This was easily the most useful photography lesson I've ever received. To call this a video about metering is really underselling it. If you understand how to implement all of this, you'll take intentionally exposed images every time.
Agreed! I’ve had so many people try to explain metering to me and this video made it all just “click” in my head! Have recommended it to all the photographers in my life 😊
the production, editing, and sequencing of concepts show just how much thought and effort went into making this video. I really can't believe this is free and for that it is invaluable to me as a beginner. Instant sub.
Mr. Cody. Amazing totally amaZing. I don't want to mention how many hours I spent trying to learn the zone system. You did an awesome job Thank you so much you made my 2024 year.
This is the first video I've seen with the Zone System that I walked away with a complete understanding and not scratching my head and saying wait what!
My first time hearing about the zone system and I am blown away. Exposure makes so so much more sense to me now, and I can't wait to use this knowledge while shooting!
I've been doing photography since the '80s and this is one of the best explanations of how to choose your settings based on what the light is doing in your intended image that I have ever seen.
Love the Zone System, Been doing it since 1999 once I took a photography class at Foothill College in Los Altos Ca, before the digital age. I still use it and still shoot film. I've now found an interest in 8mm/16mm movie film and the zone system is all I know:). Thanks for giving props to the owners who started it. I'm thankful to be from the Bay Area.)))))))))
I also shoot 16mm motion picture and the zone system is the perfect tool in your head. That being said I always base exposure on key light with ambient reading but say if you're using 500T you want to know what muds u or blows in the scene
This was a very well written and filmed piece. I've been using the zone system since the early 70s for both film and digital, and I haven't seen a better tutorial. The sliding placement of the zones across the bottom of the screen is the best way to visualize what you're doing. I'm a visual learner, and that's part of why I find the analog meter displays easier to use on all of my meters. They'll pry my Pentax spot meter only from my cold dead hands. ;) Andy
Hey Cody! Don’t stop making content like this. You present information in such a stress free yet articulate way. Im learning a lot from your videos. The best photography channel I’ve come across yet. Keep it up!
I've been shooting film 39 years and counting, I have seen/heard many explanations of all this. Great tutorial for beginners in the zone system. Your delivery was calm and well paced. Showing us what you called a mistaken exposure at the end (given your stated artistic intention) was perfect to include in the video. The light meter is a very artistic tool, as is scanning film. With time and knowledge of the film stock you are using you will make faster decisions based on whether you want the scene as you see it or not. That's a key factor. Do you go to shoot at a given time of the day and month of the year to capture a specific light you are likely to get or do you go to shoot and alter the scene with exposure. That's photography in the field.
Just wanted to add that beginners might not know why you work from an f stop in this case as opposed to a shutter speed as your starting point. Obviously inanimate objects think f stops and people think shutter speed is the way I start off.
This is legitimately, in full sincerity, the best UA-cam tutorial-type video I've ever seen, and I'm an INSTANT fan of your style, your work, and your channel. Thank you for this gem.
Yeah it was really good and you can just tell he really loves it and knows what he’s doing. And it was cool seeing how he was out there with a bunch of friends posing on the Lizard’s Mouth rock.
It's odd, Cody, I come across so many digital photographers who either completely disregard the venerable Adams, or, more shockingly, have never heard of the man in the first instance. As you assert, Ansel Adams is one of the progenitors of the Exposure triad - & if you cannot work with (his) fundamental principles of the Zone system - I prefer to remember it as the 'Grey Scale' then I see no point in a more earnest approach to the discipline. In you, I see a reinstatement of values in the art of photography, & it clear you are well versed in your craft. There is a sublime difference between the know-it-all & the more self-effacing, understated professional - you Sir, are the latter; as my Granda would say, "A wise head on young shoulders" - as rare a quality today as ever was. Superb presentation, thank you !
