18% Gray? Hold on There for Just One Minute...

Detail, Lightship Portsmouth

www.dennismook.com

So what do you know about 18% gray?  That it is the average reflectance of a typical scene that you may photograph?  That your camera or other light meters are calibrated to 18% reflectance so your exposures are accurate to capture that typical scene?  That you can buy an 18% gray card from which to meter off of to get a proper exposure?

Well, my friend, your meters are not calibrated to 18%.  They are calibrated to 12%.  Twelve percent is the ANSI standard to which light meters are calibrated (there may be an exception or two; rumor is Sekonic meters are calibrated to 14%), which is 1/2 stop open from 18%.

So, the next time you meter an 18% gray card, open your aperture up 1/2 stop to get the correct exposure.  Just thought you would like to know that little tidbit of information.

Thanks for looking.

Enjoy!
Dennis Mook