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How to Use the Spot Meter

A spot meter is an exposure meter that measures a very small part of a particular scene. Most modern single-lens reflex cameras, both film and digital, have a spot-metering function built in. Although particulars vary, the basic operation of the spot meter is the same for all cameras. Spot meters are useful for photos with strong back lighting. They also are excellent for photos where the primary subject is lit differently than the majority of the scene--for example, when taking a photo of someone standing in a shadowed area.

Things You'll Need

Camera with spot-metering function

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the camera’s power on, and set the meter switch to “spot.” On cameras with a meter mode switch, the switch is usually to the right of the viewfinder. Look for a small rotary switch with three positions. One position will have the spot meter symbol (a rectangle with a dot in the middle). On cameras without a mode switch, the spot meter is accessed via the menu system.
- 2
  Look through the camera’s eyepiece. In the center of the viewfinder is a small rectangle or circle. This margin represents the area of the spot meter’s sensitivity; the spot meter doesn’t measure light outside of this boundary.
- 3
  Move the camera to point the spot meter at the area of the scene you wish to meter.
- 4
  Lock in the exposure by pressing the shutter release half way.
- 5
  Move the camera to recompose your scene.
- 6
  Press the shutter release fully to make the exposure. The exposure will be correct for the metered area.

Photography