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.
Agreed! I’ve had so many people try to explain metering to me and this video made it all just “click” in my head! Have recommended it to all the photographers in my life 😊
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.
Mr. Cody. Amazing totally amaZing. I don't want to mention how many hours I spent trying to learn the zone system. You did an awesome job Thank you so much you made my 2024 year.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Just wanted to add that beginners might not know why you work from an f stop in this case as opposed to a shutter speed as your starting point. Obviously inanimate objects think f stops and people think shutter speed is the way I start off.
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!
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 Area.)))))))))
I also shoot 16mm motion picture and the zone system is the perfect tool in your head. That being said I always base exposure on key light with ambient reading but say if you're using 500T you want to know what muds u or blows in the scene
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
This is legitimately, in full sincerity, the best RUclips 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.
Yeah it was really good and you can just tell he really loves it and knows what he’s doing. And it was cool seeing how he was out there with a bunch of friends posing on the Lizard’s Mouth rock.
It's odd, Cody, I come across so many digital photographers who either completely disregard the venerable Adams, or, more shockingly, have never heard of the man in the first instance. As you assert, Ansel Adams is one of the progenitors of the Exposure triad - & if you cannot work with (his) fundamental principles of the Zone system - I prefer to remember it as the 'Grey Scale' then I see no point in a more earnest approach to the discipline. In you, I see a reinstatement of values in the art of photography, & it clear you are well versed in your craft. There is a sublime difference between the know-it-all & the more self-effacing, understated professional - you Sir, are the latter; as my Granda would say, "A wise head on young shoulders" - as rare a quality today as ever was. Superb presentation, thank you !
Not at all, Cody. I speak as I find. You're my kind of photographic professional, &, you extol all the virtues that I find most appealing in the art itself. You (also) remind me of the venerable John Garret - his attitude & approach to photography is not unlike your own, ergo, phenomenal. I once wrote to him in regard to one of his many publications on B & W photography, & by kind return, he gifted me a personally signed hand-processed print; it is also signed & has sat in pride of place on one of my living room walls. Wishing you & yours happiness this festive season, Best, Andrew 🙂
Like everyone else already said it’s an amazing explanation of how to use the meter for film. I spent so much time looking for a good explanation but I never found one. However I believe I get it now thanks man!
Hey, I'm a novice and I really enjoyed your ( lesson?), I got more out of this video than I got from watching a score of other videos. Your video was concise and very thorough yet easy to understand. The explanation of the zones really help me grasp a little bit better the concept of light metering. It had really been elusive before this. I've watched video after video without really feeling like I had a clear understanding. Your explanation of the zone concept which I never heard before and the triangle were great for me. Thanks again for sharing.
Thank you for introducing the difference between negative and slide film. I agree with your viewpoints on slide films. Thank you. I used to enjoy the Sekonic L-358 and incident metering for Kodachrome and the newer E100.
I haven't shot film in years and this brought back so many memories of that period. To this day, I still rely on a handheld meter for much of my metering, although with a lot of experimentation, I've developed suitable substitutes that are reliable and repeatable (such as spot metering off the back of my hand and adjusting accordingly). Experimentation is an important factor in getting to understand all of the variables one has to work with as a photographer. One of those variables that's often forgotten about is the "box speed" of a film; the ISO that's on the side of a box of film is just a starting point, a nominal ISO, if you will. If you mix and match films from different manufacturers that have the same ISO, you'll often find variations in the end result, so it's important to spend time getting to know a particular emulsion, something which Ansel Adams clearly did a lot of, so he's a great reference point for anyone starting in film and it's great to see him mentioned in this video for that reason alone.
One easy way to overcome the wide dynamic range of the backlit shot is to use a soft grad filter. Two of my medium format cameras have a 77mm thread so this is easy to attach various filters. Also, bracketing is essential for some difficult to meter shots so you can choose the best capture that reflects the moment you want to remember or emphasis (sky detail). I use an old Pentax spot meter as it is easy to convert EV ratings to choose the right combination of shutter speed and F stop. Great work on explaining density theory and film types.
Thanks, Cody; although I understand the process of compensating for the light, I always needed clarification on how to meter. I think it was understanding what the meter was reading in correlation with how to adjust for the image I wanted. Thanks for clearing that up with your examples. It helps me understand...Cheers for assisting another photographer.
