Understanding Light Meter

[brambor]

A while ago I asked a question on understanding usage of a light

meter. I was Among other answers I got one where someone stated that:

 

 

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A meter is a meter so it shouldn't matter which one you use as long as

the film speed settings are the same. Focal lengths shouldn't have any

effect. I generally eschew P or A modes in favor of M and a Minolta

Autometer. It is always a good idea to occasionally make sure your

meter is calibrated correctly by testing with slide film and a gray

card.

 

 

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Please help me understand this because I get different readings in my

camera meter depending on the focal length or even when I attach

polarizer filter or not YET the handheld light meter doesn't know

these situations and suggests a given exposure regardless of focal

length or filter use.

 

 

 

 

At the same token I might have a 100-300mm 5.6 zoom lens attached to

my EOS and the EOS meter will suggest 5.6 when applying this to my

Konica with 50mm 1.4 wouldn't make sense...

[jackflesher]

Get a good book on photography, like the Ansel Adams series "the Camera" and the "the Negative". Reflective meters will give a very different reading from incident meters, unless you have them pointed at a gray card. Also, filters do make a difference and need to be compensated for, and a polarizer has a variable effect depending on how it is adjusted and where the camera is pointing. In short, the answer to your question is too lengthy for a complete response here.

 

Cheers,