Getting The Right Exposure - Nikon Nikkormat FT2 Instruction Manual

EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT
Getting the Right Exposure
The central part of the focusing screen should always
be aimed at the main subject when centering the
needle. Otherwise unimportant bright or dark areas
may give an exposure reading which is too high or
too low, resulting in under- or overexposure.
If an off-center composition is desired, first measure
the light striking the main subject and set the aperture
and shutter speed to center the needle. Then move
the camera until the desired composition appears in
the viewfinder.
For subjects of uniform tonal brightness, a reading
may be taken from any part of the subject. However,
if the subject is contrasty (sidelighted portraits, for
example), measure the light falling on the most impor-
tant part of the subject in which detail is desired in
the final picture.
For landscapes including large areas of sky, tilt the
camera downward during measurement or fill the
center of the finder with the main subject to prevent
underexposure of the main subject caused by the
bright skylight.
Photos:
1, Measuring the bright area in the center of the screen will
cause underexposure of the main subject.
2. For correct exposure, first measure the light striking the :
main subject, then compose and shoot. 125 60 30
Picture area