Exposure Level Preferences

[gfranks7807]

I know this is typically personal preference or varies on the type of shot but I was curious what range everyone "typically" likes to keep their exposure within. Also, what technique does everyone use when using the Zebra pattern? Do you open up the exposure to have the zebra just start to show (assuming your zebra kicks in at 80%)? If not, what technique do you use to adjust exposure?

 

[HorseFilms]

I usually zoom into the face of my subject, hit the auto iris button, switch it back to manual, zoom back out and tweak it from there.

 

[Joshua Provost]

I always target F2.8 indoors and outdoors, to get shallow depth of field, while being able to use the full zoom range without changing the exposure. It's not as sharp as F4-F8, but it's a good compromise. Outdoors you usually need the use the 1/64 built-in ND, and add some additional ND to get down to F2.8.

 

[janusz]

i use a meter, to light the way i would if using film, that way i know all of my ratios and where the highlights are at.

horse's method is good too.

 

[taormina]

This may seem ignorant, but how do you use a light meter with the HVX? Don't you have to enter a shutter speed into a meter for it to give you your F-stop? Pleae elaborate.