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Hand held lightmeter - cheap


Jessestr

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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.

Just for fun I retrieved one of my Weston Master meters, took a reading in dull artificial lighting and a picture using the camera meter. Both gave satisfactory exposures, well within expect half-stop latitude. I admit my first choice is my Gossen Vario-F meter with digital display, but the analogue Weston did very well, having lain in a drawer unused for 25 years!

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  • 2 months later...
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

 

I have just bought a Weston Master V with invercone and the exposures are spot on

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I have just bought a Weston Master V with invercone and the exposures are spot on

 

A very good meter. But you will find that while the exposure readings will be spot on over a large part of the normal exposure range, they will start to become ever more inaccurate at either end. Hence the revelation that the Gossen Lunasix was when it was released, or even the early spot meters and photometers. The selenium cell simply isn't as accurate at the extremes. They can also start to drift through age, causing long periods of questioning because 'the meter has always been accurate, so the camera must need servicing' types of internal debate. And accuracy aside modern meters either work, or if they don't, it either needs a battery change, or its broke, a simple analysis to make.

 

I have a drawer full of Weston's, my Dad's old Weston Master II still works( and still with my Zone scale pasted onto the dial), two later Euro-Masters don't. I have no time for nostalgia when it comes to the time and effort I spend getting out to make photographs, give me a modern meter with a battery and the ability to read a far greater exposure scale accurately.

 

Steve

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I recently purchased a 208 Twinmate to replace an ancient Gossen Pilot for the very reason Steve mentions. Over all mostly accurate but sometimes suspicious readings. Then last week I managed to put my LG flip phone through not only the wash but the dyer as well. Came home with an iPhone 5c, spent $3.99 on a light meter app and haven't touched the 208 since. It's convenient, accurate and encourages me to take the IIIc out for a walk more often. MAD

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A very good meter. But you will find that while the exposure readings will be spot on over a large part of the normal exposure range, they will start to become ever more inaccurate at either end. Hence the revelation that the Gossen Lunasix was when it was released, or even the early spot meters and photometers. The selenium cell simply isn't as accurate at the extremes. They can also start to drift through age, causing long periods of questioning because 'the meter has always been accurate, so the camera must need servicing' types of internal debate. And accuracy aside modern meters either work, or if they don't, it either needs a battery change, or its broke, a simple analysis to make.

 

I have a drawer full of Weston's, my Dad's old Weston Master II still works( and still with my Zone scale pasted onto the dial), two later Euro-Masters don't. I have no time for nostalgia when it comes to the time and effort I spend getting out to make photographs, give me a modern meter with a battery and the ability to read a far greater exposure scale accurately.

 

Steve

 

Ive also got a gossen digisix and Minolta 4 flash meter i wanted one that is battery free

 

Sent from my GT-I9100P using Tapatalk 2

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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.

 

 

...+1. Also surprisingly durable.

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I have had two examples of the D-3B meter, a CdS unit powered by a 1.55 volt silver oxide cell. Reflected and incident light, fair accuracy. Mine were branded Bower, but these meters were also sold as Capital and Tundra. Low cost.

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