How do *you* use LF exposure records?

Up to now, I've been pretty relaxed when taking negatives with my 4x5. Basically I just note down the range of zones, and how I should process the negative (+/- development).

I've decided that I should be a bit more diligent, and keep as much info as I can. In 'The Negative' there's an exposure record; I've also found various other ones on the net. The forms themselves are pretty straight forward, but I'm a bit confused as to what I should put in the zone 'boxes' on the form.

My guess is this:

1. Meter the important shadow area, and place that on whatever zone you want (say III). Mark down the meter reading in the box. 2. Meter the important high values, and then decide which zone you want those to be placed in. Fill in that box on the chart.

Then, if the difference between the boxes doesn't equal the actual number of stops difference in the scene, then you've got a +/- situation.

Is this right, or am I way off in left field?

Thanks very much!

-klm.

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