Technical Information; Exposure Metering System - Nikon FA Instruction Manual

TECHNICAL INFORMATION I PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES- - - -
EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEM
The Nikon FA employs through-the-Iens (TTL) full aperture ex-
posure metering. This means that light passing through the lens
is measured at maximum aperture, thus assuring a bright finder
image during shooting. Furthermore, to make exposure meas -
urement easier than ever, the Nikon FA features two types
of metering methods-automatic mUlti-pattern and center-
weighted. In automatic multi-pattern metering , light from five
separate areas of the focusing screen is metered individually so
that not only brightness in the central area but also around the
outside is measured . This exposure data is then fed into the FA's
microcomputer where it is compared with various predetermined
metering patterns stored in the memory. Only then is the expo -
sure determined, thus assuring the correct automatic exposure.
By just composing the picture and tripping the shutter, you can
get good results even in difficult lighting situations where experi-
ence and complicated exposure-compensation techniques
would be required with conventional centerweighted metering.
In regular centerweighted metering, special emphasis is placed
on the brightness in the 12mm-diameter central area. So, by
placing the main subject in the center of the frame , you can get
the correct exposure in most situations. Centerweighted
metering is also highly recommended when you want to create
special effects, such as high-key or low-key photographs.
Automatic multi-pattern metering
o
Centerweighted metering
39