Better light meter?

Ektagraphic · Dec 25, 2009

Hello- I have the Sekonic L-208 and it has served me very well so far but it seems like at times I am not thrilled with it. I was wondering how people like the other analog Sekonic L-398A. I am looking at this meter. What are your experiences with both of these meters at night? Is it worth it for me to go over to the L-398A. Thanks

eddym · Dec 26, 2009

I love my little L398, but it's not sensitive enough for low light work. I would recommend something like a Gossen, or better yet for night work, a spot meter.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 26, 2009

eddym said:
I love my little L398, but it's not sensitive enough for low light work. I would recommend something like a Gossen, or better yet for night work, a spot meter.

I'm not aware of any lightmeter more sensitive than the Gossen. Mime measures down to EV-4 at ASA100. However, that may not necessarily make it the best in the view of the OP. We need to understand what the application is.

DanielStone · Dec 26, 2009

ektagraphic,

what is your intended use for the meter primarily? Since you've mentioned in other posts about getting into LF, you might want to look at the spot/ambient meter combos from sekonic. try the L-608/608cine or the L-558. if you're feeling spendy, the newest L-758/758DR are really nice, albeit, wicked expensive!

look at the combo meters, I think that those might be the best bang for your buck.

-Dan

mikebarger · Dec 26, 2009

I've used three meters Luna pro sbc, now in back up role.
Zone Vi modified Pentax V spot meter (top dog)
Pentax digital spot that "may" move into the backup role for the V.

The top two are outstanding meters, easy to use.

Mike

Chazzy · Dec 26, 2009

Ektagraphic, any chance that you will eventually want your meter to handle flash? That's high on the list of priorities for my next meter. Until then I'm happy with my little Gossen.

eddym · Dec 26, 2009

RalphLambrecht said:
I'm not aware of any lightmeter more sensitive than the Gossen. Mime measures down to EV-4 at ASA100. However, that may not necessarily make it the best in the view of the OP. We need to understand what the application is.

He asked about our experiences with it at night, thus I assumed he plans to use it in low light. Thus I discouraged him...

RalphLambrecht · Dec 27, 2009

eddym said:
He asked about our experiences with it at night, thus I assumed he plans to use it in low light. Thus I discouraged him...

Eddy

You're right. I've overlooked that.

Ektagraphic

For a night application some Gossen are unbeatable. Look for the once which go down to EV-4 at ASA100. I ave not seen anything more sensitive than that.

Arvee · Dec 27, 2009

If memory serves, Quantum's Calcu-Light XP goes down to EV-7. I have the Calcu-Light X and it goes to EV-3 or 4. Manuals are online, Google will find them, specs are published there.

-F.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 28, 2009

Fred Aspen said:
If memory serves, Quantum's Calcu-Light XP goes down to EV-7. I have the Calcu-Light X and it goes to EV-3 or 4. Manuals are online, Google will find them, specs are published there.

-F.

Quoting EVs without the related film speed is of limited use when talking about light sensitivity. The Quantum brochure does the same. I wonder if they are just referring to the range of their mechanical dial?

Better light meter?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency