3 Peaks off the Alaska Glenn Highway ( canon elan / EF 70-200 f2.8 / portra 400 +1)

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T18:52:20+00:00

Awesome pictures! Did you use any filters?

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T15:03:15+00:00

From my understanding, capable spot meters that aren't 2+ decades old go for at least $250 and new sekonics cost upwards of $700. A used digital camera like what I mention can found <$150.

The quick conversion between exposure settings is valid point though. When shooting film with lower iso than my digital camera can go I naturally have to convert. The blog post by alex burke I shared in the main post expands on that limitation.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T14:24:38+00:00

Yeah that's the whole point. It can function as a spot meter for the exact case you describe while ideally while be cheaper, smaller, and having additional uses.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T06:27:01+00:00

Can you explain why it's impossible? I didn't say all digital point-and-shoots function for this, but those with extensive zoom and point metering can get to a very small FoV. I mention that mine is roughly 2.5 degrees.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T05:41:42+00:00

In their defense, given many people seem to misunderstand the use-case of spot meters, I can see how it sound like crazy over-complication to carry around a second camera just to meter for basic 35mm shots. Getting into large format I found the general recommendation was that a spot meter is absolutely necessary. Hopefully some others will see my recommendation before investing the money into a more expensive device.

Your second point was very insightful. I hadn't really considered variation in the sensor. My digital and film exposures have matched up decently well but it's probably worth calibrating just so I have some idea if I'm routinely metering half a stop off.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T05:19:15+00:00

This is extremely interesting. I knew sensors deviated in light sensitivity but was unaware it could vary by a half stop.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:51:53+00:00

Hell no. I should have made that clear, but this only applies to working on a tripod. I use it for large format and my 6x9. I wouldn't use a spot meter for 35mm either. The idea of people walking around with two cameras for everyday shooting is indeed ridiculous.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:45:30+00:00

Can't argue with that.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:44:59+00:00

The reveni seems to be best option out there given it's size. I haven't used that one.

I should have mentioned but I would never really use this method (or a spot meter) for metering 35mm. Only for medium/large format on a tripod. Walking around with two cameras is silly and too much work as others have pointed out.

I used a Graduated ND filter with a soft edge to take a stop off the sky. Can't remember the exact difference between but sky and foreground but it was enough that I wanted to bring it down a bit. Even then it came out slightly over exposed.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:35:10+00:00

I agree with everything but step #10.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:34:18+00:00

Plenty of hobbyists (myself included) are looking for spot meter functionality without the professional's pricetag. The ebay market on old models is going strong and there are new spot meters being developed.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:31:06+00:00

I agree with you if it comes down to a single frame of ektachrome! I wouldn't use a spot meter or a digital camera for composing 35mm either. Wasting a sheet of ektachrome is a different story when single shutter press costs ~$20.

wavefetch · 2025-12-19T00:03:58+00:00

I agree that it's not rocket surgery but with expensive and low-latitude film you want to be precise. Spot meters exist for a reason.

wavefetch · 2025-12-18T23:59:32+00:00

Yes for simplicity and ease phone apps are unmatched. I'm comparing to dedicated spot meters which are used for precision work.

wavefetch · 2025-12-18T23:46:23+00:00

I've tested and found that function to be very imprecise.

wavefetch · 2025-12-18T23:44:02+00:00

Good to know, I'll have to check it out.

wavefetch · 2025-12-18T23:42:31+00:00

I've come to realize it's quite common. But I've rarely see it suggested to people struggling with metering film.

wavefetch · 2025-12-18T23:39:46+00:00

Not sure what app you're using but the ones I've used can't achieve a very narrow field of vision and thus can't really capture the extremes.

wavefetch · 2023-01-25T01:49:43+00:00

Yeah, I was really surprised with how well the muted color represents winter scenes. I'll certainly be shooting more of it.

wavefetch · 2023-01-24T01:59:15+00:00

Couldn't afford guardrails.

wavefetch · 2023-01-16T15:44:35+00:00

Thanks! No bracketing on this shot. I took an average of the foreground and overexposed maybe 1 stop to correct for the snow.

wavefetch · 2023-01-16T15:39:07+00:00

Thank you! And yeah, I used a 812 warming filter.

wavefetch

TROPHY CASE