spot metering question

topcat07

topcat07

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So if spot metering uses a single point to determine the light reflecting for exposure, how do I know which point is being used?

I have set my nikon d40 to spot metering but was expecting to see something on what point is being used through the viewfinder. Would it just be one of the three focus points being used please?

Help appreciated as always
 
If I use the left focus point would the spot metering also change to this

Edit - - sorry thanks person above and op didn't read correct first time
 
Last edited:
Sorry, but spot metering uses the active focus point...
 
Phil V said:
i think that depends on your camera ;)
Click to expand...
Hehe... not for OP, as he has the little D40 darling! :D

The D40 manual, p. 45, says reg. spot metering: "Camera meters exposure in active focus area only (if Closest subject is selected for AF-area mode, camera will meter center focus area)".
 
When you half press the shutter button, the focus point in use will show red.

You can change the focus point by using the < & > on the back (either side of the OK button)

I have spent a fair bit of time cursing as it won't focus properly, only to find I had inadvertantly changed the focus point! :bang:


Heather
 
Jan K. said:
Hehe... not for OP, as he has the little D40 darling! :D

The D40 manual, p. 45, says reg. spot metering: "Camera meters exposure in active focus area only (if Closest subject is selected for AF-area mode, camera will meter center focus area)".
Click to expand...

But the question didn't specify 'with a D40' :thinking: if it did I'd have ignored it, answering on my phone so I can't see what camera the OP has.

So was my answer incorrect :shrug: whilst I'm occasionally happy to look up answers for people, me downloading their manual rather than encouraging them to use a little initiative probably isn't the best thing long term.

It's also helpful for anyone else reading this who might have a different camera to the OP :thumbs:
 
Hi, Just remember when you focus with the camera spot metering option you are dependent on the camera make metering (Canon Nikon etc) from 3 to about 5 deg of the area you are using, also spot metering with the camera can be affected by the lens you are using at the time.
If you want to get precise spot measurements then a hand held meter with spot attachment is the best way to go.
Russ
 
Thank you everyone your all great:thumbs:

sorry i should have read a little further in the book i got too carried away messing about :bonk:

"spot metering assigns the metering sensitivity to a circular area that represent 2.5% of the total frame area. it can be centered on any of the three auto focus sensing areas"
 
topcat07 said:
...

"spot metering assigns the metering sensitivity to a circular area that represent 2.5% of the total frame area. it can be centered on any of the three auto focus sensing areas"
Click to expand...

I'm a smart lad (ish) and I have no idea what that means :bonk:, because it's very camerra specific.
 
Phil V said:
But the question didn't specify 'with a D40' :thinking:...
Click to expand...
But... but...
topcat07 said:
I have set my nikon d40 to spot metering but was expecting to see something on what point is being used through the viewfinder.
Click to expand...
manicure.gif


I had the manual at hand and happen to know the D40 very well.
It was the camera, that I painted partial white, and while looking for a replacement body to the friend, who borrowed it to me, I found a D70s.
Which later lead to the D300s, more lenses and accesories...

So... I blame everything on the D40! :D


But I know, what you mean, Phil! :thumbs:
 
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