Intro so good. I don’t shoot film but it’s inspiring to watch a master talk about his craft in such depth. Makes me want to get better at what I do. There’s layers to this shit!! Epic video as always dude.
Honestly, Cody, this is one of the most informative and helpful videos about lighting, metering, and exposure that I've ever seen. Thanks so much for taking the time to edit it together for us, and please keep up the amazing work!
I have been hearing about Ansel Adams’ zone system for a long time and could not get my head around it until I found your video. You really brought it down to ‘easy-to-chew’ bits. Thanks for this video!!!
The reason why conventional wisdom says to expose for the shadows is because you cannot alter shadow density through development, whereas you can with the highlights. Adams’ zone system was created for sheet film where you can expose an individual sheet for the shadows and then develop it for the highlights - more if you need to expand the range, less if you need to contract it.
Very coherent and informative. I've been considering buying my first film camera and I came here from Peter's "G.O.A.T.S." video. Thanks for the info in the video, I'm excited to start learning.
Liked and subscribed. FINALLY... someone explained the zone system the right way. lol... I'm a professional photographer but that in the digital world is completely different from the film world. Great video!!
I’ve been using a DSLR (Pentax K-3 Miii Monochrome) as a spot meter to help me expose film in my 35mm cameras (Pentax MX). This will help me expand what I’m doing with that workflow.
Great examples, So well done. First video of yours that popped up for me. If my TA's at Uni were as clear as you, my results would have been a lot different.
I know the comments already do a fantastic job but I can't stop gushing at how amazing this video is. An incredible resource for any level of photographer, most especially those of us just starting their film adventure. Thank you!
I have watched millions of videos about metering and this one is by far the best video i have watched. Thanks a lot, Cody! Subscribed at lightning speed :)
This is a must watch for anyone shooting film. You’ve articulated good exposure in a way that anyone should be able to pick up an analog camera and go out to capture great images on film.
Like so many people who are into photography, I'm a visual guy and I loved the sliding scale over the zones for exposures. I suspect if you had just explained it without the graphics I wouldn't have understood it but now I get it. Another excellent point you made is that a spot meter always meters for 18% gray or Zone V. Applying that to your sliding scale graphics will help me improve my exposures. Thanks, Cody. I just subscribed.
Oh my god, the amount of incoherent videos and articles about metering I have read. This was so easily (and artfully) explained, I'm just blown away. Instantly more knowledgeable with your channel.
Solid video, Cody. (One quick suggestion: please inform your viewers that those negatives are in protective sleeves (and that one should keep their fingers off of actual negatives!)
First time coming accross yoir chanell this was a great video, as a photographer of more than 30 years I started out shooting film and migrated to digital and so the difference when it comes to exposure is something I understand well, as well I have always understood spot metering with the camera itself using the cameras meter this is the first time I have seen someone use a spot meter to map the ranges in the frame and use the zone system to establish best exposure settings this is a fantastic strategy That I have never used. I have always compensated for the area I could meter and the exposure over/under I was looking for to produce the file or negative I needed to work with. I'll be looking for a meter like this soon as I am also looking for a medium format 6x8 or 6x9 film camera to capture the largest resolution files possible without taking out a mortgage. Great video! It's been a while since I learned something that made me feel like I should have known this! 👍
i've really been struggling to understand metering and stops and all that technical stuff, and this video seriously feels like it's in a course, it has really helped me get my head around it, thank you so much!
Wow!, All this time and expense trying to understand something you have explained in a 10 min video. Saying that is greatly under stating the depth and expertise you have you have managed to put in that video. You have provided a well rounded explanation in a manner that seems clear, concise, friendly and informative. Your talent in doing this is much appreciated and I hope you go far.
I shot thousands of rolls as a kid but moved to digital as a teen in the mid 2000’s. Late last year I got my dads om-1 and grandfathers rollie 75 2.8 back in working order but have been struggling mightily with properly metering a scene for the exposure and look I want. This video changed that, thank you 🙏
Very well explained Cody! It’s really refreshing to see your honesty at the end. Plenty of RUclips channels where everything always goes perfect but in reality mistakes are all part of it.
Abslolutely freaking awesome!!!! I am not sure what to choose as the best. The "how to proper exposure" explanation or your hability to "Teach". So thoroughly clear, the subjects, the timing, the examples (even foulty ones) I am just speachless. Congratulations and thank you very much.
