Gossen PROFISIX User manual

Scale                1   Spherical diffuser (for incident light     17 Exposure Time
             measurement)                  1B Aperture Scale (f-stoPs)
           2   lndicator scale                 19 Cine Scale (frames Per second)
          3  Zero scale adjustment line          20 Ribbed film sPeed setting disk
          4   lndicator needle               21 Index for DIN/ASA setting
          5  Rotation direction indicators         22 Exposure Value (EV) scale
          6  Measuring button (red)            23 Setting ring for modified settings
                                                                                   for setting indicator            7* Red triangles              A,       24 Computer ring
            8* Red arrow for flash readings/t                 needle
                                                        White selector index for measurement            I  Button for battery test (green)        25                                                               duration          10  White index line for extension factor
               setting                                    26  Square setting mark for single
     11 Extension factors                          measurement with storage
     12 Eyelet for neckstrap                        27  Round setting mark for extended
     13 EV (Exposure Value) modification             measurement cycle                                                        28  Zero scale adjustment screw             scale (* and                           -)     14 Reading dot for cinematographers          29  Lux and Footcandle scale equivalents
                   (l/so sec)                                  30   Battery chamber
                                                                31  measuring aperture      15 White index line for EV modification
               setting                                     32   Outlets for connection
      16 Sliding black cover for red signal                of accessories
                                33 Protective cover for
                                                         accessory outlets
                                34 Division for zone system
            *)          used only for measurements with PROFI-flash attachment (page 35)
--lr-

The PROFI SYSTEM


The PROFISIX is a top quality hand-held exposure meter, precise and reliable, with
all the advantages of such an instrument.

The PROFISIX is a System Exposure Meter which, by means of various attachments,
becomes a specialized meter for the most diverse applications of photography.
The PROFISIX is the heart of the PROFI SYSTEM. Through many years of practical
experience and the most modern electronic technology the idea of a System Exposure
Meter has ripened to a concept that offers greater measuring capabilities with
still easier operation.

The PROFISIX is a GOSSEN exposure meter for the demanding professional photo-
grapher; yet it permits even the advanced amateur to devise his individualized own
system by utilizing its modular accessories.





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The silicon photo diode (silicon blue cell) of the PROFISIX achieves an instantmeasuring response even at extremely low light levels. lts superior filtration
 results in a spectral sensitivity of outstanding character (page 2T).
The accessories complement the PROFISIX for readings with smaller measuring
angles, for spot-, flash-, and color temperature measurements, for use in the darkroom
and in photomicrography, for footcandle measurements as well as densitometric
readings. When accessories are attached to the PROFISIX, its electronic circuitry is
automatically modified so that you can take scale readings without applying
correction factors
Please acquaint yourself with this fine instrument by reading this instruction booklet;
 it gives many valuable suggestions to assure you of getting consistently good results.

Before you start measuring


                       Set the Film Speed
                      Turn the film speed setting disk (20) by its ribs until the
                    DIN/ASA index number of your film is lined up with the
                        white triangle (21) above the DIN/ASA scale window. You
                            will find a detailed DIN/ASA table on page 20-
                   Make su re the black cover (16) conceals the red signal  ;
                         the white index line (15) mus be at the red "0t!, and the                                                                     3'1"                        opposite white index line (1O) at      (Standard'Setting):
                  You can rotate the inner setting ring (23) by its raised
                         cleats or by the black cover (16) to adjust the setting
                         (see page 9).


                       Test Zero Position
                      With the (switched off) meter in horizontal position, the
                           indicator needle (4) should cover the short green line (3)
                        as you look straight down. lf necessary, adjust the indicator
                       needle to the zero line by turning the zero adjustment
                   screw (28) no the underside of the PROFISIX. The

Measurement
                                                                                   are                                                      measurement                                                               light                                      reflected                                       or incident                   measuring                 ofThe    two methods                                                                     -                              -                                                                                                                         is                                                          the PROFISIX                                                                      like                                                meter                                    held exposure                            hand                 15                       to'17.-A        on pagesieJ"riO"O
perti"uf"ity *eit iuiteO to the alternate application of either measuring method.
As the basic component of the PROFI-SYSTEM, furthermore, the PROFISIX provides
tirl iapability of programming for Extension Factors and .Exposure Compensation
F"ctori to live you- direct iead-outs without further calculations on your part(see page 8).     'nolt"t'half-minute                                         PROFISIX can be overridden forin"                   measuring cycle of theeiienOeO measuring times with th; red measuring button (6) (see page 8)'
Standard Setting
Measuring with the Standard Setting means that the red signal field is concealed
by the black cover (16) and the white selector index (25) on the measuring button (6)
 is set at the square setting mark (26).

