Filter
Top Products
TIPS
When to use Matrix
The easiest thing to do is to trust the Matrix meter for everything; it will be correct more
often than most people's ability to override a conventional meter.
To understand how matrix metering works requires a knowledge of the zone system (See
books in reference section) as well as the EV and LV (page 75) systems. Once you
understand those, then read the documentation on the meters. Nikon has not publicized
this much today, which is unfortunate because without this information it is much harder to
learn how and why the Matrix meter does what it does.
For technically fluent photographers the Matrix meter is very predictable and easy to
compensate when necessary, but it is far more complex than averaging meters. This
complexity is what makes the Matrix meter so good, but also what makes it so difficult to
learn and why some photographers still don't trust it.
When and how to use flash
Use Matrix fill flash all the time unless you specifically don't want the subject highlighted or
frozen in lower light. The Nikon Matrix' ability to balance flash and natural light is unbeaten.
Use the SLOW REAR sync mode indoors to allow the background to look natural.
Use the Matrix setting, which on older flashes (SB-22, SB-23) is the default setting and on
newer flashes (SB-28) is shown by the TTL symbol and a little five-segment Matrix symbol
on the flash's LCD.
Make sure you have plenty of flash power and range in very contrasty places (like shooting
into the sun), otherwise turn off the flash. Here's why:
In contrasty light the Matrix meter will reduce the exposure of the ambient light by as much
as 2/3 stop to bring very bright highlights down to within the range of the film, expecting
that the flash will fill the even darker shadows. This usually gives great results since you
usually have enough flash power to fill the shadows.
If you are outdoors and contrasty subjects are out of flash range, turning on your flash can
actually result in as much as 2/3 stop underexposure for the whole scene since the
ambient exposure is reduced and the flash won't be able to fill in the shadows! Don't worry,
you'll see the insufficient flash power indicator flashing if this happens. Just don't presume
that only the fill will be too dark because you also may have the ambient light
underexposed, too, outdoors. I wasted a few rolls one time shooting up into backlit trees
and ignoring my insufficient flash power indicator (the rapidly blinking ready light) thinking
that only the fill would be a little darker. All the shots were too dark; I should have just
turned off the flash.
You can confirm this effect simply by pointing your camera at a very contrasty scene. Turn
the flash on and off while observing the exposure indicated by the meter. You will see the
exposure reduce when the flash is turned on in very contrasty light.
© 2007 KenRockwell.com 65 converted by Sándor Nagy