How do I use a handheld light meter? I have a Sekonic L-308S and it's confusing

[MattKing]

While on the subject of meters. I have a Luna-Pro F, and I just inserted a new Lithium 9V battery. The battery test button sends the needle off the scale, like it is getting way too much voltage. Should I not use lithium and go beck to regular alkaline cells like a Duracell or Energizer, or is there an internal regulator in the Luna-Pro which will still give me accurate readings with a strong battery. I prefer to use the long lasting lithium cell if it doesn't throw off the meter.

Welcome to APUG!

When compared with alkaline cells, lithium batteries respond quite differently to loads.

Your Luna-Pro F pre-dated lithium cells by a considerable length of time. It wasn't designed with them in mind.

My experience with the non-F version of the meter leads me to the belief that the regular alkaline batteries last a long time anyways.

I wouldn't use one unless I had something from Gossen that indicated it was okay.

 

[Mark Feldstein]

While on the subject of meters. I have a Luna-Pro F, and I just inserted a new Lithium 9V battery. The battery test button sends the needle off the scale, like it is getting way too much voltage. Should I not use lithium and go beck to regular alkaline cells like a Duracell or Energizer, or is there an internal regulator in the Luna-Pro which will still give me accurate readings with a strong battery. I prefer to use the long lasting lithium cell if it doesn't throw off the meter.

It might just need calibration. BUT to be sure, call these guys at Camera Repair Instrument Service (CRIS). They'll tell you what recommended power supply to use in it and they're also the authorized service center for Gossen. CRIS can be reached at:
Manfrotto Service @ C.R.I.S.
250 North 54th St
Chandler, AZ 85226

P: 480-940-1103
E: manfrottoservice@criscam.com

Take it light ;>)
Mark

 

[removed account4]

manuals are good

 

[Sirius Glass]

manuals are good

They are even better when one actually reads them, so I am told.

 

[gleaf]

Some humor injection. I first saw the title and thought...Well the mental cartoon was both hands already full of camera, extra lens, roll of film, etc. So the only place to hold the light meter would be perhaps to bite gently... Seriously, good daylight and a 11% gray card and you should get f=16 at 1/60th. A very handy quick check on any meter.