Not at all, Cody. I speak as I find. You're my kind of photographic professional, &, you extol all the virtues that I find most appealing in the art itself. You (also) remind me of the venerable John Garret - his attitude & approach to photography is not unlike your own, ergo, phenomenal. I once wrote to him in regard to one of his many publications on B & W photography, & by kind return, he gifted me a personally signed hand-processed print; it is also signed & has sat in pride of place on one of my living room walls. Wishing you & yours happiness this festive season, Best, Andrew 🙂
I remember viewing this video sometime ago. I recently viewed it again as I decided to unpack a couple of my film cameras that have not been used in quite a few years since the digital revolution.Your spot metering technique with clearly detailed examples were quite helpful. Shooting film required me to “slow down” & think about my photographic technique & exposure process . Unlike digital photography, shooting film can be expensive, so I find myself being more deliberate as to what I choose to photograph. Your teaching skills & humble manner are exemplary. Thank you for posting this video.
Hey, I'm a novice and I really enjoyed your ( lesson?), I got more out of this video than I got from watching a score of other videos. Your video was concise and very thorough yet easy to understand. The explanation of the zones really help me grasp a little bit better the concept of light metering. It had really been elusive before this. I've watched video after video without really feeling like I had a clear understanding. Your explanation of the zone concept which I never heard before and the triangle were great for me. Thanks again for sharing.
Like everyone else already said it’s an amazing explanation of how to use the meter for film. I spent so much time looking for a good explanation but I never found one. However I believe I get it now thanks man!
Very good explanation of the zone system. In more than 30 years of photography I have seen many, and this is undoubtedly one of the best. Thanks for sharing.
I haven't shot film in years and this brought back so many memories of that period. To this day, I still rely on a handheld meter for much of my metering, although with a lot of experimentation, I've developed suitable substitutes that are reliable and repeatable (such as spot metering off the back of my hand and adjusting accordingly). Experimentation is an important factor in getting to understand all of the variables one has to work with as a photographer. One of those variables that's often forgotten about is the "box speed" of a film; the ISO that's on the side of a box of film is just a starting point, a nominal ISO, if you will. If you mix and match films from different manufacturers that have the same ISO, you'll often find variations in the end result, so it's important to spend time getting to know a particular emulsion, something which Ansel Adams clearly did a lot of, so he's a great reference point for anyone starting in film and it's great to see him mentioned in this video for that reason alone.
I shot thousands of rolls as a kid but moved to digital as a teen in the mid 2000’s. Late last year I got my dads om-1 and grandfathers rollie 75 2.8 back in working order but have been struggling mightily with properly metering a scene for the exposure and look I want. This video changed that, thank you 🙏
I have been hearing about Ansel Adams’ zone system for a long time and could not get my head around it until I found your video. You really brought it down to ‘easy-to-chew’ bits. Thanks for this video!!!
One easy way to overcome the wide dynamic range of the backlit shot is to use a soft grad filter. Two of my medium format cameras have a 77mm thread so this is easy to attach various filters. Also, bracketing is essential for some difficult to meter shots so you can choose the best capture that reflects the moment you want to remember or emphasis (sky detail). I use an old Pentax spot meter as it is easy to convert EV ratings to choose the right combination of shutter speed and F stop. Great work on explaining density theory and film types.
Oh my god, the amount of incoherent videos and articles about metering I have read. This was so easily (and artfully) explained, I'm just blown away. Instantly more knowledgeable with your channel.
This is a must watch for anyone shooting film. You’ve articulated good exposure in a way that anyone should be able to pick up an analog camera and go out to capture great images on film.
Now all you need to do is switch to B&W and carry three cameras: one for long scale scenes, one for normal scale scenes, and one for short scale scenes, and expose and develop each roll appropriately, and Ansel Adams, Minor White, and R. Maplethorpe's ghosts will be happy. (Translation: nicely done video!)
i've really been struggling to understand metering and stops and all that technical stuff, and this video seriously feels like it's in a course, it has really helped me get my head around it, thank you so much!
I've watched so many videos on metering, so many seem to ignore high contrast images and your video perfectly explained the information I needed. Thank you so much
I know the comments already do a fantastic job but I can't stop gushing at how amazing this video is. An incredible resource for any level of photographer, most especially those of us just starting their film adventure. Thank you!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for sharing not only your knowledge but also these very valuable experiences! I am amazed by the quality of your work and explanations.
Wow!, All this time and expense trying to understand something you have explained in a 10 min video. Saying that is greatly under stating the depth and expertise you have you have managed to put in that video. You have provided a well rounded explanation in a manner that seems clear, concise, friendly and informative. Your talent in doing this is much appreciated and I hope you go far.