I've watched so many videos on metering, so many seem to ignore high contrast images and your video perfectly explained the information I needed. Thank you so much
Thank god for Cody! I’ve heard people explain zone metering at least 3 times now and it’s either too boring or missing a clear explanation. Thank you for always giving us your best 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
This is the greatest challenge for young photographers. One distinction that I think needs to be added is landscape photography requires mostly spot metering while street photography and portraits utilise mostly incident metering. Great video
So well explained, inspiring, and so enjoyable to watch. Didn't think I'd get to learn something new about something I thought I knew as much as I could about already. Thank you!
Thank you, Logan! There's definitely a narrow line between oversimplified and unnecessary bogged down when it comes to the subject. Really glad you dig it!
Thanks for making this video, it was really insightful and I have never thought about these density zones like this before. I'm going to incorporate this into my process next time I do some film photography. As for the last image in your final thoughts, with high contrast shots like that, there's always bracketing. I'm sure you already know this, but maybe for people new that are reading, it costs an extra couple shots but you'll get the shot you want and helps you learn what the film is capable of.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for sharing not only your knowledge but also these very valuable experiences! I am amazed by the quality of your work and explanations.
![Shenseea - Dating Szn (Options) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eUePmZFIXUg/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
Really glad you think so. Intentionally exposed images is the name of the game!
Agreed! I’ve had so many people try to explain metering to me and this video made it all just “click” in my head! Have recommended it to all the photographers in my life 😊
i gotta watch it again. i think i'll get it on the second viewing. im hopeful
I am beginning to understand the Zone System
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.
Knowing that you appreciate all of that makes doing it for free worthwhile. I hope it saves you time and frustration!
Mr. Cody. Amazing totally amaZing. I don't want to mention how many hours I spent trying to learn the zone system. You did an awesome job Thank you so much you made my 2024 year.
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.
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!
So glad to hear that!
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.
You are a gifted teacher. Clearest explanation of zone system I've seen.
Yeah, I agree. I’ve been teaching at a college for a long time and you’re a great teacher.
best explanation of film and metering on the internet
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!
Really appreciate that, Matthew. Thank you! Much more to come!
No exaggeration, but this is the best photography video I’ve seen. I appreciate your in-depth explanation and examples. Thank you!
Wow, thank you! Really glad you found it useful!
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.
Just wanted to add that beginners might not know why you work from an f stop in this case as opposed to a shutter speed as your starting point. Obviously inanimate objects think f stops and people think shutter speed is the way I start off.
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!
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 Area.)))))))))
I also shoot 16mm motion picture and the zone system is the perfect tool in your head. That being said I always base exposure on key light with ambient reading but say if you're using 500T you want to know what muds u or blows in the scene
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
So glad to hear you say that! I hope your next few rolls are all you hope for!
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
Man, I’ve been trying to understand the zone system and this was super helpful!
Thank you, Cwis. It's such a powerful technique, but when you see it in action, it's really quite simple!
This is the best explanation video I've watched. Thanks! 💯
Holy smokes. As a newbie who is hungry to learn, this was way more than I hoped for. Excellent video!!!
This is legitimately, in full sincerity, the best RUclips 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.
Yeah it was really good and you can just tell he really loves it and knows what he’s doing. And it was cool seeing how he was out there with a bunch of friends posing on the Lizard’s Mouth rock.
"To photograph is to capture varying degrees of light." That's fireeeeeee, put it on a t-shirt haha 🔥🔥
It's odd, Cody, I come across so many digital photographers who either completely disregard the venerable Adams, or, more shockingly, have never heard of the man in the first instance. As you assert, Ansel Adams is one of the progenitors of the Exposure triad - & if you cannot work with (his) fundamental principles of the Zone system - I prefer to remember it as the 'Grey Scale' then I see no point in a more earnest approach to the discipline. In you, I see a reinstatement of values in the art of photography, & it clear you are well versed in your craft. There is a sublime difference between the know-it-all & the more self-effacing, understated professional - you Sir, are the latter; as my Granda would say, "A wise head on young shoulders" - as rare a quality today as ever was. Superb presentation, thank you !
Honored to receive your kind words, Andrew. Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts!
