SMALL light meter suggestions

[Two23]

I have a Minolta IVf that I love and (more importantly) trust, but now I'm looking for a very compact meter to travel with. I'm thinking of something like the Digisix, L-208, Voigtlander VC, etc. I really only need ambient metering, but reflective would be a nice addition. I definitely want to stay under $200, and more like $100. I generally prefer to buy used. What about some of the older meters--weren't many of them small? I am afraid the ones that don't take batteries will be dead or dying though. So, any suggestions? I don't have a smart phone so don't suggest an app.


Kent in SD

[Daniel Stone]

Sekonic L-308

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...hoCSDkQAvD_BwE

[seezee]

Sekonic L-308

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...hoCSDkQAvD_BwE

What Daniel said. Unless you're into zone metering, this is the best value in a compact, verstatile, and reliable meter.

[Dan Fromm]

Don't forget the L-328. I got mine used for all of $20.

[Pieter]

Digisix is small (tiny, really) and pretty robust. Matches my Minolta IVF, too.

[paulbarden]

Another vote for the Sekonic L-308

[jp]

L208 is my recommendation. Smaller and lighter than you imagine if you've used old meters it replaces. It uses a lithium coin battery but it only uses power when you press the button and mine has been in the camera for a few years. The battery will probably expire of old age before it's used up.

[Liquid Artist]

I almost hate to say that I have a phone app for when I am travelling light, but I do.
I have never been let down by them either.

[Mark Sampson]

My Sekonic L-328 (a meter I enjoyed using) suffered repeated circuit board failures. The second time Quality Light Metric told me that it was basically an incurable problem... they could replace the board (at large expense) but the same failure would re-occur. So I scrapped it. It was a small, accurate meter with a simple, elegant design, and a critical failure built-in. Not complaining, it served me well for 10-12 years. Sorry, but I can't offer any helpful ideas for a small meter.

[Willie]

Quantum Calcu-lite X or XP.
Small, solid state. Can do reflected or incident. Can get as spot meter attachment as well as a ground glass reading attchment so you can meter right off the ground glass under the dark cloth if you want.