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How to Use the Pentax Spotmeter V

The Pentax Spotmeter V is an external, hand held light meter used by professional photographers and experienced amateurs to determine the exposure values needed to create a good image. While many cameras have built in light meters, these meters use a blanket calculation to determine what an optimal exposure should look like. Using a hand held light meter allows the photographer to circumvent a camera's metering settings and determine their own exposure settings.

Things You'll Need

Pentax Spotmeter V
3 batteries (G-13 alkaline or 1.5v silver oxide)

Instructions

- 1
  Open the battery compartment located on the bottom of the meter and insert three G-13 alkaline batteries. You may also use 1.5v silver oxide batteries. Insert the batteries into the battery carriage with the - side facing downwards. Press the "B" button and look through the viewfinder; if the light meter needle moves into the zone underlined by a black line, the batteries are fresh.
- 2
  Use the dial on the side to set the ISO or film speed to match your camera film or settings.
- 3
  Look through the eyepiece and focus on your subject. Turn the eyepiece ring to adjust the focus.
- 4
  Align the circle in the center of the view screen with the subject being metered. Look at the light meter scale and read the recommended exposure value number.
- 5
  Turn the dial on the left side of the meter to match the exposure number displayed on the meter. Read the calculation of shutter speed and f stop to determine your exposure.

Photography