Sekonic 1 degree spot problem (L-358)

[DrPablo]

When using my sekonic L-358 1 degree spot attachment, my meter grossly underestimates the amount of light. It gives me readings 6 or 7 stops over what I get with regional metering.

It seems as if the meter itself can't compensate for the limited amount of light that comes in with the spot attachment.

Am I missing something here?

And by the way, I'm not looking through the wrong end of the spot finder.

 

[glbeas]

Did you set it to the correct measuring mode after mounting the spot attachment?

 

[DrPablo]

I can't find anything in the manual that indicates a different metering mode is needed for the spot attachment.

 

[dickie vaara]

That's a really nice meter, but there's always the chance you have a lemon. Try an EI setting 6 to 7 stops slower or faster than normal and see where your readings fall.
What is the total range of stops in the scene you were metering? I have a hunch there is an easy fix to this; if not, you need a photo technician on this one. Hope the answer comes soon.

Richard Vaara
Everett, WA

 

[glbeas]

I can't find anything in the manual that indicates a different metering mode is needed for the spot attachment.

I did notice mention of that in the quick start mode, not spot attachment specifically but in switching to reflected mode. It doesn't specify anything relative to the spot attachments.
http://www.sekonic.com/images/files/QGL-358.pdf

As a matter of fact there's precious little information in the operating manual itself about the spot attachments operation. Did you get a separate information sheet with the spot attachment?
At a guess there may be a tab to switch measuring sensitivity that engages when the attachment is mounted in place of the Lumidome that is not doing it's job, you might investigate that. Definitely contact Sekonic support and try to find out more from them.

 

[DrPablo]

Thanks for the thoughts. The spot attachment manual doesn't say anything other than how to attach it.

I've sent an e-mail to Sekonic support.

It's strange, I did some metering outside today, and they matched up nicely. But the spot meter can't read anything that falls under EV 8 -- it just reads "E.u." (exposure under what can be displayed). What that means is it's not going to be that useful for shadow placement with zone system exposure.