#26. The Midtone Exposure and the Photosensitivity (Film Speed)
True or False?
The midtone exposure of any emulsion or solid-state media determines its photosensitivity (film speed).
True.
While many photographers believe that the photosensitivity (film speed) S is determined by the measured value of the speed point exposure Hsp and a constant (the reference exposure Ho),
S = Ho / Hsp
the explanations in Photographic Myth Buster #24 and in Photographic Myth Buster #25 show that the reference exposure Ho should not be arbitrarily assigned a value, should be recognized as dependent on the width of the photosensitive exposure range (through the midtone shift M) of the photosensitive array under consideration, and, as such, produces a photosensitivity (film speed) that is determined solely by the midtone exposure Hm.
S = Ho / Hsp = (qo K / M) / Hsp = qo K / M Hsp = qo K / Hm
Copyright 2008 Michael G. Prais, Ph.D.
For a readable but in-depth analysis of this concept along with many other concepts associated with photographic exposure, take a look at the book Photographic Exposure Calculations and Camera Operation. This book provides insight into the equations that govern exposure, exposure meters, photosensitive arrays (both solid-state and emulsion) and the Zone System as well as concepts associated with resolution, dynamic range, and depth of field.
The book is available through Amazon.com (ISBN 978-1-4392-0641-6) where you can Search Inside!™.
Check https://michaelprais.me under Photography for the table of contents, an extensive list of the topics and subtopics covered, the preface describing the purpose of the book, and a diagram central to the concepts in the book.
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