After the spherical diffuser (1) has been set for the desired measuring method,
depress the measuring button (6). The PROFISIX measures as long as this button is held down. When you release the button (6), the value measured at that moment will be automatically stored in the electronic memory of your PROFISIX
 for half a minute.
You then rotate the computer ring (24) until the indicator needle (4) points exacily
ql the "0" (3) on the indicator scale (2). The direction signals (5) idll'you in which
direction the computer ring (24) must be rotated.
After you have set the needle at "0", your PROFISIX gives you complete exposure
information in combinations of f-stops and exposure tim-es (17 and 18), or (for motionpicture                 . ca_meras) f-stops for a specific operating speed in frames pbr second(18 and 19) (see also page 13).
At the end of the storage cycle the PROFISIX switches itself off automaticaily and
the indicator needle (4) returns to the green zero line (3). Your measured reading
remains set on the scales as long as you do not move the computer ring (24).
lf you want to make a new measurement before the one-minute cycle is ended,
simply depress the red measuring button (6); tnis clears the elecironic memory
and the new measurement is stored when you release the measuring button.

Extended ileasurement
You can override the electronic storage to make measurements which require more
measuring time (for example: extensive contrast measurements)._ For extendedmeasuring, depress the red measuring button (6) and lock it in place by turning
 it so thaf the white selector index (25) is set at the round setting mark (27). Your
PROFISIX now indicates the consecutive values of various measurements without
storage, and the meter does not switch otf automatically.  Naturally, this also puts
a heavier load on the battery.
To end the extensive measuring mode, depress the measuring button (6) and turn it
to the left so that its white index (25) is set at the square setting mark (26) again.
The value measured at the moment of releasing the button will be stored for
approximately half a minute,.after which the PROFISIX switches itself off.
Please don't forget -  after completing extensivemeasurement to turn the white index of the
measuring button to the square setting mark (26)
so that the PROFISIX switches itself off after a.
minute.

Modification of Standard Exposure            Specif ic mod  if ication of the standard
                                            exposu re may be desirable or neces-
                                          sary tor a number of different reasons,
                                                  e.g. when using filters (filter factors or
                                           f-stop factors may be given), when
                                       using cameras with bellow extension,
                                     using extension rings, working -with
                                  Macro lenses, or to compensate for
                                             reciprocity failure (see page 28) or
                                   when using the zone system (page 24).
                                      You'rcan set the applicable exposure
                                   value differences accurately on the
                                           outer scales (11) and (13): While hold-
                                        ing the computer ring (24) rotate the
                                             inner setting ring (23) until one of the
                                  two white index lines (10) or (15) is
                                          set to the desired value. With such a
                                             setting'the red signal under the cover
                                             (16) becomes visible to indicate, ot a
                                        glance, that an extension factor or
                                      exposure value modification has been
                                          set on the scales.

Exposure Value  Modlfication
You can set an exposure value modification with the white index line (15) on thegreen scale (13).
Example: lf the  filter is marked "-2EV" you set the white index line (1S) of the
             g reen scafe (13) to "-2". This factor will now be considered auiomatio-
              allY.





                                                                                         11

Extreme Film Sensitivities
When using exceptionallY  "fast"
or "slow" films, the comPuter  ffi?Y,
in extreme cases, show scale
position as illustrated here. In
these cases, exposure times are
shown opposite small and large
 f-stops
Here only the exposure times
indicated in the upper half of
the computer ring apply.