Measuring light is identical for both film and digital - Makes no difference whatsoever how you do it as long as it's done accurately and your techniques are correct.
This is the greatest challenge for young photographers. One distinction that I think needs to be added is landscape photography requires mostly spot metering while street photography and portraits utilise mostly incident metering. Great video
Honestly, Cody, this is one of the most informative and helpful videos about lighting, metering, and exposure that I've ever seen. Thanks so much for taking the time to edit it together for us, and please keep up the amazing work!
If complete control of film exposure is desired, learn the Zone System. The Zone System allows you to get the images the way you desire them to be/the way your eyes and brain see them.
I have watched millions of videos about metering and this one is by far the best video i have watched. Thanks a lot, Cody! Subscribed at lightning speed :)
Intro so good. I don’t shoot film but it’s inspiring to watch a master talk about his craft in such depth. Makes me want to get better at what I do. There’s layers to this shit!! Epic video as always dude.
Like so many people who are into photography, I'm a visual guy and I loved the sliding scale over the zones for exposures. I suspect if you had just explained it without the graphics I wouldn't have understood it but now I get it. Another excellent point you made is that a spot meter always meters for 18% gray or Zone V. Applying that to your sliding scale graphics will help me improve my exposures. Thanks, Cody. I just subscribed.
Thanks, Cody; although I understand the process of compensating for the light, I always needed clarification on how to meter. I think it was understanding what the meter was reading in correlation with how to adjust for the image I wanted. Thanks for clearing that up with your examples. It helps me understand...Cheers for assisting another photographer.
Very well explained Cody! It’s really refreshing to see your honesty at the end. Plenty of UA-cam channels where everything always goes perfect but in reality mistakes are all part of it.
You did a great job in this video. I have been playing with cameras for many years, shooting film and processing it in my home darkroom. I read a lot of books by and about Ansel Adams and it took me a while until I was comfortable with the Zone System. Then I switched to digital photography and to this day I am not 100% convinced it is real photography. I am sure I will get flamed when people read this. Your video was the best explanation of density and metering I have ever seen. I wish this had been available when I was first learning but hey, the Internet did not exist then. I am going to look for more of your videos. Respectfully, I would like to make one suggestion regarding your videos. The music is distracting and not very good. The video would have been better without the music. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
I have been shooting film for years and this is BY FAR the best and simplest explanation of how to use the Zone System. Clear, concise, with perfect examples. WELL DONE! :)
Great use of the Zone System for regular(Non Large Format) photography. I shot film for over 15 years and never used my light meter in this way. I did use averaging various spot meter readings, but that does not always work. Thank you !
Hi Cody! I'm a photographer from NYC and just came across your channel. Just wanted to compliment such a well-thought-out, concise, easy-to-understand video. Thank you so much for sharing it, can't wait to watch more of your content!
Great video, tactfully explained. Put a lot of things into place for me. As for your final shot, to retain the colours of the sky, there's a little hack; you can wave a piece of black card over the top part of the image for part of the exposure to bring it 1 or 2 stops down. Worked for me in a similar situation, though it's probably only going to work best on exposures longer than a few seconds!
Thank you for introducing the difference between negative and slide film. I agree with your viewpoints on slide films. Thank you. I used to enjoy the Sekonic L-358 and incident metering for Kodachrome and the newer E100.
Abslolutely freaking awesome!!!! I am not sure what to choose as the best. The "how to proper exposure" explanation or your hability to "Teach". So thoroughly clear, the subjects, the timing, the examples (even foulty ones) I am just speachless. Congratulations and thank you very much.
Thanks for making this video, it was really insightful and I have never thought about these density zones like this before. I'm going to incorporate this into my process next time I do some film photography. As for the last image in your final thoughts, with high contrast shots like that, there's always bracketing. I'm sure you already know this, but maybe for people new that are reading, it costs an extra couple shots but you'll get the shot you want and helps you learn what the film is capable of.
I’ve been using a DSLR (Pentax K-3 Miii Monochrome) as a spot meter to help me expose film in my 35mm cameras (Pentax MX). This will help me expand what I’m doing with that workflow.
Wish I had you as a teacher back in the days! great video, now I understand better what I've always been doing without thinking enough about it… thanks!
