Setting f Stops

[crotograph]

I have been reading a number of posts which mentioned the fine setting of f stop for studio and other types of shoots. I know how critical it is to competently set ones f stop. One post mentioned that, for studio work, the photographer stopped up/down 1/10th of an f stop. I also know that this is a consideration in filter factors, film latitudes etc. The question I have is: How does one set such fine adjustments using the f ring of a manual film camera? Is it closest proximity to a guess? Or, is there a method of setting an adjustment as fine as 1/10th of an f stop or less or more? Setting 1/2 or 1/3 stop is obvious. Getting as precise as 1/10th is a mystery to me. Remember, I am speaking of film cameras where the computer is between my ears.

[another view]

Is it closest proximity to a guess?

That would be it. Some cameras (Bronica PS series lenses for SQ, at least) have indents so you can set them at 1/2 stops but that's all I know of. If you're shooting neg, just open up to the next whole f-stop, since that's much better than underexposing. It's a case-by-case basis with transparency film, depending on the results you want. Probably use whichever is closer - truthfully there isn't that much difference in 1/3 stop with even Velvia, that one or the other couldn't be used at least in my experience.

Digital cameras record EXIF data, so you can go into Photoshop and find out to the tenth of an f-stop what aperture was used. You can also find out exactly what the focal length (and useless trivia like my 85mm prime is really 84mm) and other neat stuff. It is very handy, but I've never needed that kind of accuracy. I'm guessing that you're seeing this level of accuracy only because of this.

[crotograph]

I think, now that you mention Photoshop, that this is what the poster made reference to as he said he did a lot of digital. Not to well versed in photoshop so wasn't aware. I just could not imagine any methodology that could allow one to fine tune the f stop to that degree on a manual lens. Thought I may have missed something in the last 45 years. So, thought I'd better ask. Thanks for the answer.

[JSPhoto]

Glad to know I'm not the only "late starter" around here! I have gone a long way in the last five and a half years!

JS