Zone system exposure

[Markok765]

quick question, is it better to point the light meter at the darkest area u want texture in and expose -2? or is it better to ajust using a zone scale according to the density you see by your eye?

[Ole]

Neither is really correct according to the full zone system, but the first one is closest. That's also what I do most of the time.

[Donald Miller]

quick question, is it better to point the light meter at the darkest area u want texture in and expose -2? or is it better to ajust using a zone scale according to the density you see by your eye?

The Zone System is a methodology that is aimed at arriving at a print tone that corresponds to a luminance in the subject/scene in a predictable, repeatable, and self determined manner. Thus to make a blanket statement of "I place my shadows at Zone III or IV, as is fairly common among ZS practitioners" is going to provide one with exposures that consistantly illustrate that which they photograph in the same way.


This system of rote adherance to methods is the methodology of someone who is a mechanic and not an artist. I make this statement because when one has learned the methodology than one should no longer be a slave to the methodology. By illustration, there is a world of difference between the fellow who replaces the spark plugs in my automobile's engine and the design engineer that designs a new model Ferrari.

Artists create and automatons repeat.

[Sportera]

Well said Donald.

[André E.C.]

...when one has learned the methodology than one should no longer be a slave to the methodology. .

Ditto!

Cheers

André

[smieglitz]

...Artists create and automatons repeat...

Ditto!

Joe

[jstraw]

The idea would be to measure the lowest value for which you see discernable detail and place that meter reading on the Zone of your choosing.

[Claire Senft]

That, he tongue in cheek asked, is what makes you an artist..avoiding what you know will work?

[Monophoto]

The idea would be to measure the lowest value for which you see discernable detail and place that meter reading on the Zone of your choosing.

Actually, I think you want to identify the deepest shadow area for which you WANT TO SEE discernable detail, and place that on the Zone of your choosing.

The Zone system is a process to repeatably produce desired results, and you have to know what result you desire before you can use it knowlegably.

[jstraw]

Actually, I think you want to identify the deepest shadow area for which you WANT TO SEE discernable detail...

Right you are!