Reveni Meter

[madNbad]

A few weeks ago when Huss was selling his Reveni meter he tried to get across how small it was. Recently, I bought a Sekonic L-398a, actually another in a long line of 398s I have bought and sold. Here it is next to the Reveni for comparison:

 

[AgX]

You might even add a Profisix ....

Thank you for this telling comparison.



(My smallest sample is a Capital selenium meter, in the ballpark of the Reveni. Thus there had been a tiny meter before. But mine is dead...)

 

[abruzzi]

yeah, I'm interested in the Reveni spot, because 1 degree spot meters are even worse--the Pentax meters, the Minolta Spotmeter, are huge. My Sekonic L-508 is one of the smaller 1 degree spots meters I've seen, and its still pretty big. The Reveni spot is 1.5 degrees, but for my purposes, its close enough.

 

[Nitroplait]

yeah, I'm interested in the Reveni spot, because 1 degree spot meters are even worse--the Pentax meters.

Yeah. I have a Pentax Spotmeter III. It only comes out with all the large format gear that needs several bags and motorised transportation anyway.

Be sure to understand that "combined view" principle used in the Reveni spot. It is like having both eyes open when using a rangefinder. It does not work for everyone.

 

[abruzzi]

yeah, I'm aware of how it works, thats why I'm waiting for some real world reviews. All I've seen so far are "influencers" who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw my 8x10.

 

[StrangestStranger]

yeah, I'm aware of how it works, thats why I'm waiting for some real world reviews. All I've seen so far are "influencers" who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw my 8x10.

I'm not an "influencer" and I use the Reveni spot meter and really enjoy it. My other spot meter is the sekonic L778 and it is a big meter to carry when you are just out for casual photography. I usually just carry that when i'm shooting large format. I used to use my phone to do metering with casual photography, now i use the reveni meter. it hangs around my neck and is small an inconspicuous (the L778 could be mistaken for a small gun). i use the zone system, so having that built into the meter is really nice. having both eyes open is not that hard to get used to with this meter. the hardest thing to get used to is that you have to keep your eyes straight ahead and move your head to look at other parts of the scene. you can't just move your eyes. most of the review videos don't really mention that. I recommend the meter.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

A friend lent me his. I was shocked at how tiny it is. I'm going to play with it and compare to my Minolta F sometime after this weekend.

 

[Chan Tran]

The one in the picture isn't a spotmeter. It's 45 degree reflective. To compare you would need a Minolta with 40 degree angle of acceptance or so. A spot meter would be a bit hard to do comparison.

 

[madNbad]

A friend lent me his. I was shocked at how tiny it is. I'm going to play with it and compare to my Minolta F sometime after this weekend.

There are actually two versions of the reflective meter. Using the original Kickstarter version will take a reading then hold it, even if you move across a scene with changes in lighting. You have to allow the meter to reset and push the button for a new reading in each part of the scene. The updated model will give a new reading as you encounter different lighting. I was using both with them mounted in the accessory shoe but found the lanyard is more convenient.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

There are actually two versions of the reflective meter. Using the original Kickstarter version will take a reading then hold it, even if you move across a scene with changes in lighting. You have to allow the meter to reset and push the button for a new reading in each part of the scene. The updated model will give a new reading as you encounter different lighting. I was using both with them mounted in the accessory shoe but found the lanyard is more convenient.

It's the most recent one.

 

[cirwin2010]

yeah, I'm aware of how it works, thats why I'm waiting for some real world reviews. All I've seen so far are "influencers" who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw my 8x10.

I have an Reveni spot meter. From my testing, it is about as accurate ah my old Pentax Spot Meter and Sekonic L-778 meter. I don't like using my Pentax Spot meter, as nice as it is, due to its size. The Reveni meter can easily stay around my neck or fit in my pocket, plus it comes with all the extra software features for calculating and comparing exposures that my Pentax meter lacks.

