Aperture Priority Mode: The Secret to Using Manual Lenses

This tip applies to almost every camera, but I'm using my Canon 6D as an example.

Instead of sticking to the conventional wisdom of using manual lenses in manual mode or shutter priority mode, try switching to aperture priority mode (marked as 'A' or 'Av' on your camera).

In aperture priority mode, you choose the aperture, and the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and ISO to achieve the correct exposure. This approach is particularly useful with vintage lenses, ensuring accurate exposures without manual adjustments. Most modern cameras handle this very well, providing correct exposure about 99% of the time.

For added creative control, you can use exposure compensation to fine-tune your exposure, allowing you to overexpose or underexpose your shot as desired. This method combines the flexibility of manual control with the convenience of automatic settings.

00:00 - Introduction to a quick tip for using manual or vintage lenses
00:04 - Conventional advice: use manual or shutter priority mode
00:30 - Alternative: use aperture priority mode
00:35 - Explanation of aperture priority mode
00:53 - Benefits for vintage lenses
01:02 - Accuracy of modern cameras
01:11 - Fine-tuning with exposure compensation