Light meters
GE Golden Crown PR-3 Exposure Meter User manual
User manual for GE Golden Crown PR-3 Exposure Meter. 33 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
33 pagesEnglish3.7 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Various brands
- Model / document
- GE Golden Crown PR-3 Exposure Meter
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 33
- File size
- 3.7 MB
- Category
- Light meters
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 2 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
BETTER PICTURES
WITH YOUR
towN ioLDEN
EXPOSUREMETERView original page 2Page 3 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
You will enjoy using your new G-E GOLDEN CROWN exposure meter,
for this meter can show you-in 5 seconds or less-the exact lens setting
for perfectly exposed pictures.
No other exposure meter can match the GOLDEN CROWN for ver-
satility, sensitivity, and ease of use. Such features as direct reading,
pointer-lock action, and lifetime accuracy, together with optional acces-
sories make it the finest that money can buy.
Read the following instructions carefully and learn how easy it is to
get exact lens settings with the GOLDEN CROWN. Regardless of the
kind of camera you own, you will find that you are completely equipped
to take pictures you will be proud to show.
\View original page 3Page 5 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
EXP-IND Window Outer T!ME_SEC Window
Ronge
Selector
Hondle
Button FR-SEC Window (for ro H I
(oir Lishr) (BrishtLight)
Film: Press the mask-release Time-Stills: Turn the outer Range: Select the range by
button and turn the outer dial dial (do not press mask-release setting the range-selector han-
until the exposure index for button) until the shutter time dle to LO. Then aim the meter
your fiIm appears in the EXP you have chosen appears in toward the scene and press
-IND window. The correct t h e T I M E - S E C w i n d o w . the pointer-lock button. If the
exposure-index for your film is Fractions of a second are black pointer goes off scale to the
given in the instruction sheet numerals, full seconds are gold right, move the range-selector
enclosed with the film. The on a black background. handle to HI*. For extreme
most frequently used films are Time-Movies: Set as for Stills sensitivity, in very dim light,
listed also on the last page. except read camera frames- use the accessory DYNA-
When taking pictures in dry- per-second (gold numerals on CELL. (See page 8.)
light, use the daylight index; red background) in FR-SEC *lf the some reflected-lightreoding
with artificial light, use the window. con be token on two ronges, the
tungsten index. meter is more directionol on the
higherronge.
4View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
\}
www.orphancameras.com
Poinler Lock Reqd Here*
www.orphancameras.com
'Iof-Stop: Release the pointer- Exposure Values: read Ex- Polaroid Land Cameras: For
Iock button when the pointer posure Values (red numerals cameras marked with the
comes to rest. Read the lens on the outer dial) turn the former Polaroid shutter num-
f/-number indicated by the outer dial until the index fit bers (1-8 or 1-9), turn the out-
pointer*. (If you want to use an appears in the TIME-SEC er dial until the letter P (di-
f-stop other than that indi- window. Then read the EV- rectly over 15 seconds) appears
cated, leaue the pointer locked n u m b e r i n d i c a t e d b y t h e in the TIME-SEC window.
and simply turn the outer dial pointer*. Read the shuttet number indi-
until the f-stop you want is (Exposure Values were for- cated on the EV-scale*.
opposite the pointer. Then re- merly designated as Light F or cameras of recent man-
set your camera to the new Values, abbreviated as I-,VS.) ufacture marked in Exposure
shutter time appearing in the Values follow the instructions
TIME SEC window.) at left.
*When the pointer is under either of the two white dots qt the left
end of the scole, follow the corresponding reqdout line to the diol
to obtoin the proper exposure setting.View original page 6Page 7 · Read text
r www.orphancameras.com
The numbers 1 to 20 on the outer dial of the GOLDEN CROWN
exposure meter represent Exposure Values which are for use with
cameras employing this systern of setting lens apertures and shut-
ter speeds. Each numeral denotes a definite camera exposure equiv-
alent to various combinations of lens openings and shutter times.
For example, an Exposure Value of L2 is equivalent to 1i30-sec. at
f11, 1/60 at f8, 71L25 atf5.6, etc. Provision is made in some cameras
for independently setting the shutter time and f-stop if desired.
Each number on the EV-scale represents twice as much exposure
as the next higher number.
