Light Meters... Old
Discussion
Hi PH photographers,
Just wondering about getting a light meter, i don't really want to get an expensive one as i rarely do much photography, just got a recent camera, Pentacon Six TL. Mine ( http://i54.tinypic.com/9uc3yo.jpg ) You can get a light meter prism for these cameras but they are about £200 and i quite like the waist level view finder. Most light meters cost from anywhere from 100-500 pounds from a quick look. There are few on ebay, cheap ones. The term "vintage" is a fitting word for the ones that are on there.
Just wondering has anyone got an old light meter and how well they work, ie make and model. Would be very useful for some information, or if anyone has one for sale
Just wondering about getting a light meter, i don't really want to get an expensive one as i rarely do much photography, just got a recent camera, Pentacon Six TL. Mine ( http://i54.tinypic.com/9uc3yo.jpg ) You can get a light meter prism for these cameras but they are about £200 and i quite like the waist level view finder. Most light meters cost from anywhere from 100-500 pounds from a quick look. There are few on ebay, cheap ones. The term "vintage" is a fitting word for the ones that are on there.
Just wondering has anyone got an old light meter and how well they work, ie make and model. Would be very useful for some information, or if anyone has one for sale
I spent my yoof using a Weston... they are very fine (and some real bargains here) http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_from=R40&_trksi...
ETA /\ snap!
ETA /\ snap!
Edited by GetCarter on Monday 11th July 20:27
will let you know how i get on.As a Pro Photographer I use a Sekonic L-358, well actually I have a couple of them, one in my camera bag and one with my Elinchrom Ranger kit.
I would Highly recommend the Sekonic L-358 because it is very flexible. I also have the Wireless Transmitter for use with Pocket Wizards and also have the Spot Meter Attachment which is very good when doing landscapes.
The key feature that made the Sekonic L-358 my chosen meter is:
• It can evaluate multiple light readings and give you the full exposure range in a single reading when using the memory function.
• It has both Daylight and Flash facilities.
• When using flash out side it will give you the ration of flash/daylight as a %, which makes it very easy to get my exposures spot on when using studio lighting outside. (Note I have found that a number of other meters won't give flash and daylight balance readings).
• Cost, I found this hand meter relatively cheap for its functionality.
• Good Battery life with the Lithium Battery
I would suggest that you seriously consider it as a light meter because it will help you develop your photography and you will not need to upgrade at a later point once you start pushing you current abilities.
On the Sekonic website there is a lot of helpful information and instructional videos on their different products and how to get the best out of your light meter. http://www.sekonic.com/
Brochure Here: http://www.sekonic.com/Portals/0/Sekonic_Brochure_...
I would say the basic meter will cost you about £ 220.00 and if you use pocket wizard wireless triggers there flash meter wireless trigger will cost about £ 90 extra. It is really worth the extra if you use studio flash or a number of pocket flashes on location. Make sure that if you do order the wireless trigger for triggering Pocket Wizards you get the the correct trigger, because if I understand it correctly UK/Europe trigger is on a different frequency to the USA.
There is also some good videos on YouTube if you put a search in under 'Sekonic L-358'
I hope that helps
I would Highly recommend the Sekonic L-358 because it is very flexible. I also have the Wireless Transmitter for use with Pocket Wizards and also have the Spot Meter Attachment which is very good when doing landscapes.
The key feature that made the Sekonic L-358 my chosen meter is:
• It can evaluate multiple light readings and give you the full exposure range in a single reading when using the memory function.
• It has both Daylight and Flash facilities.
• When using flash out side it will give you the ration of flash/daylight as a %, which makes it very easy to get my exposures spot on when using studio lighting outside. (Note I have found that a number of other meters won't give flash and daylight balance readings).
• Cost, I found this hand meter relatively cheap for its functionality.
• Good Battery life with the Lithium Battery
I would suggest that you seriously consider it as a light meter because it will help you develop your photography and you will not need to upgrade at a later point once you start pushing you current abilities.
