Color Meters

In film photography it is always important to match the color sensitivity of the film to the color temperature of the light source. If you are photographing indoors with incandescent lamps you should use tungsten film as the yellow light of the tungsten lighting will appear as pure white in developed photographs or slides. The light spectrum is scientifically described in terms of color temperature which is measured in a system called degrees Kelvin (° K).

Photographers use three standard light color temperatures. One is called daylight which represents natural outdoor light. The other two are incandescent or artificial light. The color temperature standards are: 5500° K (daylight), 3200° K (tungsten studio lamps) and 3400° K (photo lamps or photofloods).

Color film records changes in light. Meters make it easier to maintain consistent color under assorted types of light. Meters can measure the color of the light on the subject and determine the filtration needed to correct that illumination for the type of film you're using.

You can use filters such as blue to increase the color temperature of the light and amber to decrease it. Most modern film is less sensitive to color temperature changes and can produce proper color photos. Color meters usually cost a few hundred dollars.