Note: Exposure Values were known previously as Light Values
(LVS), but this term is being superseded because of confusion with
the use of the same term on some exposure meters to indicate light.
Polaroid Land Cameras of recent manufacture are marked in the
Exposure Value system.
Former Polaroid Land Camera shutter-numbers can also be read
directly on the Exposure Value scale when the meter is properly
preset. (See Detailed Operating Instructions on page 5.)
#ss{View original page 7Page 8 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
S H U T T E R T I M E A N D ' . S T O P D I A L
The dial of your GOLDEN CROWN
exposure meter is marked with Amer- 4.5
ican Standards Association preferred
shutter-time numbers and lens open- 4' 5'e g 1.sings. All unnumbered settings are indi-
cated on the dials by dots or triangles f-Stop Morkings
(the triangles representing the former
preferred shutter-time numbers which
are still prevalent on many cameras).
The numbers represented by these dots
and triangles are shown in the illus-
trations.
Fromes per Second (For Movies)
E X P O S U R E I N G R E A S E O R D E C R E A S E
:'
As you will see later in this book, there are certain unusual condi-
tions where your photographs can be improved by increasing or f-stopo. Increosing(Note: towerexposuref/-number)by onedecreasing the exposure from that indicated by the meter. ttre
guter dial of your GOLDEN CROWN is designed to assist you in
finding this exposure adjustment at a glance. The ..cogs" of the
outer dial are equally spaced, one full f-stop apart. The illustrations ' ffilat right show how to increase or decrease the exposure. (Note: The b . t I l t t 0 . 1 2 '
same general instructions apply when using Exposure Values.) b. Decreosing exposure by onb
f-stop (Note: Higher f/-number)View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
The DYNACELL is an accessory to your GOLDEN CROWN,
for obtaining greater sensitivity in dim light (when the pointer on
the meter does not move far enough to obtain a reading).
The exclusive design of the eveiready DYNACELL permits it
to be attached to the GOLDEN CROWN at all times. It folds flat
against the back of the meter for ease in carrying. In this position
2 ) O FoldinsDYNACELL
lo corrying posilion
Alloching (or removing) DYNACELLView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
it is automatically disconnected so that the meter can be used for
normal sensitivity. To increase the sensitivity, the DYNACELL
is simply raised into the operating position.
The GOLDEN CROWN with the DYNACELL is designed to
measure reflected light. If it is desired to measure incident light,
see the instructions included with the DYNACELL.
The illustrations below show how to attach and use the DyNA-
CELL. Additional details concerning its use are given on page 10.
Ronge-selecfor
hondle set
ot DC posiiion
a
Roising DYNACELTto operoting position Holdine GOTDEN CROWN wirh DYNACELL
(Moke sure il clicks into position.) for reflected-light meosurementView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
r : i . i *
When taking reflected-light readings with your GOLDBN
CROWN exposure meter with the DYNACELL connected, set
the range-selector handle to the DC position.
The meter should be aimed toward the subject. Always take
a close-up reading (3 to 4 inches from subject), except when
impractical to do so.View original page 11Page 15 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
Substitute Method
When the subject is inaccessible and a
close-up reading is desired, take the
reading on a substitute object of similar
characteristics and in similar light. If
the palm of the hand is used as a sub-
stitJte, hold the meter 3 to 4 inches
from the hand and take a reading.
Scanning the Brightness Range )
fn scenes having a wide range of light
and dark values, it is sometimes de-
sirable to use the average exposure,
particularly in black-and-white pho-
tography.
Tti.u readings on the lightest and
darkest objects in the scene, and choose
an f-stop or Exposure Value half way
between the extreme readings.
Your GOLDEN CROWN can also be
used to determine the brightness rangb
in terms of f-stops or Exposure Values.View original page 15Page 18 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
nz/azru/04r
G o p y i n g
In making copie's tlf docttment's or pho- exposure-index bv 5. Take readings
logrzrpl'rs in color or in black and white, with t,he card held at various points on
take a c:lose-u1t reztding tln a white c:ard t,he copy to check uniformitv of illu-
l-reltl itgainst t ltt' (:()[)v. I)ivide the film nrina titln.
L 7View original page 18Page 20 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
.4.
