batteryless lightmeter

[CMoore]

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]

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]

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)]

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]

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]

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

 

[BAC1967]

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]

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

 

[Ron789]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[craigclu]

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]

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]

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.