Using a DSLR as a meter for film shots?

[anonymous-user]

What I mean is:

Is it possible to adjust settings on a DSLR in Manual until I am happy with a shot and then transfer those settings to a 35mm SLR and the resulting photos would be of similar exposure?

Say I had 400 ISO film in a 35mm and set the ISO of the digital to match at 400, then tweaked aperture and shutter till I was happy, then dialled these into the 35mm, would this yeild decent results in theory?

Does anyone do this?

I would be looking to do this if I was shooting 35mm in awkward conditions where the meter may be fooled such an environment with rapidly changing lighting.

Edited by NinjaPower on Thursday 23 February 13:29

[londonagent]

Good question, I'm interested in the answer to this as I've just dug out an old OM10 and got some B&W film for it.

[MartinP]

That should work fine, with the exception of long exposures (e.g. longer than 10 seconds), where film stops following the reciprocity law (if the light intensity halves, you double the exposure time). Different film types will have different characteristics under such very low light conditions.

[markmullen]

MartinP said:

That should work fine, with the exception of long exposures (e.g. longer than 10 seconds), where film stops following the reciprocity law (if the light intensity halves, you double the exposure time). Different film types will have different characteristics under such very low light conditions.

This, yes it works, I used my dSLR meter readings to check the reading on my medium format Mamiya, they were always near identical.

A nicer way is to use a handheld meter, once you get used to them they are quick, accurate, and you can take incident, spot and reflected readings, all in one unit, depending on which one you get.

Re reciprocity failure film manufacturers publish tables for their films which show how much extra to give it.

[anonymous-user]

Thanks chaps, I shall give it a go

None of the exposures will be longer than handheld speeds of 1/20 or suchlike so no worries with long exposures throwing a spanner in the works.