How to Meter for Film Photography

Metering for film photography can seem complicated and convoluted, especially when so many photographers do it differently. In this video, I want to break down the essentials and give you the tools so you can meter deliberately from a place of creativity and understanding.
👉🏻 Become a better photographer in 3 minutes:
codymitchell.com/insider
🎥 Check out the gear I used to make this video:
codymitchell.com/kit
🌐 Website:
codymitchell.com
📷 Instagram:
/ degreesoflight
0:00 The Struggles of Metering (A Dramatization)
2:01 Film Density
8:42 Ansel & The Zone System
13:16 In the Field
21:00 Final Thoughts

[@zjkingsley7]

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.

[@Codacolor]

Really glad you think so. Intentionally exposed images is the name of the game!

[@catherineseaman7014]

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 😊

[@algersonvincent]

i gotta watch it again. i think i'll get it on the second viewing. im hopeful

[@richardsimms251]

I am beginning to understand the Zone System

[@orngpeelr9017]

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.

[@Codacolor]

Knowing that you appreciate all of that makes doing it for free worthwhile. I hope it saves you time and frustration!

[@bbillyed]

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.

[@jurdl222]

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!

[@Codacolor]

So glad to hear that!

[@daniel03ss]

best explanation of film and metering on the internet

[@matthewpenfound3842]

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!

[@Codacolor]

Really appreciate that, Matthew. Thank you! Much more to come!

[@kenleppek2351]

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!

[@stephenperera7382]

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.

[@stephenperera7382]

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.

[@josekaijiecastaneda6014]

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

[@Codacolor]

So glad to hear you say that! I hope your next few rolls are all you hope for!

[@Sorarse]

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.

[@daveed4475]

You are a gifted teacher. Clearest explanation of zone system I've seen.

[@kelvinkurniawanshorts]

This is the best explanation video I've watched. Thanks! 💯

[@andrewhowarth4578]

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

[@ilovemusic6955]

Man, I’ve been trying to understand the zone system and this was super helpful!

[@Codacolor]

Thank you, Cwis. It's such a powerful technique, but when you see it in action, it's really quite simple!

[@rothellecooke7425]

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.)))))))))

[@stephenperera7382]

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

[@savvyandskye]

No exaggeration, but this is the best photography video I’ve seen. I appreciate your in-depth explanation and examples. Thank you!

[@Codacolor]

Wow, thank you! Really glad you found it useful!

[@andrewtongue7084]

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 !

[@Codacolor]

Honored to receive your kind words, Andrew. Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts!

[@andrewtongue7084]

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 🙂

[@abrahanlopez3121]

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!

[@Codacolor]

So glad you found it helpful. Thank you, Abrahan!

[@HenrikMeng]

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!

[@MickBenjamins]

Less than 6 minutes in and I already learned super value information. You explained that very well - thank you!

[@MickBenjamins]

FInished the video, and this is one of the best videos on film and metering out there. You rock!

[@zachfriedenreich8707]

This was phenomenal. So comprehensive, yet simply explained.

[@rabaabro2371]

im completely in awe at the knowledge you share!! thank you

[@lucasramos2984]

easily the most well-made and informative video about metering I've ever seen on youtube. Thank you so much Cody!

[@brianmisajon]

This has to be one of the most insightful and coherently explained tutorials on metering. Well done Cody and thank you. This has helped me understand a great deal more

[@jonvickery]

Probably the best video out there about light metering. Saving this to a playlist to help me learn film photography.

[@davindorn4563]

This is the best metering lesson so far. Thanks, Cody!

[@loganguybaker]

Great video, Cody! The zone system has always been a super intimidating subject to tackle. You nailed it!

[@Codacolor]

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!

[@thomulusmax]

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.

[@VirtualGuth]

This was incredibly helpful and informative while remaining very accessible. You have essentially taken an amount of information that could easily fill a large book and successfully condensed it down into a video of less than 23 minutes. One of the best videos related to film photography (and photography in general) that I have ever seen. I would note that I've been casually involved with film photography for 50 years and this video has made me realize how much more there is for me to learn. Thank you!