So well explained, inspiring, and so enjoyable to watch. Didn't think I'd get to learn something new about something I thought I knew as much as I could about already. Thank you!
The best video I've seen so far to explain the zone system!!! ( Now one could explain how the development affects the film, because in the end the time and also the temperature play a role. and of course the movement of the film in the can or the tank.)
Thank god for Cody! I’ve heard people explain zone metering at least 3 times now and it’s either too boring or missing a clear explanation. Thank you for always giving us your best 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Solid video, Cody. (One quick suggestion: please inform your viewers that those negatives are in protective sleeves (and that one should keep their fingers off of actual negatives!)
Thank you, Logan! There's definitely a narrow line between oversimplified and unnecessary bogged down when it comes to the subject. Really glad you dig it!
Fantastic little video. I have started shooting film again after a lengthy digital hiatus. Part of why I am, once again, enjoying analogue, is the challenge. Narrow dynamic range vs Raw digital, means creative choices and compromises. But when you get it correct, it is fun as heck. Thanks for this detailed refresher!
It is clear how much effort and thought you have put in this video. You, sir, are an excellent teacher! Thank you very much, this was extremely helpful.
I cannot overstate how much I appreciated this video. I've been itching to try film photography for years, but I get so in my head about how to expose certain things. This gave me so much clarity, thank you!!! 💕
This was easily the most useful photography lesson I've ever received. To call this a video about metering is really underselling it. If you understand how to implement all of this, you'll take intentionally exposed images every time.
Really glad you think so. Intentionally exposed images is the name of the game!
Agreed! I’ve had so many people try to explain metering to me and this video made it all just “click” in my head! Have recommended it to all the photographers in my life 😊
i gotta watch it again. i think i'll get it on the second viewing. im hopeful
I am beginning to understand the Zone System
the production, editing, and sequencing of concepts show just how much thought and effort went into making this video. I really can't believe this is free and for that it is invaluable to me as a beginner. Instant sub.
Knowing that you appreciate all of that makes doing it for free worthwhile. I hope it saves you time and frustration!
Mr. Cody. Amazing totally amaZing. I don't want to mention how many hours I spent trying to learn the zone system. You did an awesome job Thank you so much you made my 2024 year.
This is the first video I've seen with the Zone System that I walked away with a complete understanding and not scratching my head and saying wait what!
best explanation of film and metering on the internet
My first time hearing about the zone system and I am blown away. Exposure makes so so much more sense to me now, and I can't wait to use this knowledge while shooting!
So glad to hear that!
I've been doing photography since the '80s and this is one of the best explanations of how to choose your settings based on what the light is doing in your intended image that I have ever seen.
You are a gifted teacher. Clearest explanation of zone system I've seen.
Yeah, I agree. I’ve been teaching at a college for a long time and you’re a great teacher.
Love the Zone System, Been doing it since 1999 once I took a photography class at Foothill College in Los Altos Ca, before the digital age. I still use it and still shoot film. I've now found an interest in 8mm/16mm movie film and the zone system is all I know:). Thanks for giving props to the owners who started it. I'm thankful to be from the Bay Area.)))))))))
I also shoot 16mm motion picture and the zone system is the perfect tool in your head. That being said I always base exposure on key light with ambient reading but say if you're using 500T you want to know what muds u or blows in the scene
This was a very well written and filmed piece. I've been using the zone system since the early 70s for both film and digital, and I haven't seen a better tutorial. The sliding placement of the zones across the bottom of the screen is the best way to visualize what you're doing. I'm a visual learner, and that's part of why I find the analog meter displays easier to use on all of my meters. They'll pry my Pentax spot meter only from my cold dead hands. ;) Andy
No exaggeration, but this is the best photography video I’ve seen. I appreciate your in-depth explanation and examples. Thank you!
Wow, thank you! Really glad you found it useful!
Hey Cody! Don’t stop making content like this. You present information in such a stress free yet articulate way. Im learning a lot from your videos. The best photography channel I’ve come across yet. Keep it up!
Really appreciate that, Matthew. Thank you! Much more to come!
I'm new to film photography and you explained metering so well! I now feel like I know what the heck I'm doing! Thank you
So glad to hear you say that! I hope your next few rolls are all you hope for!
