Hi Folks, I just picked up a Pentax Digital Spot Meter but w. no insturction booklet. Instead of just guessing, how do you convert the EV reading to a particular ASA then shutter and/or f. stop setting? Or can someone direct me to a pdf file or website?

Also, the archived info on meters was very helpful in making this decision. Thank you.

-- James Christian (JCC928@aol.com), May 10, 2001

Answers

First line up the ASA of your film with the arrow at the front arrow. The arrow and asa numbers are green on mine. Next line up the EV number from your meter reading with the arrow closest to you (red). Now a range of apertures should be lined up with a range of shutter speeds in the center that all represent your choosen exposure. Harder to explain, but easy to do once you figure it out.

-- Mark Meyer (Mark@photo-mark.com), May 10, 2001.

If you are going to use the zone system, go ahead and get the zone strip that attaches to meter. I think it is like $5 at the Ansel Adams Gallery in San Francisco. I bought it, and now I can accurately put specific tones into the zones.

FYI

-- Andy Biggs (abiggs@tvmcapital.com), May 10, 2001.

Hi Mark & Andy, I think I figured it out! Once I thought about it plus your comments helped, thank you. Andy I do use the zone system and my primary reason for getting the spot meter. DO you know anywhere else to get this scale? Or my understanding is 1 full change in EV is equal to 1 change in stop which means, that if I meter and get an EV of 10 that is 18% gray or zone 5, then one EV up or down is a change in zone? Is this a correct thought?

I also found this website which was helpful as well http://spotmetering.com/pentaxsp/

Thank you again, James

-- James Christian (JCC928@aol.com), May 10, 2001.

Since I have the Zone VI modified version, I cannot see underneath the sticker that they applied. It appears that each EV number is evenly spaced, as are the zone values.

So, i guess a 'yes' is the answer.

-- Andy Biggs (abiggs@tvmcapital.com), May 10, 2001.

You can also get the zone scale from Calumet (calumetphoto.com). Have fun !

-- Paul Mongillo (pmongillo@thurston.com), May 10, 2001.