Nikon FA Instruction Manual page 40

Comparison of Automatic Multi-Pattern and
Centerwelghted Metering
If you compare the automatic multi-pattern and centerweighted
metering systems, meter readings are virtually the same for
ordinary front-lit subjects or scenes having little difference in
contrast between the main subject and the background.
However, with scenes containing both very bright and very dark
areas, the results are quite different. For example:
Outdoor backlit subjects
A backlit subject or a scene containing people against a bright
sky and/or clouds may lead to an underexposed shot with
centerweighted metering. But with automatic multi-pattern
metering, exposure compensation is automatically made, giving
more exposure to the darker subject to ensure the correct over-
all exposure.
Outdoor backlit subject
Automat ic mult i-pattern
Centerweighted
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