How to Meter Without a Light Meter

Your camera's light meter can break. You should still be able to shoot.

The Sunny 16 rule is the foundation. On a sunny day, set your aperture to f16. Your shutter speed equals your ISO.

Cloudy day? Open up two stops. f8. Overcast? f5.6. Deep shade? f4.

Golden hour is f8. Sunset is f4. Snow or beach, which are bright, close down a stop.

Backlit subjects need a stop more light. Open up.

This is not exact. But it is close enough for negative film, which has latitude.

Practice guessing the light. You will get better with experience.

A broken meter does not stop a photographer. Neither should yours.