Built in Meter? Yes? No?

maliha · Jan 23, 2012

Currently I am using a Pentax 6x7 medium format camera for my designated photo-shoots, which unfortunately does not have a built in meter. My usual routine is to use my digital camera first to see what shutter speed I will require and then set the speed dial on my Pentax accordingly. So far this has worked just fine, but the problem arises when I am trying to do "quick" shoots and do not have the luxury to spend hours playing on my digital camera before switching to analog for the actual photos.

My question: Do you know of any "cheap" medium format camera that has a built in meter that you would recommend? I looked at Bronica ETRS and seems they do not have a meter either. Does Mamiya RB series cameras come with built in meters? I know for sure that Mamiya RZ cameras do, but they are too hard on my wallet!

I know that buying a meter would solve the problem easily, but the lazy person that I am, I want to know if there is anything that may already have a built in meter. Any help would be highly appreciated!

Thanks.

Maliha

Ricus.stormfire · Jan 23, 2012

Hi

The Bronica and RB67(and probably the RZ too) don't have built in meters (IF you use the WLF), BUT have prism finders that can meter. There are metering prisms for P67 too, maybe you can look into that too, intead of going for a whole new system....

Jesper · Jan 23, 2012

How about getting a metered prism for your Pentax?

Poisson Du Jour · Jan 23, 2012

I have the Pentax 67 and frequently meter out-of-range with an L758 e.g. 6, 10, 15, 20, 30secs. The 67 meter(or a Mamiya's or a Bronica's) certainly isn't going to meter down in low light, unless you are using high speed film (mine is Velvia 100F, Provia 100F or Velvia 50 at EI40). Once you get to the limit of the meter's range at a certain point you'll need a separate meter anyway, or pass up the scene (for me, that's not an option!). What would you prefer? The TTL prism meter is fine for bright light, but there is no substitute with a spot / incident meter and a swag of experience.

maliha · Jan 23, 2012

I didn't even know you get metered prism. I'm still a noob-head!!! BUT... thank you so much for the information. I will definitely look into that.

Also, looks like I will need a spotmeter for low light conditions. Fortunately I like to have plenty of light during my shoots (mostly shoot outdoors in broad daylight, not much of a night shooter, or indoors with strobe), so a separate meter may not be essential right away. =)

guitstik · Jan 23, 2012

What kind of cell phone do you have? I have several free light meter apps on my iPhone that work great.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 23, 2012

maliha said:
Currently I am using a Pentax 6x7 medium format camera for my designated photo-shoots, which unfortunately does not have a built in meter. My usual routine is to use my digital camera first to see what shutter speed I will require and then set the speed dial on my Pentax accordingly. So far this has worked just fine, but the problem arises when I am trying to do "quick" shoots and do not have the luxury to spend hours playing on my digital camera before switching to analog for the actual photos.

My question: Do you know of any "cheap" medium format camera that has a built in meter that you would recommend? I looked at Bronica ETRS and seems they do not have a meter either. Does Mamiya RB series cameras come with built in meters? I know for sure that Mamiya RZ cameras do, but they are too hard on my wallet!

I know that buying a meter would solve the problem easily, but the lazy person that I am, I want to know if there is anything that may already have a built in meter. Any help would be highly appreciated!

Thanks.

Maliha

mamiya6

markbarendt · Jan 23, 2012

Why not get a handheld meter?

Metered prisms are ok but they do require some interpretation and learning.

You don't say what the subjects are; are you photographing people, achetechture, landscape, studio work, product shots, weddings?

Modern handheld incident meters are in my opinion the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to meter.

They don't get fooled easily and are quick to learn; turn it on, extend the dome, set the ISO, touch it to your subjects nose while pointed at the camera, dial the suggested setting into the camera, shoot.

Ian Grant · Jan 23, 2012

I'd agree with you Mark, I actually find it quicker to use a hand held meter, and it's more accurate.

Ian

alex66 · Jan 23, 2012

I just bought a meter head for my Mamiya 645, I find it handy when you want to get the shot quickly. If there is the time the hand held meter will come out. Sometimes the meter heads don't cost you much more than the unmetered head.

himself · Jan 23, 2012

I'd just go with a hand held meter too you know, no slower than a built in meter really... and I'll also qualify my statement by saying that I'm pretty lazy

keithwms · Jan 23, 2012

I use a metering prism on the RB. But for best versatility, I'd just pick up a handheld meter, There might be a good hotshoe version that'd work for you too.

