Looking for a good light meter

EASmithV · Mar 15, 2009

I shoot everything from 135 to 8x10, and It's time I upgraded to a nice light meter. I was wondering if you could recommend a meter based on the following criteria:

I need a meter that can tank through really bad weather and a lot of abuse. I want something that has the capability to do both incident and reflective light metering. It also has to be able to be a flash meter (possibly studio lighting). Also, I'm trying to keep it somewhere in the range of $300 and under.

Thanks a million.

Christopher Walrath · Mar 15, 2009

Although I never exposed it to weather I would recommend the Sekonic L358C for flash and studio work, outdoors as well. For the built like a tank and take it everywhere type, get an old Weston Master IV (or so). Should come with the invercone. Can't really flash/studio with it though.

EASmithV · Mar 15, 2009

I used to have a Weston master IV, but the glass broke and fell inside and cut some fine wiring.

EASmithV · Mar 15, 2009

Dead Link Removed

What do you think?

eunkefer · Mar 16, 2009

I have been real happy with the JTL LM8.
http://www.jtl-lighting.com/light-meters.html

chriscrawfordphoto · Mar 16, 2009

Sekonic L-508 is weathersealed and mine has taken a lot of abuse since I got it 8 yrs ago. I regularly get it rained on. Used ones sell under your budget. Has incident and built in zoom-spot meter (zooms from 10 to 1 degree, I always keep mine at the 1 deg. setting).

2F/2F · Mar 16, 2009

Call me an idiot, but I love the Gossen Digiflash. It is overpriced, and will not win any ribbons in light meter contests, but it does what it needs to do, and is the most convenient to carry light meter I've used. It may not be built like a tank, but its size and cheap plastic case make it less likely to get damaged.

benjiboy · Mar 16, 2009

Have a look at this one http://www.photosolution.co.uk/sekonic-l-358-flash-master-p-917.html?currency=USD , I believe it meets with all your specifications, I have one and am very happy with it.

Brandon D. · Mar 16, 2009

archphoto · Mar 16, 2009

Looking at the spec's and as you sugested yourself: the L 358 seems to fit the bill.
Sekonic has a good reputation.

Peter

Christopher Walrath · Mar 16, 2009

And looking at the pricing at Adorama I woud suggest a reputable seller on ebay, et al. Not to rub any faces in it but I sold one early last year to a lady in Minnesota for $175. A 358 that is. Deals are out there. But that 358 is a lower price than when I purchased mine around 2000.

white.elephant · Mar 17, 2009

I third or fourth the suggestions for a 358. I've used my Sekonic meter in all sorts of crap, and I love it. And their customer service is great as well.

EASmithV · Mar 20, 2009

What about a Sekonic L-758D? It has spot metering, incident, reflective, all the features that the 358 does, only the thing that throws me off is the "D". Supposedly this camera has been made with digital cameras in mind? What exactly does that mean?

craigclu · Mar 21, 2009

A Sekonic that I have used is the lesser-known L-718. They seem quite affordable when they come up in the used market. Attached is the quick card showing its basic features. I've got a pdf of the manual if you wish to study any more of the particulars. It's a very intuitive-to-use, solid performer.

Looking for a good light meter

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