How do I figure multiple exposures?

[paulfish4570]

I want to use my Yashica A to make a multi-exposure shot, at least three and maybe four exposures to a frame. How do I figure the exposure?
Color or black and white best?

[Keith]

I do a lot of multiple exposures Paul and to be honest I have no real formula ... I just wing it. I've done doubles, triples and up to five using a black backdrop.

This is one of the first ones I ever did .. it was shot against a dark background and both exposures were as per normal for the available light.




This was my first triple ... I think I increased exposure slightly as I moved away from the main light source which was a window to the left.



All crazy stuff of course but great fun to experiment and push your own boundaries ... my advice, just wing it and see how you go ... and learn from the mistakes.

[Tin]

Originally Posted by Double Negative

Take your normal exposure reading and "divide it" by the number of shots.

For example, the meter reads 1/30 at f/8. You plan to take two shots. Take each shot at either 1/15-f/8 or 1/30-f/11. .

I think you meant "1/60-F8 or 1/30-f/11" Correct?

Tin

[paulfish4570]

Thanks, guys. I'll be winging it ...

[pufy]

For 2 exposures underexpose each one with one stop, 4 exposures means 2 stops and 8 exposures 3 stops underesposure. Guaranteed to work. Also, simple dark backgrounds work best.

[paulfish4570]

That is what I figured, pufy, on the one shot I made this morning. Thank you very much for the reinforcement ...

[ElectroWNED]

the shots that I have posted in my gallery were done with an Olympus XA. It couldn't be easier: double the ISO rating of the film you're shooting. Triple exposures? 200 --> 800; 100-->400, etc...

I shoot the roll of film then rewind it, reload it and shoot again. Totally random results.

[paulfish4570]

Har! Thanks.
Waiting for a friend to develop the roll ...

[CNNY]

Originally Posted by pufy

For 2 exposures underexpose each one with one stop, 4 exposures means 2 stops and 8 exposures 3 stops underesposure. Guaranteed to work. Also, simple dark backgrounds work best.

This is generally true where image elements are being overlaid onto one another. In Keiths second shot where the main subject(s) is against a black background, you can expose that subject with the full meter setting, since the background isn't adding anything to the overall exposure.

[photony texas]

Pretty much all I shoot is multiple exposures, take a look at my gallery.
If you try to use a lot of rules and formulas game plans etc. you will miss out on the best part of what multiple exposed imagery can give you, its magical-ness. The random uncontrolled, un-conceived mixing of imagery/light is what gives the multiple exposure its uniqueness. I suggest the "go by feel method" using the standard practices you normally would use remembering with each pop the exposure values are adding up. Be open to experimenting and you will hit on something that will fall into place and surprise you. I tell my friends that if you want the best of what Multiple Exposure can be don't calculate your every move with exact precision. If "Precision/Exactness/Documentation" is what your looking for shoot Landscapes...