Possibly the best explanation of metering on the entire internet. This video deserves millions of views. Thank you for creating it.
I've been shooting film 39 years and counting, I have seen/heard many explanations of all this. Great tutorial for beginners in the zone system. Your delivery was calm and well paced. Showing us what you called a mistaken exposure at the end (given your stated artistic intention) was perfect to include in the video. The light meter is a very artistic tool, as is scanning film. With time and knowledge of the film stock you are using you will make faster decisions based on whether you want the scene as you see it or not. That's a key factor. Do you go to shoot at a given time of the day and month of the year to capture a specific light you are likely to get or do you go to shoot and alter the scene with exposure. That's photography in the field.
Just wanted to add that beginners might not know why you work from an f stop in this case as opposed to a shutter speed as your starting point. Obviously inanimate objects think f stops and people think shutter speed is the way I start off.
This is legitimately, in full sincerity, the best UA-cam tutorial-type video I've ever seen, and I'm an INSTANT fan of your style, your work, and your channel. Thank you for this gem.
Yeah it was really good and you can just tell he really loves it and knows what he’s doing. And it was cool seeing how he was out there with a bunch of friends posing on the Lizard’s Mouth rock.
Man, I’ve been trying to understand the zone system and this was super helpful!
Thank you, Cwis. It's such a powerful technique, but when you see it in action, it's really quite simple!
"To photograph is to capture varying degrees of light." That's fireeeeeee, put it on a t-shirt haha 🔥🔥
It's odd, Cody, I come across so many digital photographers who either completely disregard the venerable Adams, or, more shockingly, have never heard of the man in the first instance. As you assert, Ansel Adams is one of the progenitors of the Exposure triad - & if you cannot work with (his) fundamental principles of the Zone system - I prefer to remember it as the 'Grey Scale' then I see no point in a more earnest approach to the discipline. In you, I see a reinstatement of values in the art of photography, & it clear you are well versed in your craft. There is a sublime difference between the know-it-all & the more self-effacing, understated professional - you Sir, are the latter; as my Granda would say, "A wise head on young shoulders" - as rare a quality today as ever was. Superb presentation, thank you !
Honored to receive your kind words, Andrew. Thank you for tuning in and sharing your thoughts!
Not at all, Cody. I speak as I find. You're my kind of photographic professional, &, you extol all the virtues that I find most appealing in the art itself. You (also) remind me of the venerable John Garret - his attitude & approach to photography is not unlike your own, ergo, phenomenal. I once wrote to him in regard to one of his many publications on B & W photography, & by kind return, he gifted me a personally signed hand-processed print; it is also signed & has sat in pride of place on one of my living room walls.
Wishing you & yours happiness this festive season,
Best, Andrew 🙂
I remember viewing this video sometime ago. I recently viewed it again as I decided to unpack a couple of my film cameras that have not been used in quite a few years since the digital revolution.Your spot metering technique with clearly detailed examples were quite helpful. Shooting film required me to “slow down” & think about my photographic technique & exposure process . Unlike digital photography, shooting film can be expensive, so I find myself being more deliberate as to what I choose to photograph. Your teaching skills & humble manner are exemplary. Thank you for posting this video.
Hey, I'm a novice and I really enjoyed your ( lesson?), I got more out of this video than I got from watching a score of other videos. Your video was concise and very thorough yet easy to understand. The explanation of the zones really help me grasp a little bit better the concept of light metering. It had really been elusive before this. I've watched video after video without really feeling like I had a clear understanding. Your explanation of the zone concept which I never heard before and the triangle were great for me. Thanks again for sharing.
This is the best explanation video I've watched. Thanks! 💯
This is one of the most informative videos on the application of the zone system to negative film. Thanks for sharing.
Like everyone else already said it’s an amazing explanation of how to use the meter for film. I spent so much time looking for a good explanation but I never found one. However I believe I get it now thanks man!
So glad you found it helpful. Thank you, Abrahan!
One of the clearest explanations of how to meter that I have seen so far - with Kyle McDougall's.
Very good explanation of the zone system. In more than 30 years of photography I have seen many, and this is undoubtedly one of the best. Thanks for sharing.
this only video on youtube explains how the zone system work, I finally understand it now
Can’t believe I’m just watching this for the first time - it’s unbelievably helpful as a beginner. Thank you so much for sharing with examples!
