A Pentax Digital Spotmeter is an accessory that photographers and filmmakers use to determine the correct exposure for a photograph before shooting. It is small and rugged, and was the choice of Ansel Adams. The histograms provided by digital cameras today offer much of the same information as the Pentax Digital Spotmeter, but this standalone device is still popular for its ease-of-use and good reputation. Operating the Pentax Digital Spotmeter is straightforward, but getting the perfect exposure setting for a complex shot can require a deep knowledge of cameras, film formats and lighting effects.
Instructions
Install a Battery and Adjust the Eyepiece
1. The Pentax Digital Spotmeter requires a 6-volt battery, model A544, 4LR44 or L544. A 537 alkaline will also work. The battery loads into a chamber in the bottom of the handle. Just remove the cover with a coin, and insert the battery so that the negative side faces the cover.
2. The eyepiece can be adjusted for imperfect vision. Look through the eyepiece. If the small circle in the center of the frame appears blurry, loosen the outer ring of the eyepiece and adjust it to your liking.
3. This process may make the digital readout appear blurry. If this is the case, split the difference so that both the object and the readout are of an acceptable sharpness. Tighten the outer ring to lock it again.
Take a Reading
4. Film cameras can use different types of film, with varying sensitivity to light measured in ASA. The outermost dial of the spotmeter should be set in the ASA of your particular film.
5. Look through the eyepiece and point the spotmeter towards the object you wish to film. Squeeze the trigger. An EV reading will appear in the eyepiece. If a single dot appears, add 1/3 to this number. If two dots appear, add 2/3 to this number.
6. Now, twist the the innermost dial of the spotmeter to the EV reading you just took. The middle rings of the spotmeter will now show you various apeture/shutter speed combinations that will allow for correct exposure of this image.
7. Use any the setting on your camera, and you will be able to take perfectly exposed photographs.
Tags: Digital Spotmeter, Pentax Digital, Pentax Digital Spotmeter, correct exposure, dial spotmeter, Look through, Look through eyepiece