For all the money and time spend on bad selenium lightmeters I could have bought at least two or three Sekonic L-398A.
Time to cut the losses, stop playing around and support a current player.
I understand your sentiment, but I wouldn't be too harsh about half a stop. That's almost insignificant with both B&W and color negative film.
When I was in the same frame-of-mind as you, I looked for L-398A also. I like the concept of, both, the selenium cell and the optional direct reading grids. Had a hard time finding a bargain. So opted for a Gossen LunaPro SBC. Sure, it has a battery but at least it's a very common battery that is available everywhere.
I have a collection of old light meters. I never paid more than a few dollars each for them.
Is that for BW negative film or for chromes?I’m holding it according to the manual. A tad downwards.
But my test measurement was done in daylight pointed to a white wall.
With the measurement read/stop done at exactly the same moment.
So that should take spectral sensitivity differences and changing light out of the equation.
I also checked it against my best Ikophot of approximately the same vintage.
It actually seemed to agree a bit more with that one. Though it’s hard to be sure since the Ikophot does not have as precise markings on the dial.
Is that for BW negative film or for chromes?
Old hand held meters are emblematic of a time when a photographer had to measure the light to expose a piece of film. Meters are rarely used in the age of chimping images once they're taken.That's happening to me as well, but not by design. Had a few that were not at all usable, like the little Sekoninc L 188 that is the perfect size but gives readings that are wildly crazy. I tried opening it up and fiddling w/ things, but there's not much there, it either works right or it don't.
So I bought a Leningrad selenium meter that was as accurate as anything w/ a battery, even in really low light. The thing looked like new, so maybe it had not seen the sun much. I seldom it because it's a darned big meter, and I finally went to a Gossen Pilot.
Then I sold the only meter-less camera, and the Gossen keeps the Sekonic company in a drawer w/ some lens caps. Free, free at last! At least until the next Retina Ia or TLR shows up.
Old hand held meters are emblematic of a time when a photographer had to measure the light to expose a piece of film. Meters are rarely used in the age of chimping images once they're taken.
Yes, but they became specialty items long before chimping. Once in-camera light meters became common a vast majority of users no longer had the need.Old hand held meters are emblematic of a time when a photographer had to measure the light to expose a piece of film. Meters are rarely used in the age of chimping images once they're taken.
Whenever I loan something out, which I rarely do, I leave a little white card with the name of the person I loaned it to and the date wherever the item was that helps to remember who has it and since when.The Pilots are little jewels. Mine has a bit of history, it got loaned to a friend, and not returned, I then bought 3 or 4 that failed. Some time later the friend died, his estate donated it along with the rest of his gear it to a non-profit gallery we were both members of, and I bought it back during one of their fund-raising sales. It's still working, but no more loaning it out.
I only use film, you can't "chimp" that.Old hand held meters are emblematic of a time when a photographer had to measure the light to expose a piece of film. Meters are rarely used in the age of chimping images once they're taken.
How a good and WORKING lightmeter can become some kind of an obsession, I couldn't live whitout...
View attachment 298049
They all went to the hairdresser before having their picture taken!
I have the same bad addiction. I have close to 10 light meters of various accuracy and usefulness. I even have a light meter phone app which is pretty accurate. I used to buy them on ebay for about $5-10 each. Mine are all used and some have writing on the case. All of them have dings and scratches. I love that because each meter has a story to tell.How a good and WORKING lightmeter can become some kind of an obsession, I couldn't live whitout...
View attachment 298049
They all went to the hairdresser before having their picture taken!
I'm going to have to catch up with you folks... I only have 6 (that I know about).I have the same bad addiction. I have close to 10 light meters of various accuracy and usefulness. I even have a light meter phone app which is pretty accurate. I used to buy them on ebay for about $5-10 each. Mine are all used and some have writing on the case. All of them have dings and scratches. I love that because each meter has a story to tell.
They all serve a particular purpose.Do you rotate your use of the meters or does each on have its own job?
Bought this one for € 10.-
Swiftly compared to my SEKONIC L-358 and it looks good.
I have an old Weston light meter. Sunny 16 is more accurate, which isn't saying much. I never use it. Of course, you can wear it on a lanyard around your neck and look cool.
Do you rotate your use of the meters or does each on have its own job?
it is consistently one stop high. If I ever can figure out how to adjust that it might be a very useful meter.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?