Reading mode: Light Dark

Center-weighted meter question

Go to last post
keano12

keano12

Leading Member
Messages
526
Reaction score
16
Location
Los Angeles, CA, US
I use a D750 and have read that the center-weighted meter only reads the center of the frame.

What if I manually move the focus point will the camera still read only from the center of the frame regardless of where my focus point is?
Thx
 
keano12 said:
What if I manually move the focus point will the camera still read only from the center of the frame regardless of where my focus point is?
Click to expand...
The clue is is the name, centre-weighted. ;)
 
keano12 said:
I use a D750 and have read that the center-weighted meter only reads the center of the frame.

What if I manually move the focus point will the camera still read only from the center of the frame regardless of where my focus point is?
Thx
Click to expand...
You can download the Manual from Nikon.
Should you do so you'd find the fairly unambiguous answer to your query on page 142 which says:

Metered Area
In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 4-mm (0.16 in.) circle centered on the selected focus point. In center- weighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 12-mm circle in the center of the viewfinder.

Note you can change the default area for center weighed using CPU lenses with custom setting b-5.
See page 335 of the aforementioned manual .

Here's the relevant info:

When calculating exposure, center-weighted metering assigns the greatest weight to a circle in the center of the frame. The diameter (φ) of this circle can be set to 8, 12, 15, or 20 mm or to the average of the entire frame.

Note that when a non-CPU lens is used, the area assigned the greatest weight for center-weighted metering is equivalent to a circle with a diameter of 12 mm, regardless of the setting selected for Non-CPU lens data in the setup menu (0 235).

--

www.flickr.com

jtan163

Explore jtan163’s 443 photos on Flickr!
www.flickr.com www.flickr.com
 
By definition, the circle is always in the centre.

However, just to be clear, "centre-weighted" metering in Nikon's terms means that 75% of the metering calculation is based on whatever subject matter lies within the centre circle (whatever diameter circle you may choose) and 25% of the calculation is based on whatever lies outside that circle.

If you use spot metering then the metering area follows (i.e. is always beneath) the selected autofocus point, except when using a non-CPU lens.
 
Last edited:
I agree with the above. I would add that one of the simpler ways of using spot/centre weighted metering is to use the centre focus point. Focus on the subject, press and hold the AE/AL buttong (or press and release if your cameras set up that way). Recompose and shoot.
 
Last edited:
romfordbluenose said:
I agree with the above. I would add that one of the simpler ways of using spot/centre weighted metering is to use the centre focus point. Focus on the subject, press and hold the AE/AL buttong (or press and release if your cameras set up that way). Recompose and shoot.
Click to expand...
To the OP; Make sure you only lock the Exposure, not the focus or you will introduce your focus to shift while recomposing; http://1000wordpics.blogspot.ca/2014/02/why-you-shouldnt-focus-and-recompose.html
 
balico said:
romfordbluenose said:
I agree with the above. I would add that one of the simpler ways of using spot/centre weighted metering is to use the centre focus point. Focus on the subject, press and hold the AE/AL buttong (or press and release if your cameras set up that way). Recompose and shoot.
Click to expand...
To the OP; Make sure you only lock the Exposure, not the focus or you will introduce your focus to shift while recomposing; http://1000wordpics.blogspot.ca/2014/02/why-you-shouldnt-focus-and-recompose.html
Click to expand...
Yes it is a good article which I'll try and remember when I shoot wide open.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top