpo Two

88,756 posts

279 months

Friday 23rd May
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What camera are you using?

Austin Prefect

Original Poster:

800 posts

6 months

Friday 23rd May
quotequote all
Leica M3.

Simpo Two

88,756 posts

279 months

Friday 23rd May
quotequote all
Austin Prefect said:
Leica M3.
Before my time, but if you like the vintage look how about a period light meter on top, eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156993209494

Austin Prefect

Original Poster:

800 posts

6 months

Friday 23rd May
quotequote all
Simpo Two said:
Before my time, but if you like the vintage look how about a period light meter on top, eg https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156993209494
I did try one out but it spoilt the handling making the camera top heavy. If I was going to use the camera regularly I might invest.

Simpo Two

88,756 posts

279 months

Saturday 24th May
quotequote all
Hang one round your neck?

Austin Prefect

Original Poster:

800 posts

6 months

Saturday 24th May
quotequote all
I could, I could stick one in my pocket, I can get my butler to carry a selection. But before I invest in a meter for a camera I'll use rarely I'm considering the possibility of going without.

I'm not ungrateful for all the advice, but we are wandering off the point.

Presumably if I'd asked for recommendations for meters I'd now have a page full of explanations of the sunny 16 rule.