Nightpuma Posted March 16, 2011 Share #1 Posted March 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello all, Last week I purchased my first Leica, a later M3 model with 50mm Summicron type 2. It felt like such a great day, just like when I got my first bicycle and my drivers license Now I am in the process of getting a lightmeter, and I have been looking into the Leicameter MR and MR-4 and Gossen Digisix. I have not been using cameras with separate lightmeters before, so I really don't know what the pros and cons will be with a handheld vs. a Leicameter which is coupled to the camera. What is important to me is to use the M3 as much as possible. That means I am looking for the solution that is easiest to use. It would be great if some of you would share some experience with the different solutions. Best regards Theo, Copenhagen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 16, 2011 Posted March 16, 2011 Hi Nightpuma, Take a look here Lightmeter for M3. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Xmas Posted March 16, 2011 Share #2 Posted March 16, 2011 Hi For mono use Sunny 16 rule - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia If you are using slide get a Weston Master and invercone kit. Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightpuma Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted March 16, 2011 Hi For mono use Sunny 16 rule - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia If you are using slide get a Weston Master and invercone kit. Noel Thank's for the advice. What Master model would you suggest? Theo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted March 16, 2011 Share #4 Posted March 16, 2011 Hi If you can get a Weston II or III that is still in calibration then they are only a little less convenient to switch between high and low reading. There is a neutral density filter, you need to avoid loosing. If you like the easy life get a later model, the III may be a stop more sensitive then a II. They are really cheap cause no one thinks anything off them. If they are still working they will probably work for a long time. The reason you select the Weston is cause of the zone system calculator, there is a stick on template you can use if you need the aid memoire. Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted March 16, 2011 Share #5 Posted March 16, 2011 A well functioning Weston Euro-Master is a good choice. The problem with the Westons is that the selenium cells will often need replacement. Although a Weston matches the M3 nicely I sold mine and now use a Gossen Digiflash with mine (very small and handy). Another popular choice is a Sekonic L-308. Both are small modern meters that have a wider metering range and a lot quicker operation than an old Weston. Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted March 16, 2011 Share #6 Posted March 16, 2011 Google 'PeterLoy' he is an internet dealer probably has several in stock... Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikep996 Posted March 16, 2011 Share #7 Posted March 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I use this voigtlander on my M2 and it's great BUT it doesn't connect to the shutter speed dial. I used to use a Leicameter but it wasn't very accurate due to battery issues. This little Voigt is nice and looks reasonably correct on the camera. Voigtlander VC II Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted March 16, 2011 Share #8 Posted March 16, 2011 Avoid Leicameters: fine collectibles, but not the best for use. The VC linked above is fine (I have just spoken with a friend that has it permanently on his M3), but my idea is that nothing is better than a good classic handeld to make good measurements : imho, having a meter fitted on top of the camera is many times a limitation: personally I have had a number of Gossens (from the simple Sixtino to the Lunasix) and have always liked them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
!Nomad64 Posted March 16, 2011 Share #9 Posted March 16, 2011 +1 for the Sunny 16. If you want to feel safer the first times you'll do your guesswork go with the Voigtländer. It likely works in a similar fashion as the inner lightmeters of the M6 and M7, the covered angle being about 30°. If you want top notch go with a handheld. But I'd respectfully insist that Sunny16 will do well to your brain too and will ultimately address you to more control over the image making. Just remember that bw will be more forgiving than slides and that for the sake of safety with bw you'll want to expose for the shades whilst you'll expose on the lights when shooting slides. Cheers, Bruno Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilm3 Posted March 17, 2011 Share #10 Posted March 17, 2011 The MR-4 I have works fine. I like the fact that it is coupled. I meter and set speed and aperture before even bringing the camera to the eye. Once it is set, it is just focus and shoot. I find that in practice, this combination works a lot faster than