[@mathieurabary]

That was one of the best video I've watched on this subject! Amazing job Cody 😁👍🏼

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much Mathieu!

[@Nick.Rodriguez]

Hey Cody, thank you for this. Have a blessed day

[@airi6591]

Wow! What a great video. You packed so much information into such a succinct video. Keep up the good work!

[@heinhtettunoo]

So glad I found your channel Cody. One hell of a tutorial you've made here. I've just got my film camera recently and by far your video is the most comprehensive and well made I have seen.

[@Codacolor]

Really glad to hear that! I hope you find it useful in your future shooting!

[@lea4777]

Superb video. I've been lazy to learn about this stuff but you made it so simple to understand. Plus great visual representation and audio quality.

[@mikealazo]

You’re a good teacher man. Thank you for this video.

[@tomg6286]

Best clarified explanation of the Zone System, Thanks

[@Alkademiks]

Best video ive seen. The explanation of the 11 zones made perfect sense for me.

[@TuNguyen-lo6vp]

Your explanation is just so easy to understand! Thank you so much for putting so much thought creating this video!

[@Codacolor]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@zeussuez240]

this only video on youtube explains how the zone system work, I finally understand it now

[@hukumongdu]

best video I've seen on using the zone system. super intuitive, well done

[@anthonyficko5465]

Love your humility🙂

[@lucaraimondo5967]

Best video I have seen on the subject, great delivery, amazing way to show the zone... you are an awesome teacher sir!

[@arcdigital27]

THIS HELPED ME SO MUCH!!!

[@rudolfreck6108]

Brilliantly explained

[@cabugs]

Thank you for this very informative video! Such a good job of providing necessary context on the whats as well as the hows. Now I’m interested to meter better as well haha more power to you, Cody!

[@Superogobongo]

It is clear how much effort and thought you have put in this video. You, sir, are an excellent teacher! Thank you very much, this was extremely helpful.

[@seniorbenz]

One of fewest videos on youtube with such details explanation of zone system! Really appreciate it

[@Codacolor]

So glad! Thank you so much!

[@ZVIXVY]

immensely helpful 🙏 thank you

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Excellent... Much needed. 🙏🏿

[@SebastianTinajero]

Subscribed, the editing on this video made everything extremely digestible and easier to comprehend

[@MaxMcCoy1]

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.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you, brother. 💙

[@minimal_artist]

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 :)

[@aaronam365]

Best explanation video ever

[@nahueljo]

Immediately subscribed. This was mind blowing!

[@astrowave]

I appreciate that you actually took us through the process of metering using the zone system, this is way more helpful than just reading about it. Thanks!

[@Codacolor]

Really glad you found it helpful! It's definitely easier to understand by seeing than reading about it. Thanks for watching!

[@MrOlegosipenko]

Amazing explanation and practical demonstration, really helpful

[@TheFilmFellow]

Very well explained Cody! It’s really refreshing to see your honesty at the end. Plenty of KZbin channels where everything always goes perfect but in reality mistakes are all part of it.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you! Mistakes are 100% part of the process. Anyone who acts like they aren't isn't giving you the full picture.

[@Sleepy_desert]

So well explained, I learned so much!

[@KhanhPham-mr9up]

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!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Khanh. Really glad you learned something new!

[@odisseyproducciones222]

How did I missed commenting on a good video on this platform. Thank you Cody for making the effort to do this, sometimes we take for granted that this videos take a lot of time and effort to do, the bad ones too, not to speak of the good ones in which a lot of thought goes into as well- A pleasure to watch and learn. Cheers, Coby ;-)

[@Codacolor]

Your appreciation inspires me to create selflessly and diligently. Thank you for your kind words and your time.

[@DigiBentoBox]

This is legitimately, in full sincerity, the best KZbin 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.

[@rjbiii]

Incredibly useful video, thank you! Great job!