On the Sekonic website there is a lot of helpful information and instructional videos on their different products and how to get the best out of your light meter. http://www.sekonic.com/
Brochure Here: http://www.sekonic.com/Portals/0/Sekonic_Brochure_...
I would say the basic meter will cost you about £ 220.00 and if you use pocket wizard wireless triggers there flash meter wireless trigger will cost about £ 90 extra. It is really worth the extra if you use studio flash or a number of pocket flashes on location. Make sure that if you do order the wireless trigger for triggering Pocket Wizards you get the the correct trigger, because if I understand it correctly UK/Europe trigger is on a different frequency to the USA.
There is also some good videos on YouTube if you put a search in under 'Sekonic L-358'
I hope that helps
I forgot to add, regardless of what meter you end up buying I would seriously suggest that you look through the Sekonic website at all the training and instructional videos and information to work out exactly what can be done with a light meter and what function you need, along with what functions you might like might like to have for when your skills develop. Most people who think that they would like a light meter don't have a clue up front about what they really want to achieve when they first buy one and certainly under estimate what one can do for them.
This will help you look at what light meters not to by buy so that you have a tool that will last the lifetime of your photography. You will then be purchasing from a point of knowledge when selecting which meter you part with your cash for.
This will help you look at what light meters not to by buy so that you have a tool that will last the lifetime of your photography. You will then be purchasing from a point of knowledge when selecting which meter you part with your cash for.
For a classic camera, wouldn't you want a classic meter to go with it?
Nowt wrong with a L-358, Sekonic make great meters. But if you don't need flash, classic meters are just as capable.
Two choices are Western Master series and Sekonic studio deluxe L-398A (who's roots lie in the Norwood Director, used in the movie business for years). The main difference is the Western series primarily take reflected readings where you have to clip on an accessory to take incident readings. The Studio Deluxe is primarily an incident meter where you have to change accessory to take reflected readings. They both have pros and cons, but you really can't go wrong with either.
Another period meter is the Gossen Sixtar. In some way more convenient as you can just slide the dome for incident readings back and forth, so in practice, much quicker.
I have a Master 5 and have used them for a long time, very reliable. The 4 is most probably the better choice with clearer dials. I also have a Studio Deluxe which is also a great meter. I love the design.
Although these old meters won't measure so well in the dark, or do spot metering, or flash, they are great meters and their selenium cells never need a battery, they literally can last a lifetime. In terms of accuracy, my Studio Deluxe (along with one I just bought as a present for my god daughter just starting a degree course in photography) is spot on, accurately matching my Sekonic L-758DR.
If you do need a flash meter, the Sekonic 308s is good value. I have an older version, which remains reliable and accurate.
HTH
Nowt wrong with a L-358, Sekonic make great meters. But if you don't need flash, classic meters are just as capable.
Two choices are Western Master series and Sekonic studio deluxe L-398A (who's roots lie in the Norwood Director, used in the movie business for years). The main difference is the Western series primarily take reflected readings where you have to clip on an accessory to take incident readings. The Studio Deluxe is primarily an incident meter where you have to change accessory to take reflected readings. They both have pros and cons, but you really can't go wrong with either.
Another period meter is the Gossen Sixtar. In some way more convenient as you can just slide the dome for incident readings back and forth, so in practice, much quicker.
I have a Master 5 and have used them for a long time, very reliable. The 4 is most probably the better choice with clearer dials. I also have a Studio Deluxe which is also a great meter. I love the design.
Although these old meters won't measure so well in the dark, or do spot metering, or flash, they are great meters and their selenium cells never need a battery, they literally can last a lifetime. In terms of accuracy, my Studio Deluxe (along with one I just bought as a present for my god daughter just starting a degree course in photography) is spot on, accurately matching my Sekonic L-758DR.
If you do need a flash meter, the Sekonic 308s is good value. I have an older version, which remains reliable and accurate.
HTH
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