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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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!
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 🙂
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.
Very good explanation of the zone system. In more than 30 years of photography I have seen many, and this is undoubtedly one of the best. Thanks for sharing.
Great video, tactfully explained. Put a lot of things into place for me. As for your final shot, to retain the colours of the sky, there's a little hack; you can wave a piece of black card over the top part of the image for part of the exposure to bring it 1 or 2 stops down. Worked for me in a similar situation, though it's probably only going to work best on exposures longer than a few seconds!
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.
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.
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.
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 🙏
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.
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!
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 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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
You did a great job in this video. I have been playing with cameras for many years, shooting film and processing it in my home darkroom. I read a lot of books by and about Ansel Adams and it took me a while until I was comfortable with the Zone System. Then I switched to digital photography and to this day I am not 100% convinced it is real photography. I am sure I will get flamed when people read this. Your video was the best explanation of density and metering I have ever seen. I wish this had been available when I was first learning but hey, the Internet did not exist then. I am going to look for more of your videos. Respectfully, I would like to make one suggestion regarding your videos. The music is distracting and not very good. The video would have been better without the music. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
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
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.
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!
I’m really glad I found your channel. Excellent work on this video! I’m looking forward to watching more of your stuff. Take care and thanks for what you do here.
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!
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.
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.
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 have been shooting film for years and this is BY FAR the best and simplest explanation of how to use the Zone System. Clear, concise, with perfect examples. WELL DONE! :)
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
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.
Great video Cody. This has helped my Digital to Film transition immensely! Definitely the best practical explanation of the zone system I've come across. Thank you!
Hi Cody! I'm a photographer from NYC and just came across your channel. Just wanted to compliment such a well-thought-out, concise, easy-to-understand video. Thank you so much for sharing it, can't wait to watch more of your content!
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.
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!!
The best video I've seen so far to explain the zone system!!! ( Now one could explain how the development affects the film, because in the end the time and also the temperature play a role. and of course the movement of the film in the can or the tank.)
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!)
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!
This is by far the best explanation of exposure and manual metering I've ever digested. You literally explained such complicated photography concepts in such an easy-to-understand level! I was given a film camera a few years ago, but was put off & scared by how complex exposing for film seemed to be. Present day, I my curiosity got the best of me again since I was getting bored of my DSLR, and was suggested this video. Thank you SO much, you are a fantastic to resource to both digital and analog photographers!
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 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Fantastic little video. I have started shooting film again after a lengthy digital hiatus. Part of why I am, once again, enjoying analogue, is the challenge. Narrow dynamic range vs Raw digital, means creative choices and compromises. But when you get it correct, it is fun as heck. Thanks for this detailed refresher!
This is the best video about metering I have ever come across. Thank you for this, I struggled and basically ruined Provia 100 during summer shoot, because I butchered the exposure with in camera prism. The quality of your production and comprehensive explanation and history behind the spot system and 18% grey really helped me to understand the exposure far above the basic exp. triangle. Subscribed. And also binge watched the entire channel. Subscription well put.
Wish I had you as a teacher back in the days! great video, now I understand better what I've always been doing without thinking enough about it… thanks!
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
best explanation of film and metering on the internet
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.
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!
Possibly the best explanation of metering on the entire internet. This video deserves millions of views. Thank you for creating it.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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!
Very good explanation of the zone system. In more than 30 years of photography I have seen many, and this is undoubtedly one of the best. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of the most informative videos on the application of the zone system to negative film. Thanks for sharing.
Great video, tactfully explained. Put a lot of things into place for me. As for your final shot, to retain the colours of the sky, there's a little hack; you can wave a piece of black card over the top part of the image for part of the exposure to bring it 1 or 2 stops down. Worked for me in a similar situation, though it's probably only going to work best on exposures longer than a few seconds!
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.
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!
"To photograph is to capture varying degrees of light." That's fireeeeeee, put it on a t-shirt haha 🔥🔥
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.
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.
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!
after years of hearing about the zone system you finally made me understand it by using practical examples
thank you!!!!
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 🙏
Ah! The light just went on and this makes much more sense! Thank you!
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!
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!
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!
Holy smokes. As a newbie who is hungry to learn, this was way more than I hoped for. Excellent video!!!
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!
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!
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!!!
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.
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!
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!
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 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.
One of the clearest explanations of how to meter that I have seen so far - with Kyle McDougall's.
What a wonderful video! Clear, informative and beautiful. As a film photography novice I find it very useful!
This is the best explanation video I've watched. Thanks! 💯
This is simply a wonderful explanation of the joys of metering. You have real skills sir!
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.
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!
This was phenomenal. So comprehensive, yet simply explained.
This is such a great use of this platform. Good old RUclips.
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 :)
Probably the most useful photography video on the internet.
You are a good teacher.