[@paulhickey6896]

Brilliant video, well done!

[@harrymenear2242]

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.

[@inkaststudio]

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 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Puddinghkg]

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!

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much!!

[@davidwilson9821]

Best explanation of metering zones I have seen and really well delivered. Thank you.

[@Codacolor]

No, thank you David!

[@decastar.portraits]

Thanks for a great video - the only one I've seen that actually shows HOW to USE the zone system!

[@shanepaulneil]

Super helpful. I have a medium format on the way and this was essential.

[@twadd]

This is the best video on photography in general that I have literally ever seen. Thank you.

[@haiqalow]

This video speaks so much to the nerd in me. Absolutely love it

[@kobejake24]

Amazing video man, insane production value and you do a great job explaining everything, how is this channel not bigger, truly a gold mine for film photography begginers like me. Really jealous of your lifestyle man! Living the dream, hope one day I can do the same! Very inspiring.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Jason. Really glad you find value in the channel. Appreciate you being here and wishing you the best of luck!

[@breakdiinternet7186]

Great video man, it was super pleasing to watch and informative

[@benedictarmantanchauco6647]

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!!!

[@okyeabuddyguy]

Super useful video. Great lesson, thanks!

[@daniellesmit5985]

This video is excellent. You explained everything so well, I was super confused at first but watching you shoot those different scenes really made a huge difference. Thank you!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Danielle. I hope you found it helpful!

[@sjanssen]

Wow this is insane, the effort you spend to visualize how it works and the end results, really great work!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Sander!!

[@kimtaylor489]

This video was so helpful. As someone who learns visually, your explanation and examples made all the difference. Thank you!

[@julienchampagne409]

one of the most useful video about metering. Thanks a lot.

[@stephanieayala4918]

The most helpful video on film metering

[@karlnovel]

I've really enjoyed this one. Very well explained and greatly informative!

[@Codacolor]

Thank you, Karl!

[@lukelloyd7934]

Great video! Delivered with humility and clarity. Really nice photos too. The missed lesson at the end.....BRACKETING.

[@miracleyacht__1538]

This was an incredible explaining

[@doctorstrobe]

This video was awesome. Very useful and I definitely learnt or re-learnt a lot!

[@lazarzamorax]

Thank you, this was really really well made, amigo. Congrats and keep on!

[@andrewdephoto]

Excellent video! Very well put together and valuable. Learned a lot from it!

[@ervanerc5329]

Wow so glad I found this ! Many thanks 😊

[@dandog77]

Great video. No BS, just clearly explained and demonstrated knowledge. Thanks, Cody.

[@stevenang3345]

Oh my god Cody this was such a good explanation video about metering on film! Most videos i got from other creators were much more about how they personally meter for their work rather than the means to expose a scene correctly. Just wanted to say a huge thank you and that i really appreciate your work. Hope to get more insightful videos like these from you. Cheers!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Steven! The fundamentals are key. Much more to come!

[@czlvsezful]

One of the best videos I have seen explain manual metering. Thank you for putting this out there.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you for watching!

[@chandruvijayasekar6183]

Thank you for the great tutorial.......great video.❤

[@pondyellow3286]

What a great video. Thank you so much!

[@rockstardonut777]

I was just reading about the Zone System from Ansel Adams and this is spot on. The examples were super helpful.

[@sbaugh]

Absolutely incredible and inspiring video.

[@staceyswitzer2100]

I now makes sense. We thank you for sharing your knowledge on this subject.

[@ThorstenMerz]

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.

[@ZorungoRulad]

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.

[@twosents]

This is the best explanation I've heard and sit through this at least a couple more times!

[@Rodomonteventura]

Legitimately one of the most insightful photography videos I’ve seen. Really well done and quite enjoyable. One tip I would add for people is it’s also ok to bracket the image for important shots. Like if the last shot was of high value, there could have been an extra exposure taken 1 stop down at 1/125 to be safe.

[@xX504kidXx]

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.

[@mkirk9235]

Probably the most useful photography video on the internet.