It isn't perfect though. I would say it does not completely replace the reflective meter in certain circumstances. Also you cannot see through the Reveni spot meter like a traditional spot meter. This may take some getting used to and may have some implications with accuracy at close distances. Though I have not noticed any problems getting an accurate reading at distances greater than a few feet.

I did unfortunately have some issues with my copy of the Reveni Spot meter. The battery door had some cracks, but I got a replacement in the mail after sending an email. My unit also has some issues with the batteries not having good contact. It would take some fiddling to get them in the right spot. Plus my unit is having issues with connecting to my computer(s), preventing me from installing important firmware updates. After a couple of back and forth emails, Reveni Labs is going to be sending me a new, up-to-date meter.

I think the issues I was having with my copy is a bit out of the norm for these and support for the meter has been good. With that out of the way, I really like the meter and minus those issues, it is perfect for my needs for shooting landscapes. The major selling point is the size and weight of the unit, plus some of the software features you get at a cost much cheaper than new, modern spot meters from Sekonic.

 

[logan2z]

I'm in the market for a 1-degree spot meter and considered the Reveni. This may sound shallow, but I can't get past how cheaply made it looks. I don't know what this would have done to the cost of the product, but even a simple moulded plastic case would have looked much better than the current 3d-printed case.

I really wish Sekonic would come out with a no-frills 1-degree spot meter - no touch screen or any of the other "features" they currently pack into their meters that few people need. If that were in the $300-$400 range I think they'd have a winner.

 

[madNbad]

I'm in the market for a 1-degree spot meter and considered the Reveni. This may sound shallow, but I can't get past how cheaply made it looks. I don't know what this would have done to the cost of the product, but even a simple moulded plastic case would have looked much better than the current 3d-printed case.

I really wish Sekonic would come out with a no-frills 1-degree spot meter - no touch screen or any of the other "features" they currently pack into their meters that few people need. If that were in the $300-$400 range I think they'd have a winner.

Reveni Labs uses a nylon composite for their 3D printing and it’s surprisingly robust. My problem has been battery life.

 

[Chan Tran]

I'm in the market for a 1-degree spot meter and considered the Reveni. This may sound shallow, but I can't get past how cheaply made it looks. I don't know what this would have done to the cost of the product, but even a simple moulded plastic case would have looked much better than the current 3d-printed case.

I really wish Sekonic would come out with a no-frills 1-degree spot meter - no touch screen or any of the other "features" they currently pack into their meters that few people need. If that were in the $300-$400 range I think they'd have a winner.

It's the problem with low volume manufacturing.

 

[logan2z]

Reveni Labs uses a nylon composite for their 3D printing and it’s surprisingly robust. My problem has been battery life.

I'm not questioning the robustness, just the appearance of the case that, IMHO, gives the product a cheap look.

Maybe I'm being unfair by expecting too much from a 1-degree spot meter that - at a relatively inexpensive US$175 - is much more affordable than its competition.

 

[abruzzi]

I'm not an "influencer" and I use the Reveni spot meter and really enjoy it. My other spot meter is the sekonic L778 and it is a big meter to carry when you are just out for casual photography. I usually just carry that when i'm shooting large format. I used to use my phone to do metering with casual photography, now i use the reveni meter. it hangs around my neck and is small an inconspicuous (the L778 could be mistaken for a small gun). i use the zone system, so having that built into the meter is really nice. having both eyes open is not that hard to get used to with this meter. the hardest thing to get used to is that you have to keep your eyes straight ahead and move your head to look at other parts of the scene. you can't just move your eyes. most of the review videos don't really mention that. I recommend the meter.

Thanks. It’s good to hear feedback from real users. The “influencers” on YouTube seem too much like people that were given one, spent a half a day with it, then recorded a 10 minute video. It’s good to hear real feedback. It’s still on my list, but it’s likely I’ll try one within the next 6 months.

