How much light do I need for one picture?

<p>How much Light do I need for one Picture 100 ASA Black and White Film? Using 4x5 View Camera 210mm f1:5.6 Lens, I was thinking Of one or two Wedding picture at Altar using two or three if necessary Vivitar 283’s with VP-1 Varable controls on them I thought B&W Film took less light than color or am I wrong? So how much light do I really need that is the question? I will be making 20x24 prints.</p>

<p>B&W and Color 100ASA film will each require the same exposure in the same light assumming you are exposing for skin tones or shadow detail or highlight detail, etc. Look at the exposure dial on your 283 and determine the distance you will be placing the light from the subject (or camera to subject distance if you use the light near the camera, held up in your hand or on a stand) and expose accordingly. If I remember correctly, the 283 can provide plenty of power to light the bridal couple from 10 to 15 feet or so with just one light, maybe even further.</p>

<p>Vick using Flash meter with one Vivitar 283 in Manual or full power at 15" gives me f8 using two together gives me f16 would you sugest a color Gel like blue or would that be the wrong color</p>

 

<p>Vick using Flash meter with one Vivitar 283 in Manual or full power at 15" gives me f8 using two together gives me f16 would you sugest a color Gel like blue or would that be the wrong color</p>

 

<p>Vick using Flash meter with one Vivitar 283 in Manual or full power at 15" gives me f8 using two together gives me f16 would you sugest a color Gel like blue or would that be the wrong color</p>

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<p>Several issues here. Let me try to identify them:<br>

First, the Vivitar dial you've shown is set to ASA 160, not ASA 100. That will make a difference.<br>

Second, I assume you mean 15 feet, not 15 inches.<br>

Third, diffusing the flash would probably be more important than adding a gel. In any case, blue would not be my first choice if you want to preserve natural skin tones. Note that colored gels will have little impact on B&W film.<br>

Finally, you haven't said whether the picture will be simply of the bride and groom or of an entire wedding party. If the former, one 283 will probably suffice. If the latter, you will probably need at least two.</p>

<p>Several issues here. Let me try to identify them:<br>

First, the Vivitar dial you've shown is set to ASA 160, not ASA 100. That will make a difference.<br>

Second, I assume you mean 15 feet, not 15 inches.<br>

Third, diffusing the flash would probably be more important than adding a gel. In any case, blue would not be my first choice if you want to preserve natural skin tones. Note that colored gels will have little impact on B&W film.<br>

Finally, you haven't said whether the picture will be simply of the bride and groom or of an entire wedding party. If the former, one 283 will probably suffice. If the latter, you will probably need at least two.</p>

<p>Re: "...Vick using Flash meter with one Vivitar 283 in Manual or full power at 15" gives me f8 using two together gives me f16..."</p>

<p>Something is amiss - "using two together" should not give you f16 if one is giving you f8...</p>

 

<p>Richard:<br />15 Ft. of course That was the only picture I had just so you could see I never use that scale with my View Camera I use a Gossen Flash Meter I am trying to get my DOF up to f16 or f22 and I would feel a lot better. I could split the difference say7Ft. and use two together, I will check it again to night make sure it is correct maybe the Battery is weak on my Flash Meter.<br />Heidi</p>

<p>Heidi, if you are using normal B&W film (pancromatic, not orthocromatic) you won't need any filter when using electronic flash; daylight color film wouldn't need one either in most cases. If you need the increased depth of field of a smaller stop, by all means use two lights side-by-side and hooked togeather by cord or slave, but I'd be inclined to make the setup as simple as possible...weddings are hectic, confusing, and tempers run hot! :) I'd be inclined to trust my flash meter, but if there is any doubt, change the batteries to fresh ones and take more readings...even a couple of test shots would be good, especially if you could do them a few days early with the film you'll be using. Mounted on a stand, you can also move the lights closer, limited only by the length of your connection to the camera (I've used a small strobe pointed up which didn't affect my exposure to trigger slaves a few times).</p>

<p>Why are you not using 400 ASA Film for example Kodak TMY 400 gives very sharp and even better shadow details and 2 more f stops!<br>

Then you should get f 16 easy with one flash!</p>

<p>My 2 cents, Armin</p>

<p>Then if Guide # is 120 x 2 flash units, Flash to subjest is 7Ft. x 2 Flashes = F what</p>

<p>Another vote for ISO 400. You need all the speed you can get.</p>