Pentax Spotmeter V, worth it?

[bluechromis]

I need a spot meter and was recently given a Pentax Spotmeter V. Though this originally used three mercury G-13 cells, there are alternative batteries. But I have heard people say that as the batteries discharge, that accuracy falls off. So, one has to constantly test it for accuracy. The frequent suggestion was that it was not worth the trouble and that it was better to get a digital spot meter. What do you think?

 

[koraks]

This one was free. See what a digital spot meter costs. Then decide if it's worth messing about a bit with batteries.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

This one was free. See what a digital spot meter costs. Then decide if it's worth messing about a bit with batteries.

Exactly!

 

[Chuck_P]

I've been using my Pentax Spot Meter V for years, it does a fine job for me. A friend sold me his in 2005 for $25 bucks. I just replace the batteries at least once a year, maybe sooner, depending on how much it's getting used and it seems to keep performing well.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Do not look a gift horse in the mouth. Check the batteries regularly until you know the pattern. Enjoy it.

 

[bluechromis]

I've been using my Pentax Spot Meter V for years, it does a fine job for me. A friend sold me his in 2005 for $25 bucks. I just replace the batteries at least once a year, maybe sooner, depending on how much it's getting used and it seems to keep performing well.

Thanks Chuck. What type of batteries do you use?

 

[Bill Burk]

That one looks like it uses three MS-76

 

[Chuck_P]

Thanks Chuck. What type of batteries do you use?

It's three small Duracell batteries with designation 303 - 357.

 

[Chan Tran]

The meter was designed to use 3 alkaline or 3 siver oxide batteries. The meter cell is silicon photo diode and most circuitry designed for silicon photodiode or photo transistor are not voltage sensitve like those designed for CdS cell. So I think you shouldn't worry about batteries and the reading whether or not accurate won't be affected by battery voltage.

 

[drboone]

I need a spot meter and was recently given a Pentax Spotmeter V. Though this originally used three mercury G-13 cells, there are alternative batteries. But I have heard people say that as the batteries discharge, that accuracy falls off. So, one has to constantly test it for accuracy. The frequent suggestion was that it was not worth the trouble and that it was better to get a digital spot meter. What do you think?

This sounds like the usual description of the alkaline battery voltage curve. The solution is to use silver oxide cells instead. The internet seems to think that the SR44 is the equivalent.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

This sounds like the usual description of the alkaline battery voltage curve. The solution is to use silver oxide cells instead. The internet seems to think that the SR44 is the equivalent.

or look for the much more expensive successor model, the Digital PentaxSpotmeter, which is perfect for the Zone System and what AA used.

 

[Chan Tran]

I need a spot meter and was recently given a Pentax Spotmeter V. Though this originally used three mercury G-13 cells, there are alternative batteries. But I have heard people say that as the batteries discharge, that accuracy falls off. So, one has to constantly test it for accuracy. The frequent suggestion was that it was not worth the trouble and that it was better to get a digital spot meter. What do you think?

I suggest that you constantly check for accuracy. I expect you find no change.

 

[Chuck_P]

or look for the much more expensive successor model, the Digital PentaxSpotmeter, which is perfect for the Zone System and what AA used.

There's no way I could justify the cost of switching to the digital model considering the job the analog model has been doing for me in the years I've had it and using the ZS.

 

[JIM-UK]

I need a spot meter and was recently given a Pentax Spotmeter V. Though this originally used three mercury G-13 cells, there are alternative batteries. But I have heard people say that as the batteries discharge, that accuracy falls off. So, one has to constantly test it for accuracy. The frequent suggestion was that it was not worth the trouble and that it was better to get a digital spot meter. What do you think?

I have that exact meter, and it's pretty much perfect in every way. It is the model Ansel Adams designed his Zone System with. I don't really use the zone system, more like my own basic interpretation of it, and the analogue display makes it so easy.
It uses standard LR44 or SR44 button cells, and has a built-in battery level check.
LR44 batteries are as cheap as chips, SR44 batteries are better and only cost slightly more. I replace the batteries around once per year at a cost of about £2 ($2.50). It takes 1 minute.
The digital version is much more expensive and gives you nothing more. Light is a linear, analogue, medium. Linear, analogue, light meters are just... well... better than digital! There, I said it.

 

[Bill Burk]

There's no way I could justify the cost of switching to the digital model considering the job the analog model has been doing for me in the years I've had it and using the ZS.

The digital is smaller, lighter and more rugged than Spotmeter V but if yours is working fine, there’s nothing like “scanning” the scene for highs and lows. With the digital you have to pick a spot.

 

[Chuck_P]

The digital is smaller, lighter and more rugged than Spotmeter V but if yours is working fine, there’s nothing like “scanning” the scene for highs and lows. With the digital you have to pick a spot.

I hadn't thought of it that way with a digital meter Bill, but yes, watching the needle move from one luminance reading to another as I move it around the scene is quite ok.

 

[Sirius Glass]

"If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you are with" Stephen Stills of Crosby, Nash, Stills and Young