 14

Light MeasurementReflected Light Measurement - lncident


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Reflected Llght ltleasurement. Move the Incldent Light Measurement Move thespherical diffuser (1) all the way to the spherical diffuser (1) so that it clicksright until it clicks into place. Point the into place centered over the roundPROFISIX toward the subject, as in- window. Point the PROFISIX from the
dicated by the arrow in the illustration. subject toward the camera, as indicated
The measuring angle is 30o.         by the arrow in the illustration. The

ln reflected light measurement (from camera toward subject), the PROFISIX measures
ine lignt refleited by objects wintin a 30o angle (see also page.18 "lMeasuring  circle
otlnJpRoFlslx,,l. fne iesultant reading dep-ends on the intensity of the illumination
and on the reflecting properties of the scene. Thus, under identical illumination, the
indicator needte wiii be deflected less by dark objects than by bright ones. The
PROFISIX adds the light and dark portions and indicates an average value' There-
fore, if either dark or-light areas predominate, better results will be obtained with
the method of incident light measurement (page 17)'
The small 30o measuring angle permits carefully aimed measurements. You canisample" various parts df the sc6ne to determine how contrasty or balanced the
subjectsubject isis inin itsits overalloverall brightness.brightness. ForFor gray card  measurements, too, the small
medsuring angle is advantageous. To make such a measurement, place the graY
card in the area of greatest importance in a scene.
                                                                                10       theyou can reduce {h" 1nuurrring angle of the PRQFISIX to 10o,50 or
PROFI-spot, to 150 or7.5o with the TELE (see pages 19 and 41)'





16

You can estimate the size of the measuring angle by comparison with the view- finde^r_ or groundglass image. The illustrat-ions show the relation for the sizes24x36 mm and for 6x6 cm as well as 4.5x6 cm, with lenses of various focal
 lengths, when reflected light measurements are made from the cjrera position.
The measuring circle of the PROFISIX corresponds to the generally accepted 3Oo
 measuring angle. You can reduce this already small angle with ine eiOft-spot
 attachment even further to 10o,50 or 1o (page 41) or the TELE-attachment to 150 or7,5o and, incidentally, adapt it to the aigles of your tele lenses. For the size24 x 36 mm, the three measuring angles of too, 55 and 1o oi tfre pnOft-lp-ot,ioi
example, correspond to focal lengths of 150 mm,3O0 mm and more than j000 mm.
These small measuring angles also enable you to make spot readings; by measuring
the lightest and darkest portions of the suOlect you can determinJ conirast range.
In- close-up measurements the pRoFlstX concentrates on the most important partsof a scene. The smaller angles make such measurements more  convenient andmore precise.





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Optimal Exposure
 Normally, opimal exposure requires that the brightest portions of a color transparency
 (c.olor slide) and the darkest portions of a c6lor- or black-and-white print,'shou16
 still show adequate detail. Personal taste, artistic creativity and other-c6nsiderations
 may, of course, change such basic rules. However, the foliowing generul recommen- dations may be noted:
 In reversal color (transparency) film the lighter portions of a scene usually determine the exposure. Please keep this in mino and', preferable, use somewhat shorter rather than overexposure. colors will be more brilliant and saturated.
 For color- or black-and-white negative Films, however, the shadow portions must
 be given special consideration. [Jse longer rather than underexposure.
 Nlght Pictures
To preserve the night effect of darkness with little detail, you should actually use
 less exposure than the PROFISIX indicates so that the result does not look like a
 daylight scene. However, the "reprocity effect" often produces the same results
as shorter exposures, but there aie no definite rules adout it. To g"in experience, start out with night exposures indicated by your pRoFlslx.
 Ine reciprocity effect is fully explained on page 2g.
Snow
In a snow-covered landscape, a reflected  light measurement will almost alwaysindicate too short an exposure; because of flie snow's high reflectance, importantparts of the scene (people, houses, or trees in the foreground) would be under-exposed. Therefore, exposure modification of 1 to 11/z steps longer exposure isadvisable.


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It would be simpler to use the incident light measurement method because  it                                                                                 instance                                                                              for                                                 get                                                                  effects                               you                                                      special                                              to                                    want                                directly.                                                          lf                exposure indicates correct                                                                      -                                                                          r/z-1                                                                                    step                                                              reading                                                                    to                                                     the                                                  modify                                          in                                      the                                 snow                       shadows                     subtle           on thean                                                 -shorter".pn"tisexposure.
Your PROFISIX makes such modifications easy for you (page 11).                                     I
your PROFISIX enables you to measure any subject or scene accurately. Remember,
however, that extreme contrasts may exceed the contrast range of your film.              $
The Influence of "Tolerances"
The PROFISIX gives you exact exposure information. However, if your results are
 not perfectly sitisfying, remember that all sorts of tolerances may influence the
outcome of your photographs. For example
      the "true" sensitivity of your film may differ somewhat from the one indicated
     on the package;
     the "true" shutter speeds of your camera may differ somewhat from the
       values shown on the shutter speed dial;
      the "true" apertures of the lens may differ somewhat from those engraved
     on the f-stop scale of the lens;
      the film processing may not always be identical.
We have already mentioned the purely subjective considerations and matters of taste
which enter into any assessment of picture quality.


