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Hand held lightmeter - cheap


Jessestr

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Hi all

 

So I asked you guys if I should get myself a film leica again on the M4 forums but I went for the Hasselblad 500C. But I quickly realised it was way too expensive (12 shots - $17).

 

So back to the 35mm film format. I used my iPhone for spot metering. It's like always spot on... so, no complaints about that. I just need a global meter and spot meter in a hand held device that I can hang around my neck or something.

 

I bought myself an M4 (just CLA'ed, very good deal!) to use with my good old sonnar f1.5 50mm ZM.

 

I've been told that there are some good cheap meters around. Can you guys give me some advice? I'm a student.. keep that in mind :)!

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A Sekonic 208 Twinmate. Small, classic dial so you can quickly see options, good on battery life, and cheap.

 

Don't be tempted with selenium cells and traditional nonsense, you want something that works.

 

 

Steve

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I agree that the Sekonic L-208 is a great choice for a very portable inexpensive meter. On the other hand, if you prefer using your iPhone then this device will turn it into an incident meter:

 

Luxi | Extrasensory Devices

 

Luxi Light Meter - Cool Hunting

 

You'll get both types of metering (reflective and incident as with the Sekonic) in a device you already seem feel comfortable using. Although the downside is having the clip on dome to carry around and fuss with.

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I own the sekonic 208 and 308 and 758. (The 758 I only use when I'm shooting large format) For an application like this, I'm always torn between the 208 and 308.

 

208

- smaller

- lighter

- cheaper

 

308

- easier to read

- larger illumination sphere (for more accurate and percise metering)

- Double A batteries

 

Personally, I tend to lean torwards the 308 simply because it is just a lot quicker to use. if it tie the string to my belt, and time is short, i can do a quick read and just let it dangle off the side of my pants while i get ready for the shot. My biggest critism of the 308 (and probably the 208 by extention) is that they aren't that durable. They are made of plastic and they don't take too much abuse. I'm already on my second 308; and the 208 is being used as my backup. If the 208 goes kaput, i'll probably get another 308 and keep 308's in my rotation.

 

I think a small part of me wants to invest in a sekonic 398m, because it is made of metal, and it look much sturdier than the 208 or 308. The problems include that it is much heavier and bulkier, and more expensive. And it doesn't look like it will fit in my pockets comfortably. Decisions decisions.

 

Edit:

another suggestion that's popular is the voigtlander VC Meter II

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The Sekonic 308 is accurate, affordable, practical and very reliable.

 

It is, I have one and use it a lot. I'd recommend one any time the photographer has the camera on a tripod and has a moment to relax. But it is a shutter priority meter, so you have to scroll through each time to find the aperture you want. And it is a digital display with minimal information, not as useful to a student as being able to clearly see the options between aperture and shutter speeds on an easy to read dial.

 

Steve

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It is, I have one and use it a lot. I'd recommend one any time the photographer has the camera on a tripod and has a moment to relax. But it is a shutter priority meter, so you have to scroll through each time to find the aperture you want. And it is a digital display with minimal information, not as useful to a student as being able to clearly see the options between aperture and shutter speeds on an easy to read dial.

 

I guess we all work differently, but working with film Ms I pretty much always choose my shutter speed for any given situation and then set aperture accordingly. I find the 308's minimalism very fast to work with, plus it's a very good flash meter. The fact that it's powered by a double A battery, which you can get pretty much anywhere, is the icing on a really compelling cake.

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Why not buy an old Weston Master V. No batteries needed and it should come with an invercone attachment. They can still be serviced; a real classic.

 

Because most of them are broken or soon to fail. Also, the ASA scales were changed at least once. I have about a dozen and only a few work now, and it seems that half the time I try one it fails.

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Another vote for the Sekonic 308.

A quick flip with your thumb changes the metering between incident and reflective. Uses one AA alkaline battery. Fits into your shirt pocket, but comes with a waist (belt) pouch. Easy to use and has a quick unambiguous readout.

Excellent accuracy and repeatability.

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I second the Gossen Digisix. All the aperture/shutter combinations are there when youve turned the dial to the right EV value so its fast to read and is accurate but small too. Unfortunatly theres no off switch (sadface) so you should pull the battery if you dont intend to use it for a long period of time.

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Sekonic L308 for reflected, incident and flash. Never without it, also use a Sekonic L758 in preference to anything in-camera.

 

I have an old Weston Master V in the bottom of a drawer somewhere and only take it out to laugh at it. :D

 

The OP can have it for the cost of postage.

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