Not at all, Cody. I speak as I find. You're my kind of photographic professional, &, you extol all the virtues that I find most appealing in the art itself. You (also) remind me of the venerable John Garret - his attitude & approach to photography is not unlike your own, ergo, phenomenal. I once wrote to him in regard to one of his many publications on B & W photography, & by kind return, he gifted me a personally signed hand-processed print; it is also signed & has sat in pride of place on one of my living room walls.
Wishing you & yours happiness this festive season,
Best, Andrew 🙂
this is the best video I've ever seen on metering ... like by FAR. goat
Less than 6 minutes in and I already learned super value information. You explained that very well - thank you!
FInished the video, and this is one of the best videos on film and metering out there. You rock!
I love your pace! Well delivered, but not overly edited.
Like everyone else already said it’s an amazing explanation of how to use the meter for film. I spent so much time looking for a good explanation but I never found one. However I believe I get it now thanks man!
So glad you found it helpful. Thank you, Abrahan!
Hey, I'm a novice and I really enjoyed your ( lesson?), I got more out of this video than I got from watching a score of other videos. Your video was concise and very thorough yet easy to understand. The explanation of the zones really help me grasp a little bit better the concept of light metering. It had really been elusive before this. I've watched video after video without really feeling like I had a clear understanding. Your explanation of the zone concept which I never heard before and the triangle were great for me. Thanks again for sharing.
This is simply a wonderful explanation of the joys of metering. You have real skills sir!
Thank you for introducing the difference between negative and slide film. I agree with your viewpoints on slide films. Thank you. I used to enjoy the Sekonic L-358 and incident metering for Kodachrome and the newer E100.
I haven't shot film in years and this brought back so many memories of that period. To this day, I still rely on a handheld meter for much of my metering, although with a lot of experimentation, I've developed suitable substitutes that are reliable and repeatable (such as spot metering off the back of my hand and adjusting accordingly). Experimentation is an important factor in getting to understand all of the variables one has to work with as a photographer. One of those variables that's often forgotten about is the "box speed" of a film; the ISO that's on the side of a box of film is just a starting point, a nominal ISO, if you will. If you mix and match films from different manufacturers that have the same ISO, you'll often find variations in the end result, so it's important to spend time getting to know a particular emulsion, something which Ansel Adams clearly did a lot of, so he's a great reference point for anyone starting in film and it's great to see him mentioned in this video for that reason alone.
One easy way to overcome the wide dynamic range of the backlit shot is to use a soft grad filter. Two of my medium format cameras have a 77mm thread so this is easy to attach various filters. Also, bracketing is essential for some difficult to meter shots so you can choose the best capture that reflects the moment you want to remember or emphasis (sky detail). I use an old Pentax spot meter as it is easy to convert EV ratings to choose the right combination of shutter speed and F stop. Great work on explaining density theory and film types.
Thanks, Cody; although I understand the process of compensating for the light, I always needed clarification on how to meter. I think it was understanding what the meter was reading in correlation with how to adjust for the image I wanted. Thanks for clearing that up with your examples. It helps me understand...Cheers for assisting another photographer.
Intro so good. I don’t shoot film but it’s inspiring to watch a master talk about his craft in such depth. Makes me want to get better at what I do. There’s layers to this shit!! Epic video as always dude.
Thank you, brother. 💙
Honestly, Cody, this is one of the most informative and helpful videos about lighting, metering, and exposure that I've ever seen. Thanks so much for taking the time to edit it together for us, and please keep up the amazing work!
I have been hearing about Ansel Adams’ zone system for a long time and could not get my head around it until I found your video. You really brought it down to ‘easy-to-chew’ bits. Thanks for this video!!!
The reason why conventional wisdom says to expose for the shadows is because you cannot alter shadow density through development, whereas you can with the highlights. Adams’ zone system was created for sheet film where you can expose an individual sheet for the shadows and then develop it for the highlights - more if you need to expand the range, less if you need to contract it.
This is the best exposure explanation I have ever seen. I’m doing photography for some 20 years but seriously this is awesome!
Honored to receive a veteran's stamp of approval. Thank you!
Can’t believe I’m just watching this for the first time - it’s unbelievably helpful as a beginner. Thank you so much for sharing with examples!
Very coherent and informative. I've been considering buying my first film camera and I came here from Peter's "G.O.A.T.S." video. Thanks for the info in the video, I'm excited to start learning.
Thank you for this! more often then not most of these I’ve seen are all fluff, this was great and to the point.
