On film-based cameras from the 90’s, there was no indication of how your picture would turn out with your given settings in manual mode. So how were these settings determined manually without the convenience of LCD preview screens that we have on modern digital cameras?
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There were still light meters that determined the correct combination of film speed, aperture, and shutter speed to get a 50% gray average exposure. Experience was then needed to apply an offset to compensate for what you actually wanted the photo to look like. Bright snow, etc needed to stop down (more exposure) to look bright, or an asphalt lot needed less to look right. Each shot was an investment in time, film, and thought. It gave a chance for better composition, too.
Before that, it was pure skill/experience.
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