Probably the most useful photography video on the internet.
Holy smokes. As a newbie who is hungry to learn, this was way more than I hoped for. Excellent video!!!
I have NEVER heard the Zone system broken down so well where I could truly comprehend exactly what is going on, instant subscribe man
Thanks, Langston! Welcome! It's a bit of a complex topic. I wanted to see how simple I could make it. Glad you found it useful!
This was phenomenal. So comprehensive, yet simply explained.
This is such a great use of this platform. Good old UA-cam.
Could you explain to me how a lightmeter helps define which shutter speed needs to be used in each part of the view
I haven't shot film in years and this brought back so many memories of that period. To this day, I still rely on a handheld meter for much of my metering, although with a lot of experimentation, I've developed suitable substitutes that are reliable and repeatable (such as spot metering off the back of my hand and adjusting accordingly). Experimentation is an important factor in getting to understand all of the variables one has to work with as a photographer. One of those variables that's often forgotten about is the "box speed" of a film; the ISO that's on the side of a box of film is just a starting point, a nominal ISO, if you will. If you mix and match films from different manufacturers that have the same ISO, you'll often find variations in the end result, so it's important to spend time getting to know a particular emulsion, something which Ansel Adams clearly did a lot of, so he's a great reference point for anyone starting in film and it's great to see him mentioned in this video for that reason alone.
I shot thousands of rolls as a kid but moved to digital as a teen in the mid 2000’s. Late last year I got my dads om-1 and grandfathers rollie 75 2.8 back in working order but have been struggling mightily with properly metering a scene for the exposure and look I want. This video changed that, thank you 🙏
Thousands.....
This is the best exposure explanation I have ever seen. I’m doing photography for some 20 years but seriously this is awesome!
Honored to receive a veteran's stamp of approval. Thank you!
I have been hearing about Ansel Adams’ zone system for a long time and could not get my head around it until I found your video. You really brought it down to ‘easy-to-chew’ bits. Thanks for this video!!!
i put so many videos in my “watch later” playlist but this one I actually watched on the spot, super glad I did. Stellar lesson, friend.
One easy way to overcome the wide dynamic range of the backlit shot is to use a soft grad filter. Two of my medium format cameras have a 77mm thread so this is easy to attach various filters. Also, bracketing is essential for some difficult to meter shots so you can choose the best capture that reflects the moment you want to remember or emphasis (sky detail). I use an old Pentax spot meter as it is easy to convert EV ratings to choose the right combination of shutter speed and F stop. Great work on explaining density theory and film types.
Oh my god, the amount of incoherent videos and articles about metering I have read. This was so easily (and artfully) explained, I'm just blown away. Instantly more knowledgeable with your channel.
Glad it was helpful, bruh! Thank you!
Less than 6 minutes in and I already learned super value information. You explained that very well - thank you!
FInished the video, and this is one of the best videos on film and metering out there. You rock!
This is a must watch for anyone shooting film. You’ve articulated good exposure in a way that anyone should be able to pick up an analog camera and go out to capture great images on film.
That was the goal! Glad you think I hit the mark. Thanks, Michael!
Ah! The light just went on and this makes much more sense! Thank you!
This video speaks so much to the nerd in me. Absolutely love it
Who needs Skillshare when Cody lays it all down? Great stuff. Cheers!
this is a great video and takes me back 30 years while studying photography at collage
Now all you need to do is switch to B&W and carry three cameras: one for long scale scenes, one for normal scale scenes, and one for short scale scenes, and expose and develop each roll appropriately, and Ansel Adams, Minor White, and R. Maplethorpe's ghosts will be happy. (Translation: nicely done video!)
This is simply a wonderful explanation of the joys of metering. You have real skills sir!
i've really been struggling to understand metering and stops and all that technical stuff, and this video seriously feels like it's in a course, it has really helped me get my head around it, thank you so much!
Definitely not a course, just wanted to share the love! So glad it helped you out!!
I've watched so many videos on metering, so many seem to ignore high contrast images and your video perfectly explained the information I needed. Thank you so much
Really glad to hear that, Dizzy. Thank you!