You did a great job in this video. I have been playing with cameras for many years, shooting film and processing it in my home darkroom. I read a lot of books by and about Ansel Adams and it took me a while until I was comfortable with the Zone System. Then I switched to digital photography and to this day I am not 100% convinced it is real photography. I am sure I will get flamed when people read this. Your video was the best explanation of density and metering I have ever seen. I wish this had been available when I was first learning but hey, the Internet did not exist then. I am going to look for more of your videos. Respectfully, I would like to make one suggestion regarding your videos. The music is distracting and not very good. The video would have been better without the music. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
this is the best video I've ever seen on metering ... like by FAR. goat
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!
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.
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!!
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’m really glad I found your channel. Excellent work on this video! I’m looking forward to watching more of your stuff. Take care and thanks for what you do here.
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 was just reading about the Zone System from Ansel Adams and this is spot on. The examples were super helpful.
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.
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!
Great video. No BS, just clearly explained and demonstrated knowledge. Thanks, Cody.
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.
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.
Cheesy peeps this is perhaps the most informative photography video I have ever watched. Extraordinary work.
One of fewest videos on youtube with such details explanation of zone system! Really appreciate it
So glad! Thank you so much!
I have been shooting film for years and this is BY FAR the best and simplest explanation of how to use the Zone System. Clear, concise, with perfect examples. WELL DONE! :)
Many thanks, David!
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
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!
This is the third quality video I've seen from you in the last few days. Not suscribing would be stupid
Great video, you've explained the zone system and exposing the film correctly very very well 👍
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.
Great video Cody. This has helped my Digital to Film transition immensely! Definitely the best practical explanation of the zone system I've come across. Thank you!
Hi Cody! I'm a photographer from NYC and just came across your channel. Just wanted to compliment such a well-thought-out, concise, easy-to-understand video. Thank you so much for sharing it, can't wait to watch more of your content!
Hey Kate. Thanks so much. Really glad you appreciate it. I hope it helped you in some small way. Glad to have you here.
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this only video on youtube explains how the zone system work, I finally understand it now
This video was so helpful. As someone who learns visually, your explanation and examples made all the difference. Thank you!
This is the best video on photography in general that I have literally ever seen. Thank you.
One of the best videos I have seen explain manual metering. Thank you for putting this out there.
Thank you for watching!
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. 💙
This video speaks so much to the nerd in me. Absolutely love it
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!!
The best video I've seen so far to explain the zone system!!! ( Now one could explain how the development affects the film, because in the end the time and also the temperature play a role. and of course the movement of the film in the can or the tank.)
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!)
easily the most well-made and informative video about metering I've ever seen on youtube. Thank you so much Cody!
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!
This is the best metering lesson so far. Thanks, Cody!
Thank you for this! more often then not most of these I’ve seen are all fluff, this was great and to the point.
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!
Wow. That was amazing. You taught me the zone system in a concise and clear video. Thank you Very much.
You're welcome!! :)
Probably the best video out there about light metering. Saving this to a playlist to help me learn film photography.
This is by far the best explanation of exposure and manual metering I've ever digested. You literally explained such complicated photography concepts in such an easy-to-understand level!
I was given a film camera a few years ago, but was put off & scared by how complex exposing for film seemed to be. Present day, I my curiosity got the best of me again since I was getting bored of my DSLR, and was suggested this video.
Thank you SO much, you are a fantastic to resource to both digital and analog photographers!
Drea, that makes me so glad to hear. It's really a lot of fun once we get past the pain period. Excited for your film journey. Cheers!
Great video! Delivered with humility and clarity. Really nice photos too. The missed lesson at the end.....BRACKETING.
That was interesting. That was the first time I’ve ever seen the zone system explained using color film.
This was the best explanation of the zone system I've ever heard/seen! Thanks 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 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
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.
Excellent video! Thank you for the in-depth instructions on metering. I think I need to brush up on the Zone System now!
Fantastic little video. I have started shooting film again after a lengthy digital hiatus. Part of why I am, once again, enjoying analogue, is the challenge. Narrow dynamic range vs Raw digital, means creative choices and compromises. But when you get it correct, it is fun as heck. Thanks for this detailed refresher!
It really gets the creative juices flowing. Glad you're getting back into it. Cheers!
This is the best video about metering I have ever come across.
Thank you for this, I struggled and basically ruined Provia 100 during summer shoot, because I butchered the exposure with in camera prism.
The quality of your production and comprehensive explanation and history behind the spot system and 18% grey really helped me to understand the exposure far above the basic exp. triangle.
Subscribed.
And also binge watched the entire channel. Subscription well put.
Michal, thank you so much dude. I'm so glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching and for sticking around. Stoked to have you here!
Wish I had you as a teacher back in the days! great video, now I understand better what I've always been doing without thinking enough about it… thanks!
Best video I have seen on the subject, great delivery, amazing way to show the zone... you are an awesome teacher sir!
Thanks so much for explaining the zone metering. Have been struggling with metering especially shooting film at night.
You're so very welcome! I hope it helps!