Opinions on light meter for outdoor and indoor use.

[Przemek]

Hello to everyone,
My name is Przemek. I'm new to this forum and this being my first post.
I'm using medium format film camera for now but I've been thinking for some time to try large format as I'm very tempted by its image qualities as well as by slow image making process itself.

Right now I'd like to ask You for opinion on light meter. I've been using for several years Gossen Digipro F but often find my self missing spot metering, especially while shooting outdoor. Because I often need to carry all of my equipment on my back I'd prefer to have only one meter that do both incident and spot. I've been thinking on two meters: Gossen Starlite 2 and Sekonic L-758 D. I was unable to find any in deep comparison or review of this two meters just some posts here and there. I think these two meters are overkill for me with all functions, modes, advanced flash metering, etc. But I don't know any simple light meter that will both incident and 1 spot.

From usability point of view I'd prefer to stick with Gossen because I've been using Gossen for several years now and I suppose the interface should be some how similar. Starlite 2 is also smaller and lighter then Sekonic.


Because I've no experience with any of this two meters and I've never used any other 1 spot meter I'd appreciate very much Your opinions and suggestions.

Thank You.

[Ari]

Przemek,
If you're already familiar with the equipment you have, and know how to use it well, why not keep using it?
A light meter is a light meter, whether you're using MF or LF; it's all about the photographer's ability to use it properly, and interpret the given readings to suit his tastes.
I'll let the gearheads give you several light meter suggestions; I've been using the same Minolta IVf for 15 years, so I have no clue what's out there.
Good luck!

[stephen.taylor]

I use the Sekonic L-758DR. I use it mostly for spot metering. It has more bells and whistles than I actually use, but it is a great meter. Characteristic curves of the films you use can be programed into the thing (something I have not spent any time learning to do), and a good flash meter. I don't know anything about the Gossen.

[Leigh]

Sekonic L-558, has both incident and 1° spot functions.

A whole lot cheaper than the L-758D meters, and does the same job.

- Leigh

[Przemek]

Ari, I agree with You and the only reason I'm thinking about changing light meter is because sometimes I miss spot metering.

Stephen thank You for Your opinion.

Leigh I will look at this model right now. It would be nice to find older model of a meter that will do both spot and incident metering for a lower price.

[Sirius Glass]

Lets see:
35mm Nikons with built-in matrix meters, one can operate also has a spot meter mode. Putting a 28mm to 300mm on the other is effectively a spot meter. I use both meters inside and outside.

Hasselblad with a prism meter, if I need a spot meter I can use one of the Nikons. I use this meter inside and outside.

For 4"x5", I use a Gossen Lux SBC [from KEH ~$100US] which can be used as an incident or reflection meter. I use this meter inside and outside.

All the meters work well when used correctly [Example: Do not meter the sky]. If I need a spot meter I can use one of the Nikons.

I tend only us a spot meter if the SBR [Subject Brightness Range] is great, on the order of 10 to 14 f/stops.

All the black & white and color film shot at box speed. No problems at all.

Does that help?

[Leigh]

If I need a spot meter I can use one of the Nikons.
My L-558 weighs a lot less than your Nikon w/lens.

In addition, the L-558 provides accurate incident metering which your Nikon does not.

- Leigh

[Sirius Glass]

My L-558 weighs a lot less than your Nikon w/lens.

In addition, the L-558 provides accurate incident metering which your Nikon does not.

- Leigh

Yes, but I do not need a spot meter often and the Nikons are in the car when I use the Hasselblads or the 4"x5". I do not make a habit of walking around carrying two formats at once.

Now I do have a friend with a wide angle Rolleiflex, a 75mm Rolleiflex, and a tele Rolleiflex. When he wears all three around his neck with a light meter, I tease him about having camera bling. :D

[Leigh]

It would be nice to find older model of a meter that will do both spot and incident metering for a lower price.
The L-558 does both 1° spot and incident, either continuous or flash.

The only differences I see are that the L758D has...
1) the word 'Digital' in the L-758D name
2) a much higher price
3) some specialized features that are likely not needed except for high-end pro studio work

The L-758D can talk to a computer and be programmed to match sensor/film characteristics.

All of the other features shown on the B&H product page are present in the L-558.

The radio transmitter for flash triggering (included with the L-758DR) is an extra-cost option with the L-558. Note that it only works with PocketWizard.

- Leigh

[Leigh]

Yes, but I do not need a spot meter often...
It depends a lot on what and how you shoot.

I only shoot B&W in LF. The Hasselblad is color (digital) metered using the L-558. The Nikons are all digital relying on the internal metering.

I always carry my L-558 in the left breast pocket of my shooting jacket. I check ambient while I'm setting up, then do spots as needed for the scene.

To each his own. :D

- Leigh

[Sirius Glass]

...
For 4"x5", I use a Gossen Lux SBC [from KEH ~$100US] which can be used as an incident or reflection meter. I use this meter inside and outside.

The Gossen Lux SBC has an optional spot meter attachment that I did not buy. Even my GAS has not pressured me for it. However, GAS has caused me to buy three LF lenses this month. Well, actually, four but one was returned because it was not compatible with the camera so I bought the last lens. I am hoping that I can resist buying another LF lens until July! :rolleyes:

[Steve Barber]

The L-558 does both 1° spot and incident, either continuous or flash.

The only differences I see are that the L758D has...
1) the word 'Digital' in the L-758D name
2) a much higher price
3) some specialized features that are likely not needed except for high-end pro studio work

The L-758D can talk to a computer and be programmed to match sensor/film characteristics.

All of the other features shown on the B&H product page are present in the L-558.

The radio transmitter for flash triggering (included with the L-758DR) is an extra-cost option with the L-558. Note that it only works with PocketWizard.

- Leigh

Yes, but what is not present on a B&H product page is the L-558. Isn't the L-758D the current version or replacement for the L-558?

[Bill Burk]

There's nothing photographic more steampunk than an SEI photometer, but carrying it is another matter.

The analog Pentax Spotmeter V needle reads so quickly it is almost worth the pound.

You could add a Sekonic Twin-mate for just a few ounces to get your incident meter.

[Leigh]

Yes, but what is not present on a B&H product page is the L-558. Isn't the L-758D the current version or replacement for the L-558?
I believe the L-558 is no longer in production, but KEH has them in EX condition with case for $399.

- Leigh

[wentbackward]

Sekonic L-758D for me.

I had the earlier Sekonic 358 with the separate attachments but with the spot meter attachment it's a very awkward shape, has no display in the finder, I found it very difficult to take a reading with the 30' lens and the spot meter cannot operate well in low light.

Both 358 and 758 can be triggered by flash with no extra attachments (it monitors for a flash) and return a reading of ambient vs flash. The 758 can take a spot or incident metering at the turn of a dial. Both have excellent features of zone measurements. Spot metering with the 758 is a breeze. You can have two ISO settings and instantly shift your stored measurements. I can't think of any drawbacks apart from them being a little bulky in size.

[Bill Burk]

Hi Przemek and wentbackward,

I should have been clear and more helpful. I should be trying to save you money by helping you decide one meter to buy instead of a dozen that you finally pick one from. The two meters I mention are my favorite meters. If I had to do over again, I would buy again if they came my way.

For backpacking, I use the L-758DR with the radio module pulled out.

I also like the Zone clipping point markings. I spread them out so they match Zone System roman numerals instead of sensitometrically correct 6 2/3 stops. I label them with a tiny sticker to remind me which Zones they correspond to ( left-to-right ) IX, VIII, V, II, I

http://beefalobill.com/images/zone.pdf