batteryless lightmeter

CMoore · May 2, 2016

For example, the L-398A.
Do they have a long life span, or any other "concerns" when buying a used meter like this.?
Thank You

removed account4 · May 2, 2016

i've got one that i bought new probably 30 years ago,
it works as perfect as the day i took it out of the box.
the only thing to worry about it that i can think of
is if it contains the "stuff" it originally came with
the "high" slide and the sphere and disks.
there were accessories they came with too
( asa slides ) they were always add-ons,
and are sometimes sold on ebay with
the meters. sometimes the meters
are sold for the price of the slides.

( i'm talking about the sceconic, i don't
have experience with other battery less meters )

good luck !

Kshaub103 · May 2, 2016

I use a Zeiss Ikon, Diaphot meter when I want to be battery less. Works well and beats sunny 16 any day. this is the smallest meter I have ever used or found, fits right in my front shirt pocket. Quick and easy to use

Richard S. (rich815) · May 2, 2016

I've got an L-398A that came in a camera bag of Minolta equipment I inherited from an uncle in Cleveland. No idea when he bought it but do know anecdotally that his photography peaked in the 1980's and it still works fine. I also have a couple of older GE PR-1 meters that match up to my Sekonic L-508, my other metered cameras, and seem to be working as well.

Dali · May 2, 2016

I use a 40 year old Gossen Sixtino and it works fine within its limitation (works better outside than indoor). In fact this is the only meter I use with my non-metered cameras.

GRHazelton · May 2, 2016

I have an ancient Norwood Director selenium meter which agrees within 1/4 stop with my Gossen Profisix. Of course, YMMV!!

BAC1967 · May 2, 2016

Rorymcw said:
I have a Weston Master V I got in 1982. I still use it daily. Its a good meter.

I'll second the Weston Master V, great meter if you get a good working one, very reliable and well built.

Peltigera · May 2, 2016

I use a Zeiss Ikon Ikophot meter which agrees with my digital camera so I hope both are accurate.

Ron789 · May 2, 2016

Batteryless lightmeters work with Selenium cells. These have a limited life span.... some last for 20 years, some 30, some 40 or even 50, but not much longer. If you can buy one for a soft price, just do it: it may serve you for another few years or even decades. But there comes a days when it will die.

MartinCrabtree · May 2, 2016

I have a Weston Master II w/Invercone I had reconditioned. Works great as long as the light is there. Low light performance is non-existent. But the cells are available for some.

Peltigera · May 3, 2016

Ron789 said:
Batteryless lightmeters work with Selenium cells. These have a limited life span.... some last for 20 years, some 30, some 40 or even 50, but not much longer. If you can buy one for a soft price, just do it: it may serve you for another few years or even decades. But there comes a days when it will die.

Battery powered meters also have a limited life - as do all human endeavours. Selenium meters should have an indefinite life if kept in the dark when not being used. Both my pre-1960 selenium meters are fine - both over 56 years old.

R.Gould · May 3, 2016

Rorymcw said:
I have a Weston Master V I got in 1982. I still use it daily. Its a good meter.

I second the weston I have a IV V and a EKI euromaste and they all show the same exposure, and all agree with my Sekonic that I use for flash metering, I have had a II, working fine and accurate, which I passed on to a friend when his battery meter died, it is still as accurate, I have yet to have a bad weston
Richard

CMoore · May 3, 2016

Thanks for the info.....I appreciate it.
It dawns on me, it is often more important what we do not Ask/Mention.
At this point, I only own 35mm SLR cameras.
What they get used for is just general purpose, hobby photography. I hate to say street, but.....Street, Local Weather/Landscape, Minor League Baseball, family events.....photos of opportunity. I do not shoot portraits or other types of Studio/Staged pictures.
I have a flash or two, but not sure I am ready to get into "that" yet.
Judging by the relatively few rolls I have shot....... I only use the manual mode and I can usually interpret how to set my camera, based on what the camera meter is telling me...but not always, and as I shoot more, there will be more opportunities for improvement (so i think) if I have a meter of some sort.
So that is where my OP was generated from.....wanting a meter, to shoot Black & White, 35mm SLR in manual mode, in all the different scenarios that a portable camera (like a 35 SLR) offers.
Thanks Again
I think, probably (Subconsciously) I was trying to ask the "What meter should I get" question, without coming right out and asking. I realize that is a Huge Question, and garners LOTS of answers, and may start an Internet Fight from time to time.

craigclu · May 3, 2016

I've had the L-398 purchased 37 years ago with the slide kit. I have more modern meters (calibrated) that continue to agree with the L-398 after all that time. I absolutely trust it.

CMoore · May 3, 2016

Was the L-398'A' a Later/Different meter.?

craigclu · May 3, 2016

I just went to the WIKI and see there's a full set of version descriptions:

http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Sekonic_L-398

The A version was when they switched from the selenium cell, it appears.

CMoore · May 3, 2016

Yes...Thanks for that link.
My Wiki (going from Yahoo) is stuck in French for some reason.?
Seems like maybe the 'A' is worth looking for.
Thanks Again

alanrockwood · May 6, 2016

My first exposure meter was a Gossen Pilot, a selenium meter which worked great, as long as the light was not too dim. I still have one.

batteryless lightmeter

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency