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Thread: Light Meter Suggestions

  1. #1

    Light Meter Suggestions

    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?

  2. #2
    Angus Parker angusparker's Avatar
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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    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.

  3. #3
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    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.

  4. #4

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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    Quote Originally Posted by angusparker View Post
    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.
    Many smartphone meter apps do have spotmeter mode, I don't say that this is a Pro way to meter, but the reading is pretty accurate.

  5. #5

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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    Quote Originally Posted by SoulfulRecover View Post
    but I do have strobes as well. Any thoughts?
    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.

  6. #6
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    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.

  7. #7
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    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.)

  8. #8
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    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.



    Quote Originally Posted by Jac@stafford.net View Post
    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.)

  9. #9

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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    Minolta flash meters still do a good job.
    ” Never attribute to inspiration that which can be adequately explained by delusion”.

  10. #10
    Foamer
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    Re: Light Meter Suggestions

    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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