Technical Information / Photographlc Techniques; Exposure Metering System - Nikon FA Instruction Manual

TECHNICAL INFORMATION/PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES

EXPOSURE METERING SYSTEM

The Nikon FA employs through-the-lens (TTL) full aperture
exposure 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
measurement easier than ever, the Nikon FA features two types
of metering methods–automatic multi-pattern and centerweight-
ed. 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 micro-
Automatic multi-pattern metering
computer where it is compared with various predetermined
metering patterns stored in the memory. Only then is the
exposure 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 experience 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
Centerweighted-metering
high-key or low-key photographs.
39