I know the comments already do a fantastic job but I can't stop gushing at how amazing this video is. An incredible resource for any level of photographer, most especially those of us just starting their film adventure. Thank you!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for sharing not only your knowledge but also these very valuable experiences!
I am amazed by the quality of your work and explanations.
It's a privilege to do so. Thank you!
This is the best video on photography in general that I have literally ever seen. Thank you.
Wow!, All this time and expense trying to understand something you have explained in a 10 min video. Saying that is greatly under stating the depth and expertise you have you have managed to put in that video. You have provided a well rounded explanation in a manner that seems clear, concise, friendly and informative. Your talent in doing this is much appreciated and I hope you go far.
I was just reading about the Zone System from Ansel Adams and this is spot on. The examples were super helpful.
This video was so helpful. As someone who learns visually, your explanation and examples made all the difference. Thank you!
Measuring light is identical for both film and digital -
Makes no difference whatsoever how you do it as long as it's done accurately and your techniques are correct.
This is the greatest challenge for young photographers. One distinction that I think needs to be added is landscape photography requires mostly spot metering while street photography and portraits utilise mostly incident metering. Great video
Honestly, Cody, this is one of the most informative and helpful videos about lighting, metering, and exposure that I've ever seen. Thanks so much for taking the time to edit it together for us, and please keep up the amazing work!
If complete control of film exposure is desired, learn the Zone System. The Zone System allows you to get the images the way you desire them to be/the way your eyes and brain see them.
Easily the best analog channel i had ever came across. I love your editing and filming style. Gives me a “documentary” feeling to it. Keep it up!
Thank you so much!!
I have watched millions of videos about metering and this one is by far the best video i have watched. Thanks a lot, Cody! Subscribed at lightning speed :)
I love your pace! Well delivered, but not overly edited.
Intro so good. I don’t shoot film but it’s inspiring to watch a master talk about his craft in such depth. Makes me want to get better at what I do. There’s layers to this shit!! Epic video as always dude.
Thank you, brother. 💙
Like so many people who are into photography, I'm a visual guy and I loved the sliding scale over the zones for exposures. I suspect if you had just explained it without the graphics I wouldn't have understood it but now I get it. Another excellent point you made is that a spot meter always meters for 18% gray or Zone V. Applying that to your sliding scale graphics will help me improve my exposures. Thanks, Cody. I just subscribed.
Great video. No BS, just clearly explained and demonstrated knowledge. Thanks, Cody.
One of the best and clearest explanations I’ve heard - thanks. I’m imagining a kinda slide rule with zones and shutter speeds…
Thanks, Cody; although I understand the process of compensating for the light, I always needed clarification on how to meter. I think it was understanding what the meter was reading in correlation with how to adjust for the image I wanted. Thanks for clearing that up with your examples. It helps me understand...Cheers for assisting another photographer.
Very well explained Cody! It’s really refreshing to see your honesty at the end. Plenty of UA-cam channels where everything always goes perfect but in reality mistakes are all part of it.
Thank you! Mistakes are 100% part of the process. Anyone who acts like they aren't isn't giving you the full picture.
You did a great job in this video. I have been playing with cameras for many years, shooting film and processing it in my home darkroom. I read a lot of books by and about Ansel Adams and it took me a while until I was comfortable with the Zone System. Then I switched to digital photography and to this day I am not 100% convinced it is real photography. I am sure I will get flamed when people read this. Your video was the best explanation of density and metering I have ever seen. I wish this had been available when I was first learning but hey, the Internet did not exist then. I am going to look for more of your videos. Respectfully, I would like to make one suggestion regarding your videos. The music is distracting and not very good. The video would have been better without the music. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
I have been shooting film for years and this is BY FAR the best and simplest explanation of how to use the Zone System. Clear, concise, with perfect examples. WELL DONE! :)
Many thanks, David!
Also incomplete. Most of the time you're protecting the highlights instead of using the nd grad
this is the best video I've ever seen on metering ... like by FAR. goat
Cheesy peeps this is perhaps the most informative photography video I have ever watched. Extraordinary work.
Great use of the Zone System for regular(Non Large Format) photography. I shot film for over 15 years and never used my light meter in this way. I did use averaging various spot meter readings, but that does not always work. Thank you !