Key-light Method Hold the meter as close to the sub-
In some cases it is desirable to measure ject as possible, or in a pl-ace where
incident light by pointing the meter illumin.iiott is the same- Aim toward
with the incident-light attachment in the key light source and increase the
place toward the "key" or main light indicated exposure by using the next
source instead of toward the camera. lower f/-nurnber or the next lower EV-
number.
19View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
Lighting-Gontrast Method )
It is frequently desirable to ad-
just the lighting-contrast, that is,
the ratio of "key" light to fill-in
light. A ratio of between 2:L
and 4:L is usually used. Your
GOLDEN CROWN can be used
to measure the ratio as follows:
1. With the incident-light at-
tachment in position, hold the
meter near the subject (the fore-
head in portraiture) and take a
reading with the meter aimed at
the fill-in light.
2. Rotate the outer dial to set
Exposure Value 1 opposite the
pointer.
3. Aim the meter directly at
the key light and take a reading
as before but do not move the
outer dial. The corresponding numericql rotios qre:
4. Provided the key light is stronger than the fill-in
light, as it should be, the number opposite the new Number on Numericol
pointer position can be used to determine the lighting Exposure Volue Lighting
ratio from the Table at right. Scole Rotio
20View original page 21Page 23 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
The three maior lactors which control exposure are:
=toosure Index G
Photographic film is manufactured in many types. The main
difference between them affecting your exposure meter is sensitiv-
ity to light. The sensitivity rating of the film must be set on your
meter before taking a measurement.
The American Standards Association has assigned numbers for
rating films according to their sensitivity to light. These numbers
s.E}lf]ffi*{;ffi;: ::Ii:Ii:t1:Ii:u:lu:ilt:i:l:i1lt:iul are called exposure-index numbers, which, numerically, are higher
for the more sensitive fiIms and lower for the less sensitive.
^4.
El\ g f-Stop
The amount of light that is allowed to reach the film is controlled
by the relative size of the camera lens opening. The relative lens
opening, in most cameras, is adjustable and is set according to a
numbering system. These settings (relative openings) are called
f-stops and are marked on your exposure meter and camera. f-stops
are numerically higher for small relative openings and lower for
larger relative openings; for example, f 12 admits 4 times as much
light as f 14, and f/4 admits 4 times as much light as f/8.
Thus, the amount of light which reaches the film is controlled by
setting the f-stop on your camera. And since the f-stop system deals
wit}n relatiue openings, different sized lenses admit the same relative
amount of light when set at the same f-stop.
22
eil&*-View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
=,"ffidex,ffi
-'
(n Time (shutter speed)
The length of time the film is exposedto light is controlled by the
Iength of time the camera shutter stays open. This is called shutter
and is usually expressed in seconds and fractions of a second;
for"p""dexample 1/30 second, 1-lI25 second, etc.
It should be remembered, especially when using speeds in the
average range, that more pictures are spoiled by camera move-
ment than in any other way, and it is recommended that speeds at
1/60 second or higher be used for hand-held exposure- r/3OsEc. rfi25
, rttrle
Exposure Setting
The pointer-lock of your GOLDEN CROWN remembers the light
reading. The pointer indicates the correct lens f-stop for the Time
and FiIm Exposure index you have preset. You can dial any other
combination without having to take a new light reading. You may
want a higher shutter time to "fteeze" action, or a smaller lens
opening- to increase depth of field.
and the nearest between is the distance field of The depth* sharp objects will appear acceptably which all points in farthest
in the pliotograph. The smaller the lens opening, the greater will ffiftHfifi be the depth of field.
*
&View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
Exposure Hlnls
For most scenes in color and black-and-white photography, your
GOLDEN CROWN exposure meter wilt give the preferred expo-
sure when aimed directly at the scene from the camera position.
For certain unusual conditions, however, results can be im-
proved by either increasing or decreasing the exposure from that
indicated by the meter, depending upon the nature of the scene.
Exposure for color film transparencies differs from that for
ordinary negatives in that increased exposure makes the image
lighter on the projection screen. This is often desirable to brighten
the mood of a picture or to portray more naturally a light subject.
Color can be controlled slightly by exposure. Less exposure
increases color saturation, while more exposure reduces saturation
and the colors tend toward pastel shades.
Exceptionally bright scenes usually reflect proportionately more
light and influence the exposure meter to indicate slightly less
exposure than is actually desired.
The following are hints to assist you in obtaining preferred ex-
posures for several scenes and lighting conditions.
