23 Comments
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Katie Nance's avatar

Is there a light meter app you recommend or a physical light meter reader? Your references are great and I realize that so many of my photos are more underexposed.

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Suzy's avatar

Messaged you!! ❤️🫶

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Pati's avatar

Hi Katie, what light meter app would you recommend? And do you have any tips for focussing correctly? Developed my first roll a few weeks ago and a few pics came blurry, so any advice is welcome, I am new to the world of film camera :)

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Katie Nance's avatar

Hi!

I have never tried one- but Suzy DM'ed me the following and I thought I'd share.

I downloaded one and am already shopping for a physical light meter - the app was too overwhelming for me!

I did film in high schol- so pretty much I'm new to film, but am loving it! Please share any tips you have. My only tip is to follow Suzy- I'm already learning a lot!

Suzy DM'ed me these:

light meter she uses:

ebay.com/itm/157039633395?norover=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mk…

She needs to test these out but someone just recommended this light meter app - apps.apple.com/us/app/lightme-lightmeter/id1509033790

And this one - apps.apple.com/us/app/light-meter-ultra/id1558108173

I found this video on YT as well that helped me understand how to use the non app version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQs2tNuNXVg

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pockets full of junk's avatar

This post also made me realize that sooo many of my photos are underexposed! I've downloaded a light meter app before but didn't have much success :(

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Suzy's avatar

Curious which app did you use? And are you able to describe how you used it? (Where you placed it in reference to your subject) maybe I can help you figure out the problem?

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Brittany Kujawa's avatar

I adore my Canon AE-1—it’s such a teaching camera! You definitely see when a shot comes in underexposed or when the auto program setting misjudges the light. (Most of the time) the photos turn out beautifully! What's the next best film camera to get if you are progressing to another manual option?

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Suzy's avatar

It is such a great teaching camera, and even seeing like 20% underexposed photos from her.. I kinda don’t hate them. They’re so vibey! That is a great question.. I have a few cameras I’m going to play around with that are also collecting dust on my shelf that I suspect would be the answer you’re looking for in a next level camera. :) TBD!

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Anna's avatar

I’ve never shot with this one but I love my Olympus OM-1, which I think is quite similar (a part from not having an auto mode which I don’t really care about). I feel the same way about the slow process and the pictures being just so damn pretty.

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Suzy's avatar

I love the Olympus om-1! I was so surprised how the process of shooting with it was so fun.. the slowness of it. What do you love to shoot most with your Olympus? 😍🙏

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Anna's avatar

Mostly my family, as with every camera 😃 I’d like to bring it into client work as the second camera, especially for slower sessions like newborn or maternity. Would you say Canon AE-1 feels similar or not? I keep hearing about it but never bothered trying…

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Sammie Kay's avatar

It's my only film camera and I have loved it so much! I always consider getting another but change my mind because I love it so much. What camera would you recommend if I wanted something still manual settings but drastically different experience than ae1?

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Cruda's avatar

I would recommend Zenit 12-xp, similar kind of magic and experience 🧡

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Suzy's avatar

Oh thank you for recommending that one @Cruda ! What’s your fav thing to shoot with that camera? 😍🙏

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Suzy's avatar

@Samantha Kay I have a couple cameras also collecting dust on my shelf that I’m gonna play with this week… i think one of them would be a good answer to your question. TBD! ❤️🙏

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Britnee Bourne's avatar

The canon AE-1 it’s my go to film camera for most situations. I have better ones, sure, but there’s something about this one that just feels so on base for my film journey.

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Suzy's avatar

I love that! It really is the perfect camera for that journey.. It’s such an incredible camera that takes high end photos but easy to use and grow with! What’s your fav thing to photograph with it? 😍🙏

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Hayleigh Davis's avatar

Yay for trying this camera!! Love love the photos you captured. What light meter do you recommend?

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Suzy's avatar

Thank you so much!! Do you shoot with the canon ae-1 or what do you shoot with?

100% recommend the Sekonic 358 (that's what I use) BUT I also kind of like the Light Meter app as a bridge to that. Like, before you're ready to invest in the Sekonic. The Light Meter app is better than the auto mode... and an actual light meter is better than the app :)

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Hayleigh Davis's avatar

Yes, the canon ae-1 but I stopped cuz I’m not very good at it haha plus I dealt with light leaks. I’m hoping they’re all fixed now but haven’t dared pick it up again. So I mostly use disposable and a Kodak reusable 35mm. Thanks for the app tip. I will try that first! ✨

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Sarah Kirk's avatar

This post was so useful, thank you Suzy! I’m thinking of making a move to using a film camera, I’m getting so tired of everything being digital! I have a question though which may seem basic, what do you do with your photographs when you’ve developed them??

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Jasmine's avatar

The AE-1 was my first film camera (or really any real camera) that I used in my photography class in high school, and it’s been at my side ever since. So reliable, user friendly for a beginner and yes great for everyday shooting. Love it so much it’s tattooed on my leg! Forever grateful for that camera; it led me to getting a BFA in Photography, I really wouldn’t be where I am w/out that camera🫶🏼

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Ash's avatar

OK fine, I'll dust the Canon AE-1

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