SPOT METERING

For most situations, center-weighted average metering is adequate. There are times, however, when the Minolta 9000īs built-in spot meter should be used to obtain the results desired. Exposure readings based on a midtone value (at SPOT setting) can be used when lighting contrast is very high. When most of the tones in the picture are very light, highlight-based exposures (at H setting) can be made. Shadow-based exposures (at S setting) can be made when most of the scene consists of darker tones.
When making highlight- or shadow-based exposures in P, A, or S mode, AEL button must be pressed while releasing shutter. If AEL button is not pressed, camera sets exposure to produce a midtone value, even if metering selector is at H or S setting.

Midtone readings (SPOT setting)
Midtone readings should be used to achieve optimum exposure of subjects with medium tones in high-contrast lighting, such as for backlit subjects with no fill lighting or spotlit subjects against dark backgrounds. When midtone readings are made, exposure is based on an averaged reading of the subject located in the spot-metering circle. This enables you to obtain correct exposure for the most important area in a photograph. To use:
  1. Set metering selector to "SPOT" position.
  2. Position camera so that a midtone area fills spot-metering circle in viewfinder.
  3. P, A or S mode: Press and hold AEL button to lock the meter reading. While pressing AEL button, recompose photo and release shutter.
    M mode: Adjust shutter and aperture so that exposure-deviation indicator shows "-0" or "+0". Then recompose photo and release shutter.

Shadow readings (S setting)
Shadow readings should be used when the most important or largest part of the photo consists of mostly darker tones. If a center-weighted reading (or spot midtone reading) is used, these areas will appear too light, overexposed. When shadow readings are made, exposure is decreased to properly expose these areas. To use:
  1. Set metering selector to "S" position.
  2. Position camera so that shadow area fills spot-metering circle in viewfinder.
  3. P, A or S mode: Press and hold AEL button. Shutter/aperture settings for exposure of shadow area will now be displayed. While still pressing AEL button, recompose photo, and release shutter.
    M mode: While pressing AEL button, adjust shutter and aperture for "-0" or "+0" exposure deviation. Recompose photo and release shutter.

Highlight readings (H setting)
Highlight readings should be used when the most important or largest part of the photo is white or very light-colored. If a center-weighted reading (or spot midtone reading) is used, these areas will appear too dark, underexposed. When highlight readings are made, exposure is increased so that the lighter areas will be properly exposed. To use:
  1. Set metering selector to "H" position.
  2. Position camera so that a light area fills spot-metering circle in viewfinder.
  3. P, A or S mode: Press and hold AEL button. Shutter/aperture settings for exposure of light area will now be displayed. While still pressing AEL button, recompose photo, and release shutter.
    M mode: While pressing AEL button, adjust shutter and aperture for "-0" or "+0" exposure deviation. Recompose photo and release shutter.