24View original page 25Page 27 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
film, lamp, and shutter time, find the for color photography rncrease the indi-
guide number on the photoflash lamp cated exposure by using the next lower
carton. Aim the meter at the scene and f/-number or the next lower EV-num-
determine the f-stop. Then divide the ber. Pictures taken on color film from
photoflash guide number by this'f/- high altitudes are improved by use of a number to get lamp distance from warm-colored filter to reduce the blue 1
subject. haze.
If the distance found is too great for
convenience, cover the flash reflector Other Special Uses
with a handkerchief and advance the
lamp 14 of the way to the subject. Projection-Screen Brightness
Television To obtain the best possible projected
image, your screen should reflelt 5 to t+
U_se a tripod for the camera and adjust footlamberts (with no slide in the pro-
the TV image for best brightness Lnd jector). Measure screen brightness by
contrast. Focus on the lines across the holding the meter light-cell against thL
screen, rather than the image itself. center of the illuminated screen and
I Set the shutter for 1/30 second. Dim then drawing the meter (set for LO
the room lights. Hold the meter abour range) away from the screen until the
rf screen diameter from the set and maximum reading is obtained. Convert
obtain an average exposure reading. the scale reading to footlamberts. See
Scale Equivalents on page 28. Move
Aerial Pictures the projector towards or away from the i
screen as required to adjust the bright-
Aim the meter toward the ground and ness.
26View original page 27Page 28 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
Scale EquivalentsI
When using the incident-light attachment, the GOLDEN CROWN
exposure meter measures the quantity of illumination falling on an
object or scene. This can be expressed in footcandles by use of the
tables given on the following page.
Anytbject or scene absorbi some of the light which falls on it,
and reflects the remainder. The percent that is reflected is called
the reflectance of the object. Reflected light may be expressed as
the brightness in footlamberts, which is equal to the illumination
in footcandles multiplied by the reflectance. The GOLDEN
CROWN is calibrated for average scene reflectance of 18 percent.
For special purposes it may be desired to measure incident
illumination (in footcandles) and brightness (in candles per sq ft
or footlamberts). To do this, rotate the outer dial until the Ex-
posure Value numeral 1 appears exactly opposite the lower read-
out line in the window, as shown in the illustration. In this posi:
tion, the scale numerals correspond to the photometric equivalents
in the following tables.
)IView original page 28Page 30 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
Gallbratlon Data
The exposure required to photograph an average subject is given
by the formulas-
T :Exposure time in seconds
A :Relative aperture, or f/-number of lens
S :Film exposur€ index
B :Scene brightness, reflected light, in candles per square foot
I : Incident light in footcandles
K:1.0; ASA calibration constant, reflected light '
C :15; ASA calibration constant, incident light
Acceptance
Specific acceptance angles of the meter are:
+ 30o
+ L 7 " .#;"( *rm'",1,:,"( l*i"t*+-,ii?i |
29
r$4ii-1,:r6,f.i ,*it' ,",,..d,,ir*et,View original page 30Page 31 · Read text
www.orphancameras.com
HO\^' TO GARE FOR YOUR GOLDEN GROWN EXPOSURE METER
Your GOLDEN CRowN exposure meter is a precision instrument. rt
should receive the same careful handling aird treatment that are given to
an expensive camera or any fine precision instrument.
Your meter has been assembled with watchmaker's skill and should
not, under any cit'cumstances, be tampered with or taken apart. It
should not be subjected to prolonged heat or moisture.
Although your GOLDEN cRowN meter witl withstand norrnal
shock and handling, be particularly careful not to drop or bang it. A neck
cord is provided with each meter. Your meter may be conveniently
carried in the G-E leather case.
Zero-set If your meter receives normal use and care, no
Adlustment special adjustments will be required. Periodically,
however, the zero position may be checked as fol-
lows: Mask the light-cell window thoroughly.
(Never use gummed paper or tape on the window.)
Press the pointer-lock button. The pointer should
be as shown at right.
Correct any deviation by turning the zero-set
adjustment (large screw in back-center of meter).
i " .
Service If your GOLDEN CROWN exposure meter requires servicing, place it
in a well-padded box and return it to the nearest:'Authorized G-p Expo-
sure Meter Repair Center."View original page 31From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.