 

[madNbad]

I bought my first reflective meter from another member who backed the Kickstarter and was less than impressed when it arrived. After using it for a few months, I found for my needs it was worth the trade off to move from a Sekonic 308. I didn’t need flash metering and the OLED screen was bright and easy to read. It was also adjustable enough to match the readings from the Sekonic. It may be an ugly duckling but it’s small enough to carry in a pocket and be almost unnoticeable. Owning the original gave me the confidence the new version would be better. The spot meter seems to be along the same lines. Designed to do one thing but looking forward to input to develop a better and more useable product.

 

[Sirius Glass]

yeah, I'm aware of how it works, thats why I'm waiting for some real world reviews. All I've seen so far are "influencers" who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw my 8x10.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I am concerned about its robustness.
I am not happy with the 1.5° FOV, I prefer 1° FOV.
I have to correct for the Zone system with it.
As with all spot meters I have to correct for any contrast filters.
It does not look like a gun.

 

[bags27]

Like my Reveni spot meter, though have only used it maybe 4 or 5 times.

Super light. Yes, it does "feel" flimsy, but time will tell.

The maker is terrifically responsive to issues.

 

[abruzzi]

I am concerned about its robustness.
I am not happy with the 1.5° FOV, I prefer 1° FOV.
I have to correct for the Zone system with it.
As with all spot meters I have to correct for any contrast filters.
It does not look like a gun.

I will admit that the coarse "3d printed" look of the outer shell does put me off some. I don't know if its an issue in the real world, it may just be my prejudice showing, but I'd prefer the outer shell was CNC machined out of solid osmium. You wouldn't mind that it doesn't look like a gun, if it was as heavy as one.

Also, as Nitroplait mentioned above, I do wonder about the 2-eye convergence thing. I personally would definitly pay significantly more than the CAD$225 for something with real optics, but was still small, but somewhat larger (as long as its smaller than my Minolta Spotmeter).

 

[madNbad]

Remember, the target market for Reveni and a few other successful Kickstarter products is a young person who is becoming more interested in film photography. Curmudgeon, like me, can sit around and tell stories about when gas was a quarter a gallon, all of the film had long leaders and a hundred feet of Tri-X was twenty bucks but someone who is new to photography has different needs. Introducing a spot meter that fits in your pocket and doesn’t cost a months pay opens up a path for those who want to try it but don’t want a huge, expensive meter or a relic that needs a battery adapter. I bought the Sekonic because I’ve always had a 398 and missed having one around. It’ll get used, just not as much as the Reveni.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I will admit that the coarse "3d printed" look of the outer shell does put me off some. I don't know if its an issue in the real world, it may just be my prejudice showing, but I'd prefer the outer shell was CNC machined out of solid osmium. You wouldn't mind that it doesn't look like a gun, if it was as heavy as one.

Also, as Nitroplait mentioned above, I do wonder about the 2-eye convergence thing. I personally would definitly pay significantly more than the CAD$225 for something with real optics, but was still small, but somewhat larger (as long as its smaller than my Minolta Spotmeter).

I look with one eye with my Pentax Digital Spot Meter so two eyed convergence is not a problem. As far as others statements about only using with LF equipment, I use it with my Hasselblad when appropriate, but not with my Nikon F100, because it has a spot meter capability built in.

 

[grat]

yeah, I'm aware of how it works, thats why I'm waiting for some real world reviews. All I've seen so far are "influencers" who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw my 8x10.

Matt Marrash may have a YouTube channel, but he's not what I would consider an influencer. Most of the time he's hauling around a Tachihara 8x10, and taking some very nice photos that he prints with multiple processes. He's been using the Reveni Spot for some time now.

 

[abruzzi]

well, the few videos of his I've seen have really turned me off to him. The seemed more like advertisements than informative. I know a lot of people like his videos, and thats great, but I like to hear from people that don't have an income dependant on their youtube videos.