Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #72: Exposure Compensation Sensation!

By Kevin Lane

Do you have a dream camera? Do find yourself reading about it and watching videos of people who, unlike you, have the funds to buy your dream camera (dream cameras are almost always expensive; it's why you don't have it in the first place.) Do you often think about what you could sell to purchase your dream camera, or at least offset the expense somewhat? Do you find yourself trying to talk yourself into parting with the large amount of cash it would cost, because you are convinced that your dream camera would make you a better photographer?

If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions (more likely, to all), then you are not alone. Most of us photography people have a 'holy grail' camera. I certainly did, and of course, it's a Minolta. My dream camera was the Minolta CLE, a 35mm interchangeable lens rangefinder camera that was the last product to come out of a period of collaboration between Minolta and Leitz Camera. If you've been a listener to the UJC, you probably heard me talk about it. It's small but fits right in my hands, it's well built, the shutter is ultra quiet, the lenses are sharp, and best of all, it's very much a Minolta in the layout. It met all the characteristics of a dream camera, including the price tag. And I wanted one. At times, I was ready to start selling every camera I own to get one.

But then, a wonderful thing happened. I actually got to use one. A church friend named Tom, who is also a listener to the UJC Podcast, offered to let me use his. To say I was excited doesn't come close. My dream camera - in my hands at last. I loaded it up with some Kodak Tri-X 400 and began "living the dream."

Would you believe me if I told you that it took only two rolls to show me that I didn't really need the CLE after all? Two rolls! I gave it back to Tom with thanksgiving for having had to chance to experience using it, and now I believe I have learned a valuable lesson. I share that lesson in our podcast.

The Minolta CLE is on the right, next to what I call The
Poor Man's CLE, the Minolta AF2. Can't tell them apart? Yeah
me either.

And now to our main podcast topic. If you have a camera with an automatic exposure mode (such as aperture or shutter priority), you may have wondered about that dial on your camera with +1 +2 and -1 -2? 

That dial is the way you access your camera's exposure compensation, and knowing how to use it will make you a better photographer. Shutter Brothers Wayne and Kevin do a deep dive into how exposure comensation works and when you should use it. I wish I had known more about how to use the exposure compensation dial on my first good camera, the Minolta XG-1. When I look at my collection of slides made with that camera, it pains me to see the times I under or over exposed because I simply trusted the light meter in auto exposure mode. 

Did you know that the Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast has a YouTube channel? It's of if you didn't , because we haven't done much with it since 2020. However, Wayne and I have decided to start posting some helpful videos there, so stay tuned. 

Lastly, Wayne and Kevin get philisophical again and share some of the deep 'dark' thoughts they have been having lately with "Thoughts from the Dark(room)." If you've been having some deep thoughts about your photography lately, you can share them with us by email (unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com) or by leaving a comment on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We'e love to hear from you!

Happy Photography!