 22

But, you can adapt your PROFISIX to the characteristics of your camera, your favorite film, your type of processing, your projectorl
Here is how to do it: Use a reversal color (slide) film; select several "normal"
scenes; take careful reflected and incident light measurements. Then make two
series of 5 exposures of each of the selected scenes - one series based on thereflected light, the other on the incident light reading. In addition to an exposure
made at the exposure indicated by your PROFISIX, make one exposure each at
a full step and one-half step more and less exposure than indicated. Light conditions
during the test series should remain constant. Make complete notes of the readings
and any special conditions. Finally, when you have your finished transparencies,
select the ones which, in your judgement, are "perfect" and check them against
your notes on exposure. Should you find that you prefer transparencies made
with altered exposures, you can readily adapt your PROFISIX to the appropriate
setting by adjusting the ring (23) for the modified setting (see page 11).





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Lighting    Creativity        -Light creates photographs. While you can hardly influence lighting conditions
outdoors, you can achieve outstanding pictures indoors by your own creative use
of lighting. Remember, however, that film has only a limited contrast range. For
black-and-white film, the contrast ratio should not exceed 5 or 6 steps; for color
films, 3 steps at the most. Color films for TV transmission or exposures on sheet
film for reproduction in the graphic arts require even narrower limits -  preferablynot lore than 2 steps. Take an incident light measurement of the key light, and
then of the -  weaker -  general light. In this case you only have to watch theneedle deflection (4) on the scale (2).
 lf you want to achieve soft lighting with little or no contrast - as in high key subjects-  arrange your lights so that you get identical meter readings at different areasof the subject and background  (if any). All measurements should be taken in the
incident light mode.





24

Measuring Contrast
Scene brightness range
The PROFISIX is ideally suited for this type of measurement because of its null
meter design and a scale range over six  f /stops which are subdivided in 1/3 f-stops.
Contrasts can be measured quickly and without any problem at all. Without further
adjustment of the calculator you just watch the needle movement when taking
readings from highlight to shadow areas and read the variance of these areas
in f/stops on the scale. Furthermor,e the ratio of different brightnesses when com-
pared with each other or when compared with a chosen reference point will be
indicated directly. Also the contrasts in lighting being of particular importance for the
creative composition of the picture can easily be determined.

                                                       t 12|  1J 3      rlr              3, Z21I 0
                                     -'p"       *\'lM

Zone System
There are times when the lighting range cannot be brought within the acceptance
 limits of the film and paper contrast ranges. When these situations arise, the zone
system can be used. In doing so, detail can be recorded which would otherwise be
 lost. A complete discussion of this technique is far beyond this instruction booklet.
The PROFISIX is well suited for using the zone system because of its measuring
principle. For this purpose, the computer ring (24) ot the PROFISIX shows the figu-
res I to lX (34). Based on the important parts-of your subject lzone-V when the cerr
t+al diode is onf the range from high-light to shadows in thd scene are measured.
Their variance form the middle zone determines the amount of exposure correction
and processing modification that is needed.
Depending on the nature of the contrast range and also in case of extreme contrast
the standard exposure is not to be applied, but a modified,exposure must be used
according to the contrast range (sometimes 1 to 2 stops) in order to receive proper
exposure for the most important highlight and shadow parts. This may entail that
some detail in the less imoortant areas will be lost.

                                needle is on zero)    El       (zone V when the                                                         -



26

Spectral Sensitivity of the PROFISIX
The PROFISIX utilizes special filters in front of the light sensor to provide a relative
spectral sensitivity that closely matches the spectral sensitivity distribution of films,
for optimum compatibility.





                    relative'spectral sensibility of silicon blue cells
                 according to manufacturers' indications

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