Gossen Luna Pro-F Repair

[Joe VanCleave]

Folks;

I've owned, and enjoyed using, my Gossen Luna Pro-F meter since the early 1990's. Last week, while doing some calibration tests against an old Zeiss Ikon camera with built in meter, I noticed that my Gossen appears to be giving incorrect readings in bright light, at least 2 stops over. I've checked all the usual suspects (battery, exposure compensation dial, incident vs reflective, etc) and I can't find a reason, other than it appears that it's time for it to be sent in.

I should also say that I've checked the meter's reading against 2 different cameras whose in-camera meter I trust to be pretty close.

Do you know if Gossen themselves (now owned by Bogen) will perform repairs on these older meters, or do I have to find some 3rd party repair facility? Any recommendations?

I do prefer the analog meter readout on the Luna Pro-F, so I'm not sure if I'm ready for a new digital meter.

~Joe

 

[Changeling1]

The best light meter repair facility in the business... in beautiful downtown Hollywood- across from the Chinese Theater.

Quality Light Metric Co
7095 Hollywood Blvd Ste 550
Los Angeles, CA 90028-8912
Phone: (323) 467-2265

I've noticed that Gossen meters tend to read a stop (or so) under than most other meters.

 

[fotch]

I have the same meter and several years ago, had a similar problem. Called Bogen, they said it was a common problem with that model and offered a trade in to the latest comparable meter, all digital, for something like $250.

I indicated I only wanted to get it repaired, and they quoted a lower price, I think around $140, so sent it to them. A short time later, got it back, and has worked perfectly ever since.

I may be off with the exact prices mention but it should be close. Although disappointed in the brand quality somewhat, I was pleased with Bogen and the outcome.

I have an older Gossen meter that never had a problem but the Pro-F is my favorite and it meters flash.

Good Luck.

 

[Anscojohn]

[
I've noticed that Gossen meters tend to read a stop (or so) under than most other meters.[/QUOTE]

Ditto on Quality Light Metric. I believe the Luna Pro is calibrated for 36 % reflectance, rather than 18 %.

 

[Moopheus]

I've noticed that Gossen meters tend to read a stop (or so) under than most other meters.

I haven't noticed that with my Luna Pro F. Or at least, in daylight, it seems to be consistent with what you'd expect from the "sunny 16" rule. In any case, it seems to work, whatever it's doing, so I can't complain.

 

[fotch]

Before the malfunction of the Pro F or after the repair, I fine the Pro F to be the same as several other meters including readings of my F3 off of a 18% Gray card. YMMV

 

[Joe VanCleave]

Just an update, I shipped my Gossen Luna Pro F out to Quality Light Metric in Hollywood, CA on Monday, via USPA Priority Mail. Wednesday they called with a diagnosis and repair estimate of around $70. Wow! Fast turn-around time. I expect the meter back by next week. They said it was a problem on the circuit board, and it was reading about 2 stops over.

~Joe

 

[AgX]

Do you know if Gossen themselves (now owned by Bogen) will perform repairs on these older meters, or do I have to find some 3rd party repair facility?

Gossen is not owned by Bogen. And their lightmeters are only a small part of their product range.
http://www.gossen.de/english/seiten/groupofcompanies.htm

 

[Joe VanCleave]

Just an update; I received my Luna Pro F in the mail from Quality Light Metric, earlier this week. The work was first-rate, the meter appears to be dead on accurate, and it includes a calibration sticker to boot!

Total bill was $78us. I would highly recommend them for meter repair. Great work, moderate cost and fast turnaround and shipping.

~Joe

 

[jmcd]

My Luna Pro F has been right on the money and a pleasure to use for over 15 years. But last week the meter started sticking on until the battery ran down. I sent it to Quality Light Metric, but they said the whole circuit board has gone bad and they cannot fix it, but perhaps Bogen can. While I will miss that meter, I feel I got my money's worth. And I might get it fixed yet.

 

[alanrockwood]

Mine is also reading way off from my camera's meter.

My solution might be to sell the old meter and buy a more modern Sekonic meter... still haven't decided though.