View Camera Technique, 7th Edition

8Exposure Meters

8.1 Exposure Latitude

Variations in camera exposure of black-and-white film affect image contrast and definition in addition to the more obvious change in image density. Seldom is there a single correct exposure. The range of camera exposures that produce acceptable results varies due to such factors as the nature of the subject, the lighting, characteristics of the film, film development, and the judgment of the viewer. As a result, the range of acceptable exposures may be less than 1:2 and as high as 1:100, or higher.

The prints in Figure 8-1 were made from negatives receiving exposures that increased by a factor of 2. Reasonably satisfactory results were obtained on normal-contrast printing paper from negatives representing ...