How to Meter for Film Photography

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@JeffreyHauser]

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.

[@daniel03ss]

best explanation of film and metering on the internet

[@daveed4475]

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

[@scottboyan]

Yeah, I agree. I’ve been teaching at a college for a long time and you’re a great teacher.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@David_analogue01]

Cheesy peeps this is perhaps the most informative photography video I have ever watched. Extraordinary work.

[@ChristopherChaconYT]

"To photograph is to capture varying degrees of light." That's fireeeeeee, put it on a t-shirt haha 🔥🔥

[@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!

[@michaelr5904]

Holy smokes. As a newbie who is hungry to learn, this was way more than I hoped for. Excellent video!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@scottboyan]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@grahamfarrell8786]

this is the best video I've ever seen on metering ... like by FAR. goat

[@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!

[@stefansynths]

I love your pace! Well delivered, but not overly edited.

[@the_last_rangefinder_society]

This is simply a wonderful explanation of the joys of metering. You have real skills sir!

[@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 🙂

[@notemp00]

One of the clearest explanations of how to meter that I have seen so far - with Kyle McDougall's.

[@mkirk9235]

Probably the most useful photography video on the internet.

[@simonericbrauner]

Awesome. This video is so greatly helpful that I can't really describe how helpful it is. Thank you for making it.

[@kelvinkurniawanshorts]

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

[@johnfalloon596]

Cody an inspirational journey indeed.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, John!

[@coach_yo]

Thank you for this! more often then not most of these I’ve seen are all fluff, this was great and to the point.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Who needs Skillshare when Cody lays it all down? Great stuff. Cheers!

[@zeussuez240]

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

[@TheLanceBowen]

I have NEVER heard the Zone system broken down so well where I could truly comprehend exactly what is going on, instant subscribe man

[@Codacolor]

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!

[@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.

[@elisemaree6055]

Just saw Pete McKinnons shoutout and watched this as I've been wanting to get into film! Such a fantastic video! Thanks so much.

[@Codacolor]

Welcome, Elise! Grateful to have you here!

[@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.

[@shanepaulneil]

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

[@doublebeat584]

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.

[@mwscuba]

this is a great video and takes me back 30 years while studying photography at collage

[@bicyclemission5704]

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.

[@johnwesleybrewer]

Watched this months ago and I still reference it 😍

[@glennhunt4945]

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.

[@AnthonyJGianotti]

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 🙏

[@petrub27]

Thousands.....

[@haiqalow]

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

[@marissar.8613]

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!

[@chriscorey5164]

Excellent video! Thank you for the in-depth instructions on metering. I think I need to brush up on the Zone System now!

[@bananaskin7527]

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.

[@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!

[@xpost92]

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

[@swansong007]

Wow. That was amazing. You taught me the zone system in a concise and clear video. Thank you Very much.

[@Codacolor]

You're welcome!! :)

[@sharvo6]

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.

[@michaelholst3385]

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.

[@Codacolor]

That was the goal! Glad you think I hit the mark. Thanks, Michael!

[@jimhestermanphotography]

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!!

[@elle9083]

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.

[@Codacolor]

Glad it was helpful, bruh! Thank you!

[@DougHall65]

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!)

[@zachfriedenreich8707]

This was phenomenal. So comprehensive, yet simply explained.

[@scottboyan]

This is such a great use of this platform. Good old KZbin.

[@leon_0216]

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.

[@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.

[@wichersham]

This is the best exposure explanation I have ever seen. I’m doing photography for some 20 years but seriously this is awesome!

[@Codacolor]

Honored to receive a veteran's stamp of approval. Thank you!

[@gbc6480]

2 years too late to comment but this is coherent as hell, very immersive learning process for me!

[@ramey.street]

Fantastic and detailed explanation of zone metering. Thanks for the video and help.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much. Glad you found it helpful!

[@mrsnack3118]

I loved your in the field explanation edit. Awesome! Thanks

[@E.FrankSmith]

Wonderfully put. You need to teach. You have the gift.

[@Rednillasmhm]

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!

[@wardzrunes]

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!

[@anthonykent8139]

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.

[@Codacolor]

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.

[@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!!!

[@andrewdephoto]

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

[@zacharystudio]

extraordinarily helpful 🙏🏻 can’t thank ya enough

[@yamatokawa]

This is the third quality video I've seen from you in the last few days. Not suscribing would be stupid

[@scottboyan]

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.

[@kimtaylor489]

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

[@twadd]

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

[@dizzy2445]

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

[@Codacolor]

Really glad to hear that, Dizzy. Thank you!

[@trondsi]

Great video! Love Ansel Adams. My favorite color film is slide film though, so a video dedicated to this would be fantastic.

[@bigshooter461]

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! 👍

[@nohatemedia3786]

10 seconds in, instantly subscribes 😂 that’s all I needed to see

[@GirdHerd]

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.

[@SkillCollectors]

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.

[@jessedpoole]

This was the best explanation of the zone system I've ever heard/seen! Thanks so much!!

[@sindbadsailor7868]

This is really well explained video about metering…. Thank you very much

[@kalebisthestig]

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!

[@Codacolor]

Definitely not a course, just wanted to share the love! So glad it helped you out!!

[@pauld5190]

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.

[@sbaugh]

Absolutely incredible and inspiring video.

[@dandog77]

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

[@rockstardonut777]

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

[@rjbiii]

Incredibly useful video, thank you! Great job!

[@twosents]

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

[@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. 💙

[@Sleepy_desert]

So well explained, I learned so much!

[@PRTPHO]

What a video! Thanks Cody! This was absolute knowledge and I appreciate it!

[@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!

[@AntoineDoy]

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!

[@oldmanmikey]

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

[@decastar.portraits]

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

[@florianstasch3075]

Thank you so much for this really really amazing video. It explained a lot and it is crazy to have this for free.

[@devkulkarniphoto]

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 :)

[@anthonyficko5465]

Love your humility🙂

[@diewindowsdie]

Really awesome video on how to spot meter, thanks man. The only thing that is missing is more details on all eleven zones.

[@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!!