Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 49

Thread: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

  1. #1

    Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    I am looking for a relatively ~150$ cheap light meter for a large format camera I just picked up.

    Are there any specific models you would recommend?

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    1,573

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    Spot or incident? I'd guess that finding a good spot meter in your price range is going to be tough; more choices on the incident side. The Sekonic L-308 is very popular.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Washington, DC
    Posts
    87

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    I'm a big fan of Gossen, particularly the Digisix or Sixtomat.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    61

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    You could use an Lightmeter app on your phone (~2$)

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North Dakota
    Posts
    1,327

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    CalcuLight X or XP still work well.
    The XP will give you readings by the light of a quarter moon.
    Incident and reflected light readings as well as an attachment that allows you to meter directly on your ground glass.

    Small, lightweight and they just keep on working.
    ” Never attribute to inspiration that which can be adequately explained by delusion”.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Newbury, Vermont
    Posts
    2,260

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    The old (pre-digital) Pentax "Spot-5" spot meter, if you can find one in good working order...is a great meter, especially if its been "Zone-VI Modified." Another choice would be the old Soligor spot meter. Not sure about parts/repair availability for either of these though, but I've seen each of these meters priced well within your desired range.

  7. #7
    Small town, South Carolina, US
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Here
    Posts
    494

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    I have found that a lightmeter app on my phone is very useful.

  8. #8

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    Quote Originally Posted by Alan9940 View Post
    Spot or incident? I'd guess that finding a good spot meter in your price range is going to be tough; more choices on the incident side. The Sekonic L-308 is very popular.
    Well - this was another question I had actually, but I didnt want to bring it up in the "gear" section. For landscape photography, which light meter would be better?

    Everything I have read said that if you can get a spot meter, then get a spot meter. Wondering what the community thinks.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Posts
    504

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    Quote Originally Posted by bmoffitt1990 View Post
    Well - this was another question I had actually, but I didnt want to bring it up in the "gear" section. For landscape photography, which light meter would be better?

    Everything I have read said that if you can get a spot meter, then get a spot meter. Wondering what the community thinks.
    From my point of view the choice of meter is related to type of film.
    For black and white and color neg I tend to use a incident meter.
    For slide film a spotmeter is essential I think, to help to evaluate and guard the highlights.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    831

    Re: Light Meter for Large Format (4x5) Landscape Photography

    A small digital camera with full manual capability and a zoom lens, like the discontinued Fujifilm X10 can provide more useful exposure information than any light meter I have ever used, and there have been many. I seem to remember that Fred Picker wrote that evaluating a Polaroid was more accurate than even his exotic spot meter (which I once owned and eventually sold, never to be missed).

Similar Threads

  1. New to Large Format Landscape Photography
    By Ryan S. in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 5-Dec-2017, 10:53
  2. UK Introduction to Large Format Landscape Photography
    By timparkin in forum Announcements
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 24-Apr-2010, 04:32
  3. Sekonic L358 as landscape LF light meter?
    By Bernard Languillier in forum Style & Technique
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 17-Oct-2004, 12:45

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •