Spot meter recommendations

[Alan Gales]

Barry,

Be aware that there are several versions of the Pentax V meter. They are larger and bulkier than the digital meters.

They often need re-calibrating.

Older Pentax V's take batteries that are difficult to find.

I think those are actually pre Spot Meter V's (someone correct me if I'm wrong). They look like Spot Meter V's but are darker in color and you are correct about the batteries being hard to find.

I have even seen one of the original Pentax Spot Meters on Ebay. Someone wanted a big price for it. I heard that you can't get batteries for them any longer.

[hmf]

The Minolta Spotmeter F is small, takes easy to find batteries, and the display can be read outside the viewfinder. It would be my #1 choice.

[Scott Davis]

Another vote for the Minolta Spotmeter F. The M is almost as good (it doesn't do flash readings, but is otherwise comparable), but it requires a silver oxide battery and doesn't have a true on/off switch, which makes it more likely to run down the battery (which is expensive).

[Leigh]

I recommend the Sekonic L-558. It does incident, reflected, and 1° spot, with all the fancy multi-pop processing.

It has everything you need, for a reasonable price.
It was discontinued a few years ago when they brought out the horribly over-priced L-758.

The L-558 is readily available on the used market.

- Leigh

[stradibarrius]

I found a good deal on a SEKONIC L-778 DUAL SPOT F with a case so I hope I like it.

[ShannonG]

I like my Minolta spot meter F

[Jody_S]

I recommend the Minolta Spotmeter F, even though I currently use the Pentax V. The Pentax doesn't have filtering for IR wavelengths, and I'm shooting mostly IR 8x10 these days. I bought a 46mm -> step-up ring, and I mount my IR filter on the meter for more accurate readings (I use the built-in illuminator to read the meter's scale, but it's not a great solution). However, if you're shooting 'normal' film, this is not an advantage. A meter that filters out IR and UV will give you more accurate readouts. The Minolta will be better, especially if you're in a forest with lots of reflected IR light off of leaves and such.

[Bill Burk]

stradibarrius,

Saw the manual on Butkus' site, looks like it's a good meter. Hope it works out for you.

[Bob Sawin]

I think I am going for the Pentax V. There are several on ebay like you said.
Thanks

Not to mention you could use it to protect yourself if the need arose. It's built like a tank and would make quite a weapon...lol
Seriously, it's a fine meter.

[Roger Thoms]

I think I am going for the Pentax V. There are several on ebay like you said.
Thanks

I have a Gossen Ultra Spot II and a Pentax V, and have been favoring the Pentax. The Gossen is a great meter but I like the simplicity of the Pentax.

Roger