Straight analytic determination of the heat exchange by radiation in a device is possible only if the emitting and absorbing surfaces are very simple in shape and configuration. In most practical cases, and particularly if the radiation is partly absorbed on its way by gases, approximative calculations and graphical methods have been used in order to evade the mathematical difficulties. In the present paper an experimental model method with the following characteristic features is described. A model, similar to the device under investigation, is constructed. Light is used instead of the long wave heat radiation, and its absorption by photographic films which cover the surfaces of the model, is measured by the methods of photometry. The case of gases which absorb heat radiation is imitated by using liquids which absorb light rays. The application of the method to radiation through a non-absorbing medium is shown by experiments on a tube bank model. The adaption of the method to heat radiation through absorbing gases is demonstrated by photos of the spectrum of a special combination of light filter, absorbing liquid, and photographic film which are in tune in a narrow wave-length range.