Filters and Light Meters

[Bugsman]

Good Morning:
I'm currently taking a photography class through a local camera shop. It's been interesting and technical and on basic photography. Now I have some questions. Topics on light meters and filters have come up. I have Tiffen filters (bought before I actually knew what I was doing) and now understand that they are just not a very good filter because they do not coat their lenses. What's the general opinion on that? I was told either Hoya filters or a Conkin set up would be better. I'm interested in knowing what others think. Secondly, the topic of light meters came up. I've read a little about those also, but are they a necessary piece of equipment, are they used alot, are they useful in low-light situations, etc.

Any advice and information is appreciated. Thanks.

[dgreene]

I mainly use my light meter when doing studio photography. Most of the other time the on camera metering does a fine job. If you are not doing studio photography, its not a necessity in my opinion. When using for studio the camera doesn't know how bright the lights will be when flashed. so you use the light meter for that.

[Bugsman]

Thanks for the advice. At present, I don't do any studio work but somewhere down the line I would like to start doing some portrait photography. I'll keep the meter in mind when that day comes.

[Blinky]

What are you using the filters for?

Optical coating has multiple purposes and isn't always necessary on a filter... it's also a pricey addition to a filter.

Tiffen is a good middle of the road quality filter... I wouldn't sweat it unless you notice something wrong. I shoot without any filter in the studio and use B+W UV filters in the field to protect my front lens elements... I think they are coated... but honestly I'm not sure.

If you're learning intermediate to advance black & white photography you are probably learning to use the zone system or at least becoming familiar with it. In that case, a reflective spot meter is essential. In virtually any other situation you in camera meter will do the job. I use a handheld incident meter instead because I own one to meter flash in the studio. If I didn't already own it... I'd probably spend the money on a lens instead.

The truth is, if you are learning photography, devote your time and energy to shooting pictures, learning how light behaves, how to compose, how to recognize and compensate for the situations that will fool your in-camera meter. Don't let your gear get in the way, keep it simple and shoot as often as you can.

Chip

[cyclohexane]

I don't have a light meter; I've never found it necessary.

In terms of filters, my usual protection filter is a B+W coated UV Haze or Skylight filter; the coating costs a good deal extra- sometimes as much as double or more, but the multi-resistant coating is supposed to greatly cut down on most forms of minor/major image degredation introduced when you screw an extra layer of glass in front of your lens. I really only use clear filters with whatever's mounted on my digital cameras, as I tend to be rougher on them than my film kit (two saves so far thanks to sacrificed filters). Lens hoods offer far better protection than a filter can, but it's not always practical to carry them mounted in the shooting position when stuffing gear into a bag.

[Bugsman]

Thanks for the info. After much consideration, I've decided to take your advice and just shoot as many photos as I can and quit worrying about what kind of camera gear I have. Since the class, I'm doing much better at shooting in manual mode and getting it pretty close - have even taken one or two that I really liked.

The light meter thing, I'm just going to forget about for awhile, as far as the filters go, I do have the Tiffen UV filters on all my lenses and I use a polarizer some of the time. I live in Florida and love the beach, so they help with glare and blown-out skies.

Thanks again.