RalphLambrecht said:
mamiya6

Not cheap.

Aristophanes · Jan 23, 2012

guitstik said:
What kind of cell phone do you have? I have several free light meter apps on my iPhone that work great.

+1 to this. The app I uses I use (Light Meter and Fotometer Pro) are both highly accurate and very simple to use.

BrianL · Jan 23, 2012

I have the AEII for my Bronica ETRS and it gives me excellent results. The later AEIII overcomes some of the limits of use of the II. I find the metered prism to be faster than using a handheld, as it converts the camera to AE mode.

I find that I use my handheld meters about 75% of the time, easier to work with if wanting to be a bit more creative. I could easily live with the AEII full time due to results but to be creative requires adjusting the iso, etc., just easier to go handheld. Plus easier to go handheld if wanting to meter other than the area the in-camera meter covers which for me is very often.

Considering the average price of most metered prisms, a hendhald can be had for bargain pricing and can be used with other cameras. I use mine to meter my dslr as the dslr is just too much information overload when using its meter, detracting from the composing and developing the emption of the photo taking experience.

Neither of my meters cost over about $50 so it does not take big bucks to get an excellent meter; mine are are a Metrastar and Weston Ranger.

stavrosk · Jan 23, 2012

I dont think there is any way to replace bulb metering with the cameras internal meter. Maybe if you shoot landscapes with little contrast you will be fine but if you shoot portraits, backlight, details etc. a light meter is irreplaceable.

Jeff Kubach · Jan 23, 2012

I will go for a handheld meter also.

Jeff

MattKing · Jan 23, 2012

I'd recommend a handheld meter, but if you want to look for a medium format camera with built in meter, I'd suggest a Mamiya 645e.

In my mind, built in meters are most valuable if you do macro/close focus work.

mbsmith · Jan 23, 2012

I'm not sure what you are considering "cheap," but you can find Bronica SQ-A kits with ME prism for between $300-$400. Although it looks like you're leaning toward 6x7 and 645... then you'd have to add a 645 back for the SQ.

Poisson Du Jour · Jan 23, 2012

TTL prism meters for the 67 (new versions have an auto-off after 20 seconds) can often be found mint/new for around USD$350. They are surprisingly heavy though. You'll be carrying extra weight anyhow by way of a handheld meter!

ParkerSmithPhoto · Jan 23, 2012

A handheld meter will give you the ability to do both reflected and incident metering, as well as meter strobes. The Sekonic Flashmate is a great choice, inexpensive and the size of a deck of cards.

A metered prism only gives you reflected readings, which are nearly useless in a studio. The handheld meter is a far more practical choice for the photographer.

Pumalite · Jan 23, 2012

Handheld Meter hands down

guitstik · Jan 23, 2012

smolk · Jan 23, 2012

Aristophanes said:
+1 to this. The app I uses I use (Light Meter and Fotometer Pro) are both highly accurate and very simple to use.

Ah, thank you so much! I was completely unaware of this. Have now found several options, and found an article useful which I cannot yet post but is found by Googling tutsplus quick tip iphone lightmeter .
Perhaps the last one featured is not a true incident meter, but the apps are useful as you probably always carry a phone. I do anyway. Although I raerly use it for phonecalls I detest phones. But the apps and email are handy

fotch · Jan 23, 2012

If you can have only one meter, I would choose a handheld meter. That said, it is handy sometimes to have a built in meter, however, I have more confidense when I use a handheld meter or can check the built in meter with it, if time permits.

markbarendt · Jan 23, 2012

One of the advantages of hand held meters is that you only have to learn one meter and the guessing goes away.

To use an analogy think of it this way.

If you have one clock you know the time, if you have two and they disagree, there is doubt as to which to believe.

I have an F100, several N90s's, an FM, an RB with a metered prism, the "i" apps, and a Sekonic L358.

Make no mistake, all are capable of good readings with proper understanding.

But by a significant margin, the Sekonic incident meter is the most reliable at producing good negatives. In fact almost I find it almost infallible in my little world. I literally can't remember a single exposure failure when I have used it in the last few years.

Built in Meter? Yes? No?

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