P3D Exposing Christmas lights

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

>> I also would like some suggestions for where to start with exposure
>> settings for night photography with my Realist including Christas light
>> displays, lighted buildings such as Capitol domes etc.
>
>I would use an exposure meter in such circumstances (Hi, George!).  

Hi and good luck Greg!

>There are guidelines you can use for these
>conditions, but you will burn a lot more film bracketing than you really
>need to if you start with a fairly good meter reading.  IMO, as always.

As always, I disagree :-)  The guidelines are usually better than metering
in low, non-uniform lighting situations like Christmas lights, fireworks,
etc.  Bill Costa (is that Greek?) said it best... I have a low light guide
at home that covers lots of low light situations...I would go by the guide.
Another thing to remember is that these situations have a lot of tolerance
exposure-wise.  They are not as critical as full-light conditions.  In many
cases it is a matter of personal taste... So some trial and error is in 
order.  Full f-stop bracketting is reocmmended.  Don't waste film in 1/3 
increments.  

Thanks Bill for the double exposure suggestion!

George Themelis


------------------------------