Liked and subscribed. FINALLY... someone explained the zone system the right way. lol... I'm a professional photographer but that in the digital world is completely different from the film world. Great video!!
Easily the best analog channel i had ever came across. I love your editing and filming style. Gives me a “documentary” feeling to it. Keep it up!
Thank you so much!!
I’ve been using a DSLR (Pentax K-3 Miii Monochrome) as a spot meter to help me expose film in my 35mm cameras (Pentax MX). This will help me expand what I’m doing with that workflow.
this only video on youtube explains how the zone system work, I finally understand it now
Really awesome video on how to spot meter, thanks man. The only thing that is missing is more details on all eleven zones.
One of the clearest explanations of how to meter that I have seen so far - with Kyle McDougall's.
Great examples, So well done. First video of yours that popped up for me. If my TA's at Uni were as clear as you, my results would have been a lot different.
I know the comments already do a fantastic job but I can't stop gushing at how amazing this video is. An incredible resource for any level of photographer, most especially those of us just starting their film adventure. Thank you!
10 seconds in, instantly subscribes 😂 that’s all I needed to see
I have NEVER heard the Zone system broken down so well where I could truly comprehend exactly what is going on, instant subscribe man
Thanks, Langston! Welcome! It's a bit of a complex topic. I wanted to see how simple I could make it. Glad you found it useful!
I have watched millions of videos about metering and this one is by far the best video i have watched. Thanks a lot, Cody! Subscribed at lightning speed :)
This is a must watch for anyone shooting film. You’ve articulated good exposure in a way that anyone should be able to pick up an analog camera and go out to capture great images on film.
That was the goal! Glad you think I hit the mark. Thanks, Michael!
Like so many people who are into photography, I'm a visual guy and I loved the sliding scale over the zones for exposures. I suspect if you had just explained it without the graphics I wouldn't have understood it but now I get it. Another excellent point you made is that a spot meter always meters for 18% gray or Zone V. Applying that to your sliding scale graphics will help me improve my exposures. Thanks, Cody. I just subscribed.
i put so many videos in my “watch later” playlist but this one I actually watched on the spot, super glad I did. Stellar lesson, friend.
Oh my god, the amount of incoherent videos and articles about metering I have read. This was so easily (and artfully) explained, I'm just blown away. Instantly more knowledgeable with your channel.
Glad it was helpful, bruh! Thank you!
Solid video, Cody. (One quick suggestion: please inform your viewers that those negatives are in protective sleeves (and that one should keep their fingers off of actual negatives!)
Cody an inspirational journey indeed.
Thanks, John!
Top notch videos man! Want to get back into film photography and your videos are by far the best I've come across. Cheers from Serbia!
Super helpful. I have a medium format on the way and this was essential.
Wow. That was amazing. You taught me the zone system in a concise and clear video. Thank you Very much.
You're welcome!! :)
This was phenomenal. So comprehensive, yet simply explained.
This is such a great use of this platform. Good old RUclips.
Just saw Pete McKinnons shoutout and watched this as I've been wanting to get into film! Such a fantastic video! Thanks so much.
Welcome, Elise! Grateful to have you here!
First time coming accross yoir chanell this was a great video, as a photographer of more than 30 years I started out shooting film and migrated to digital and so the difference when it comes to exposure is something I understand well, as well I have always understood spot metering with the camera itself using the cameras meter this is the first time I have seen someone use a spot meter to map the ranges in the frame and use the zone system to establish best exposure settings this is a fantastic strategy That I have never used. I have always compensated for the area I could meter and the exposure over/under I was looking for to produce the file or negative I needed to work with. I'll be looking for a meter like this soon as I am also looking for a medium format 6x8 or 6x9 film camera to capture the largest resolution files possible without taking out a mortgage. Great video! It's been a while since I learned something that made me feel like I should have known this! 👍
Excellent video! Thank you for the in-depth instructions on metering. I think I need to brush up on the Zone System now!
i've really been struggling to understand metering and stops and all that technical stuff, and this video seriously feels like it's in a course, it has really helped me get my head around it, thank you so much!
Definitely not a course, just wanted to share the love! So glad it helped you out!!
Probably the most useful photography video on the internet.
Wow!, All this time and expense trying to understand something you have explained in a 10 min video. Saying that is greatly under stating the depth and expertise you have you have managed to put in that video. You have provided a well rounded explanation in a manner that seems clear, concise, friendly and informative. Your talent in doing this is much appreciated and I hope you go far.
