0 - Solid black - no detail
I - Nearly black, just recognizably different from 0
II - First hint of texture - still no recognizable detail
III - Textured shadow - first zone to show some detail
IV - Tonal value of shadowed Caucasian skin, foliage and buildings
V - Mid-grey ie 18% greycard, pivot value, light foliage, bronzed skin
The Zone System, developed by Ansel Adams and others, is the ultimate decision making device as far as controlling exposure is concerned. As its cornerstone, the Zone System refines the normal definition of contrast range in f-stops. Ranging from black to white, it assigns all possible gradations of tone to 10 zones, each of which differs from its neighbour by one stop. Through the use of this scale, you can decide into which zones the tones of your subject fit and immediately appreciate its contrast range.
Each zone has a special significance, which can be used to help decide what particular image tone each part of a shot should possess. For instance, Zone V is by its position mid-scale (middle grey) - it is the tone to which all averaging light meters convert their measurements. Zone VI, one f-stop lighter, is the normal photographic tone for fair skin. Zone VIII is the lightest zone in which ANY detail can be seen. Conversely, Zone II is the darkest tone in which detail is visible, while Zone III is the usual tone for shadows containing significant recognizable detail.
VI - Caucasian skin, textured light grey, shadow on snow
VII - Pale skin, bright areas with texture such as snow in low sunlight
VIII - Highest zone with ANY texture
VIIII - Pure untextured white
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