I've got a budget of $300 (would rather spend half that) for a light meter. There are so many options out there, I'm not sure where to really begin. I shoot mostly ambient light, portraits, but I do have strobes as well. Any thoughts?
I've got a budget of $300 (would rather spend half that) for a light meter. There are so many options out there, I'm not sure where to really begin. I shoot mostly ambient light, portraits, but I do have strobes as well. Any thoughts?
A second hand Sekonic spotmeter something above 500 as a model number (more recent).
Or go old school with a digital Pentax spot meter.
I have both and tend to use the Pentax because it just seems more intuitive with the ring than the newer options.
Also don’t listen to anyone saying use an app on your iPhone. It’s ok in a pinch but you really need a spot meter.
I've been very pleased with my Sekonic L-558.
It does all types of lighting, averages multiple sources,
measures ambient and/or flash in incident or 1° spot.
It does everything you need.
It was replaced by the much more expensive L-758, which
has bells and whistles you'll never use.
- Leigh
If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.
If using strobes then the best meter (IMHO) it is a lightweight DSLR.
I feel using a DSLR (specially with strobes) is like in the past it was using Polaroid instant film to preview a result.
One has to get used to make the right guess from the DSLR image, of course.
Sunny 16 which I often test myself on with 2 Sekonics, an iOS app, PCB Cyber Commander, and Nikon F5.
But if you want to go crazy try adjusting your chosen meter to 2 different DSLRs. The Sekonic way...https://www.sekonic.com/netherlands/...ash-meter.aspx
I last tried that insanity in 2012. Never again.
I shot meterless Pentax H1 for 35 years, most of my chromes were good enough for me and I still have them all.
I would buy Sekonic again.
What Leigh said. The flash meter is particularly smart. It even works with flash bulbs! If used properly. (That is a tip for people like Randy Moe who uses such. Shoot, note the lot number, use the reading for that lot and be happy.)
I almost bought more flash bulbs today. But I am on restriction. Gotta pay Property Tax right now. Because I moved.
Next year I hope the state of ill still has Senior discount and prop tax deferral till death. They better, it the only reason I stayed here in ill.
Shot a couple flashbulbs with Bloodhoundbob last week. One popped the second did not. Bad cable. Cables are all old and bad. The bulbs work fine. New Duracell D last long even in the handle.
6 more days I get new eye RX and should see again.
Minolta flash meters still do a good job.
” Never attribute to inspiration that which can be adequately explained by delusion”.
I've been using a Minolta 4f and have been entirely happy.
Kent in SD
In contento ed allegria
Notte e di vogliam passar!
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