Hi Cody! I'm a photographer from NYC and just came across your channel. Just wanted to compliment such a well-thought-out, concise, easy-to-understand video. Thank you so much for sharing it, can't wait to watch more of your content!
Hey Kate. Thanks so much. Really glad you appreciate it. I hope it helped you in some small way. Glad to have you here.
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Great video, tactfully explained. Put a lot of things into place for me. As for your final shot, to retain the colours of the sky, there's a little hack; you can wave a piece of black card over the top part of the image for part of the exposure to bring it 1 or 2 stops down. Worked for me in a similar situation, though it's probably only going to work best on exposures longer than a few seconds!
Subscribed, the editing on this video made everything extremely digestible and easier to comprehend
Thank you for introducing the difference between negative and slide film. I agree with your viewpoints on slide films. Thank you. I used to enjoy the Sekonic L-358 and incident metering for Kodachrome and the newer E100.
This was the best explanation of the zone system I've ever heard/seen! Thanks so much!!
Abslolutely freaking awesome!!!!
I am not sure what to choose as the best. The "how to proper exposure" explanation or your hability to "Teach".
So thoroughly clear, the subjects, the timing, the examples (even foulty ones) I am just speachless. Congratulations and thank you very much.
Thanks for making this video, it was really insightful and I have never thought about these density zones like this before. I'm going to incorporate this into my process next time I do some film photography. As for the last image in your final thoughts, with high contrast shots like that, there's always bracketing. I'm sure you already know this, but maybe for people new that are reading, it costs an extra couple shots but you'll get the shot you want and helps you learn what the film is capable of.
One of the best videos I have seen explain manual metering. Thank you for putting this out there.
Thank you for watching!
One of fewest videos on youtube with such details explanation of zone system! Really appreciate it
So glad! Thank you so much!
I’ve been using a DSLR (Pentax K-3 Miii Monochrome) as a spot meter to help me expose film in my 35mm cameras (Pentax MX). This will help me expand what I’m doing with that workflow.
Wish I had you as a teacher back in the days! great video, now I understand better what I've always been doing without thinking enough about it… thanks!
So well explained, inspiring, and so enjoyable to watch. Didn't think I'd get to learn something new about something I thought I knew as much as I could about already. Thank you!
Thanks, Khanh. Really glad you learned something new!
The best video I've seen so far to explain the zone system!!! ( Now one could explain how the development affects the film, because in the end the time and also the temperature play a role. and of course the movement of the film in the can or the tank.)
Thank god for Cody! I’ve heard people explain zone metering at least 3 times now and it’s either too boring or missing a clear explanation. Thank you for always giving us your best 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thank you for this! more often then not most of these I’ve seen are all fluff, this was great and to the point.
Solid video, Cody. (One quick suggestion: please inform your viewers that those negatives are in protective sleeves (and that one should keep their fingers off of actual negatives!)
That was interesting. That was the first time I’ve ever seen the zone system explained using color film.
easily the most well-made and informative video about metering I've ever seen on youtube. Thank you so much Cody!
Probably the best video out there about light metering. Saving this to a playlist to help me learn film photography.
The most helpful video on film metering
Great video, Cody! The zone system has always been a super intimidating subject to tackle. You nailed it!
Thank you, Logan! There's definitely a narrow line between oversimplified and unnecessary bogged down when it comes to the subject. Really glad you dig it!
Fantastic little video. I have started shooting film again after a lengthy digital hiatus. Part of why I am, once again, enjoying analogue, is the challenge. Narrow dynamic range vs Raw digital, means creative choices and compromises. But when you get it correct, it is fun as heck. Thanks for this detailed refresher!
It really gets the creative juices flowing. Glad you're getting back into it. Cheers!
This is the best explanation I've heard and sit through this at least a couple more times!
It is clear how much effort and thought you have put in this video. You, sir, are an excellent teacher! Thank you very much, this was extremely helpful.
Excellent video! Thank you for the in-depth instructions on metering. I think I need to brush up on the Zone System now!
I cannot overstate how much I appreciated this video. I've been itching to try film photography for years, but I get so in my head about how to expose certain things. This gave me so much clarity, thank you!!! 💕
I'm so glad to hear that, Vivi. Excited for the beginning of your film journey!
It blows my mind that this video is free.