I shot thousands of rolls as a kid but moved to digital as a teen in the mid 2000’s. Late last year I got my dads om-1 and grandfathers rollie 75 2.8 back in working order but have been struggling mightily with properly metering a scene for the exposure and look I want. This video changed that, thank you 🙏
Thousands.....
one of the most useful video about metering. Thanks a lot.
I was just reading about the Zone System from Ansel Adams and this is spot on. The examples were super helpful.
This video speaks so much to the nerd in me. Absolutely love it
Very well explained Cody! It’s really refreshing to see your honesty at the end. Plenty of RUclips channels where everything always goes perfect but in reality mistakes are all part of it.
Thank you! Mistakes are 100% part of the process. Anyone who acts like they aren't isn't giving you the full picture.
Great video. No BS, just clearly explained and demonstrated knowledge. Thanks, Cody.
Abslolutely freaking awesome!!!!
I am not sure what to choose as the best. The "how to proper exposure" explanation or your hability to "Teach".
So thoroughly clear, the subjects, the timing, the examples (even foulty ones) I am just speachless. Congratulations and thank you very much.
This video was so helpful. As someone who learns visually, your explanation and examples made all the difference. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your precious knowledge and experience, it helps me a lot get more conscious with the magic of light in this world.
Great video! Love Ansel Adams. My favorite color film is slide film though, so a video dedicated to this would be fantastic.
Excellent video! Very well put together and valuable. Learned a lot from it!
This is the best video on photography in general that I have literally ever seen. Thank you.
What a video! Thanks Cody! This was absolute knowledge and I appreciate it!
I've watched so many videos on metering, so many seem to ignore high contrast images and your video perfectly explained the information I needed. Thank you so much
Really glad to hear that, Dizzy. Thank you!
Watched this months ago and I still reference it 😍
easily the most well-made and informative video about metering I've ever seen on youtube. Thank you so much Cody!
Thank god for Cody! I’ve heard people explain zone metering at least 3 times now and it’s either too boring or missing a clear explanation. Thank you for always giving us your best 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Immediately subscribed. This was mind blowing!
This is the greatest challenge for young photographers. One distinction that I think needs to be added is landscape photography requires mostly spot metering while street photography and portraits utilise mostly incident metering. Great video
This is the third quality video I've seen from you in the last few days. Not suscribing would be stupid
Wonderfully put. You need to teach. You have the gift.
extraordinarily helpful 🙏🏻 can’t thank ya enough
Fantastic and detailed explanation of zone metering. Thanks for the video and help.
Thank you so much. Glad you found it helpful!
So well explained, inspiring, and so enjoyable to watch. Didn't think I'd get to learn something new about something I thought I knew as much as I could about already. Thank you!
Thanks, Khanh. Really glad you learned something new!
I loved your in the field explanation edit. Awesome! Thanks
Great video, Cody! The zone system has always been a super intimidating subject to tackle. You nailed it!
Thank you, Logan! There's definitely a narrow line between oversimplified and unnecessary bogged down when it comes to the subject. Really glad you dig it!
Both a super useful, well put together video and a gigantic mainline of nostalgia for hanging out at Lizard's Mouth. 11/10. Keep it up my dude.
One of fewest videos on youtube with such details explanation of zone system! Really appreciate it
So glad! Thank you so much!
Incredibly useful video, thank you! Great job!
Thanks for making this video, it was really insightful and I have never thought about these density zones like this before. I'm going to incorporate this into my process next time I do some film photography. As for the last image in your final thoughts, with high contrast shots like that, there's always bracketing. I'm sure you already know this, but maybe for people new that are reading, it costs an extra couple shots but you'll get the shot you want and helps you learn what the film is capable of.
It would be interesting to see your approach to incident light metering. This was really clearly explained. Clears up things I was dimly aware of.
Hey, Anthony. As I stated in the video, I don't really use incident light metering. My metering workflow is pretty much entirely spot metering.
This was the best explanation of the zone system I've ever heard/seen! Thanks so much!!
This is the best metering lesson so far. Thanks, Cody!
Great video! Delivered with humility and clarity. Really nice photos too. The missed lesson at the end.....BRACKETING.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for sharing not only your knowledge but also these very valuable experiences!
I am amazed by the quality of your work and explanations.
It's a privilege to do so. Thank you!