my M6, especially since you only need to meter again when the light changes. The M6 kind of encourages constant fiddling with exposure settings as you chase lighting the arrows. I would even say that an M3 + MR-4 works as fast as an M7 As far as accuracy, I only shoot B&W with the M3, so the film latitude helps there quite a bit. If I were shooting slides, I would bring along my Gossen Luna Pro. Actually, I would bring a different camera. I have an aversion to hand-held meters. If I were to carry one, why not a tripod then. A slippery slope totally negating the Leica experience. There are a few shops that will repair, adjust and calibrate the MR meters. There is one a few blocks from where I work in Hollywood. Quality Light Metric Co. Highly recommended. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted March 17, 2011 Share #11 Posted March 17, 2011 Real men use Sunny-16... Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted March 17, 2011 Share #12 Posted March 17, 2011 Real men use Sunny-16... Regards, Bill I usually work out sunny 16 +experience, then take a light meter reading and if the light meter doesn't agree then I start to wonder why, usually its because I'm not using the meter in the right way But sunny 16 only really works outside, a meter is a help otherwise, my M3 has had MC, MR and now Voigtlander on it over the years, the Voigtlander is very good, but I sometimes forget its not coupled to the shutter dial For everything else I use a Weston Master IV, and have done for almost 50 years, the current one has been in use for over 25 years. With my own 3 different Westons and the dozens of them and Gossen meters I have used/known over the years belonging to my employers or to the School of Art & Design for student use the Weston is at least as reliable as any other meter, certainly they dont need frequent new cells, but don't drop one, the movement is not as robust as solid state, but they don't use batteries Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted March 18, 2011 Share #13 Posted March 18, 2011 get a sekonic l308s or a gossen digisix and don't look back. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted March 18, 2011 Share #14 Posted March 18, 2011 But sunny 16 only really works outside... Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ...not necessarily... Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ...not necessarily... Regards, Bill ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/146468-lightmeter-for-m3/?do=findComment&comment=1618651'>More sharing options...
giordano Posted March 18, 2011 Share #15 Posted March 18, 2011 Nice shot, Bill - but I reckon the exposure is about 1% "sunny 16" and 99% experience. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted March 18, 2011 Share #16 Posted March 18, 2011 I use this voigtlander on my M2 and it's great BUT it doesn't connect to the shutter speed dial. I used to use a Leicameter but it wasn't very accurate due to battery issues. This little Voigt is nice and looks reasonably correct on the camera. Voigtlander VC II Just be careful, because they pop off the hot shoe easily. I had mine for a week before it fell off into salt water. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest reiver Posted March 18, 2011 Share #17 Posted March 18, 2011 ... be careful if you use a Sekonic L-398A, it works perfect, but I was not careful enough: My credit card was blanked today a quite dangerous magnetic instrument Sekonic L-398A STUDIO DELUXE III Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roguewave Posted March 18, 2011 Share #18 Posted March 18, 2011 Theo, I have used man different light meters. I love my Gossen Digisix. Very accurate & it it so small. I carry it in my right front pocket wherever I go. It is a marvelous instrument & easy to use & the cost is reasonable. I highly recommend this solution. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aoresteen Posted March 19, 2011 Share #19 Posted March 19, 2011 I use a Sekonic L508. Does it all. Runs on a single AA battery which you can find anywhere in the world. Mine has been all over the world with me. It's the last meter you will buy. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixstring Posted March 19, 2011 Share #20 Posted March 19, 2011 Congrats with the purchase! The M3 and a 50 cron type 2 was my very first Leica purchase as well. Delightful isn't it? Other bodies and lenses followed after that, but the M3 is the only one I'll never sell, for sure. Totally agree with the majority here... Go S16 as much as you can even in difficult situations. If the scene is important, you can always get a second metered shot. Exposure really isn't rocket science. You'll quickly get a feel for it. Ultimately, S16 reminds you that photography is a craft. And all craft demands mastering of technique. And that mastering is in your head, not in devices. Have fun. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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