Help with WB and Grey

[WiggyboyChris]

Hey guys,

I recently purchased a little fold up, white balance on one side, and 18% grey on the other. I have no problem using the WB side but I'm a little unsure how EXACTLY I should use the flip (18% grey) side. Should I be using that side for exposure correct? But how should I use it in application? Should I WB first then flip it over and use it with my Light meter? Set it up by it's self or next to my subject? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

-Chris

[kenw]

In a nutshell, the white is for white balance, the grey is for exposure. You can use the grey for both if you choose. set it in the place where the subject will be so you read the light right there.

I'm not much of an expert on these, so I'm bumping this to get someone more adept to chime in.

[WiggyboyChris]

Thanks Ken, I got some really indepth responses on another forum, including that the gery side is not always a true 18% gray and thay you should check to make sure and also that camera sensors are calibrated to 12% gray so it may to necessary to make a compensation in your readings. I learned a bunch. Thank you again for being the only person to answer in my time of need :)

[JohnT]

So that Ken isn't the only responder, I'll post this link to a video and other info regarding WB cards. :-)

http://www.whibalhost.com/_Tutorials.../01/index.html

Warning: The music starts at page load.

[WiggyboyChris]

Thanks John I'll check it out.

[CaptainTom]

I think there weren't a bunch of responses because Ken's answer pretty much took care of it.
Try not to let it get too complicated. Unless you are needing to precise match a color for printing (and that can become a book in itself), using the custom white balance will give you superior results to using the presets.
Just remember to do a CWB for each lighting situation.

[WiggyboyChris]

Thanks Cap. I have another issue I hope I can get some help with but I think I'll do a new topic for it since this one is over I think:)