Pentax digital spot meter

Hello,

I'm looking for a Pentax digital spot meter and haven't had any real luck finding it online (new that is).

Are they manufactured any longer?

Would "that auction site" and other used shops be my only option? I have found some used ones.

Thanks,

Mike

Yeah, I don't think Pentax actually makes these meters anymore, but they are reasonably plentiful on the used market, as you mentioned. I actually did see one "new" (new old stock) on the shelf of Competitive Camera in Dallas, TX a year or two ago. I think it was marked around $800. For my money, I'll spend less than half of that on a perfectly reliable used one, or just spring for a Sekonic L-5 or 7 series, or Gossen Starlite 'multi-meter'. Those can be got new if you must have a brand new meter for closer to $500.

You might want to reconsider a new Pentax if it is of the last batch. I also couldn't find a new one stateside and bought one from Robert White, of the last batch manufactured. Very nice meter except the spot it actually metered was not the spot that was marked in the viewfinder - I tested it on a bare light bulb to determine this.

So I contacted Robert White, told them what the problem was and returned it. They tested it also and agreed with me, the spot actually metered was about 1/2 the diameter of the spot beneath the marked spot. They offered me my money back and said all the others they had left tested the same way. I had them return the meter to Pentax and it was returned in the same condition, so I asked for, and received a refund.

I ended up buying a good used Zone VI meter (it meters the marked spot) and having Richard Ritter give it a calibration and checkup, and I'm happy with what I have.

Cheers, Steve

I got mine brand new from Calumet on Highland in L.A. about three years ago to replace my Pentax 1/21 meter. At that time, it was the only place I could find that stocked them. It was $500. At the time, Pentax listed it on their Website.

Thanks guys, good info as always.