Hence the need to have them, like any other meter, calibrated.
Spot meters may not really be more accurate; they just measure smaller areas. So, perhaps, that makes spot meter users small minded. LOL
I can understand the need for a spot meter when using larger films but if I'm only using 135, what would be the benefit?
My understanding is that all Zone VI Studio meters were modified meters from other meter companies. The reason most calibration companies will not touch them is that they are not set up with sources set to his spectral set ups.
I can understand the need for a spot meter when using larger films but if I'm only using 135, what would be the benefit?
It has little to do with film format. Using a spot meter is all about gathering more precise data about light levels to aid in making exposure determination. In “average situations” the results from spot readings, when averaged, are going to be about the same as a general-coverage light reading.
So, spot meters are beneficial in difficult lighting. High contrast scenes or trying to expose for deep shadows. Currently, I use an incident readings exclusively, using the palm of my hand for readings that cover a broader area. It seems more consistent than an average of several reflective readings. This is really a situation where I would like to learn from those that use it as their metering technique.
So, spot meters are beneficial in difficult lighting. High contrast scenes or trying to expose for deep shadows. Currently, I use an incident readings exclusively, using the palm of my hand for readings that cover a broader area. It seems more consistent than an average of several reflective readings. This is really a situation where I would like to learn from those that use it as their metering technique.
I have a bunch of meters, including a spot meter, and use most of them regularly. Least used is the spot meter. Probably 97.8% of my photographs are exposed based on a general-coverage reflected reading or an incident light reading. Including large format.
My favorite use of the spot meter is to do scene analysis when NOT photographing. Trains the eye to better see scenes where averaged readings might be misleading. Better than watching TV or spending too much time on computers, forums, Amazon or ebay!
It’s okay with me that some folks like spot metering and zone system and suffering for their art; I don’t have that kind of time to waste.
A big part of my paring down equipment was to find the spot where I had what I needed without a lot of excess. I find myself focusing more on details of a scene, not so much of the over all and that was why I decided to go with a 308 instead of one of the bigger meters with a built in spot meter. I had a Sekonic 408 for a while but the spot meter was hazy and the LCD was hard to read in some light. I looked at a L558 but didn't want anything that big. Keep the suggestions comming.
I've been considering getting one. Love the simplicity of it. One thing I don't understand is your "Zone modified" comment. People say this often about this meter, but I fail to understand what does it mean? It's a simple EV scale... ready to be used with the zone system. What is there to modify?
Understood!
I paired down to 2 meters. Gossen Luna-Pro with battery adapter and Gossen Luna-Pro SBC. Both do reflected and incident readings. The SBC is larger but the dial has a cool feature to help manage filter factors. So generally I use the Luna-Pro and if using filters, the SBC.
For quite a while I was using Weston meters, Iii and V. Both with Invercones for incident readings. Great meters but the print in the dial is just too small for my current vision. So into a box for storage they went. I am doubt vision will be improving but maybe I’ll be willing to carry a mag glass some day.
The Sekonic L-558 gets pulled out when I’m expecting “unusual” situations, like described above by GregY, or using flash. A very expensive way of dealing with minority situations. It made more sense when I bought it. In hindsight, though, it made sense mostly because of some windfall money that was available at the time.
I can understand the need for a spot meter when using larger films but if I'm only using 135, what would be the benefit?
Hey! I made a spot meter thread! If spot meters are so accurate, they can find the proper thread!
Guess you may as well rename this thread and start a new one for non-spot meters!
ha ha
It was this thread that started me looking at spot meters. Seeing a lot of aging, expensive beast as the best option was not encouraging. I had two Reveni cube meters and loved them but tired of the inconsistent battery life. After researching the spot meter and knowing it had been on the market long enough to shake out the initial problems, liking the company and really wanting to support the Reveni crew, it’s not that big of an investment to give it a try. If I like it, great! If not, it’s a learning experience.
Also they’re now bundled with the AAA battery pack.
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