How to Use a Reflected Light Meter

Many times, a photojournalist must take a picture instantly and needs a faster reference than that offered by a separate piece of equipment. A reflected light meter allows you to measure the amount of light coming in to your camera while looking through the viewfinder. Using a built-in light meter is incredibly simple and can be immensely useful in numerous instances.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

For Still Photography

1. Remove the lens cap and look through the viewfinder. Built-in light meters are often at the bottom or the side of the viewfinder.
2. Point the camera towards your desired subject. There should be a small lever or line which adjusts as you move the camera. In many instances, it gravitates towards a (+) or (-) symbol.
3. Get the lever/line to settle in between the (+) and (-) symbols.

For Motion Film

4. Light the scene which you are filming so that it appears the way you want to the naked eye.
5. Remove the diffusing dome and point the meter towards your subject.
6. Move the meter closer to or farther away from the scene which you are filming depending upon how tight or wide the shot is.

Tips & Warnings

• A built-in light meter may also be referred to as an in-camera light meter.
• Remember when using a built-in light meter that you are measuring the amount of reflected light, unlike an incident meter, which measures the amount of light coming directly at the subject.
• If the lever is at or above the (+) symbol, then there is probably too much light coming in to the camera.
• If the lever is at or below the (-) symbol, then there is probably not enough light coming in to the camera.
• While a reflected light meter is a dependable instrument, you must remember to use your instincts as well. If you think that a light meter is working incorrectly, get it checked out by a technician or try putting in a new battery.
• Always check your light meter before working on an assignment to make sure it is working properly.

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