Sekonic Cine vs Cine-U

waffles · Apr 27, 2024

Can anybody explain to me the difference between the Sekonic 758 Cine vs the Sekonic 758 Cine-U light meters?

Every time I try to Google the answer, all I get are a bunch of pages comparing the Sekonic 758 DR with the Sekonic 758 Cine.

Does anybody know? I’m very confused.

waffles · Apr 27, 2024

Also, does anybody know if any version of the 758 (758D, 758DR, 758DR-U, 758Cine, or 758Cine-U) was every made in Japan (like the 508/608) or were they all manufactured in the Philippines (like the 358/558)

Kino · Apr 27, 2024

As far as I can tell the "U" variant is simply the updated version of the 758 Cine.

Seconic does not differentiate between the two for either the manual or the optional software downloads.

You might ask over on Cinematography.com; someone might know...

BrianShaw · Apr 27, 2024

Someone posted this on another camera site a while ago:

On difference between the L-758R and L-758R-U, this is what Sekonic told me:

"There is no difference between the two meters. The “U” designation was recently added to distinguish the meters legally sold in the United States from the gray market products that enter the country illegally. For any purchase starting now and in the future, make sure you have a “U” meter so it can be covered by warranty."

waffles · May 3, 2024

Thanks guys. Follow up question: Do you think a used Sekonic 758 Cine in excellent condition (but no optional accessories) would be worth $650?

That seems high to me, since it’s Made in the Philippines and the Sekokonic 858 (non-Cine) retails brand new for $629.

I understand that the Cine versions of the meters always retailed for more, but the 758 Cine-U had an MSRP of $822 brand new, so I’d be paying 78% of that for a used one … and that seems high

Kino · May 3, 2024

Does it have a function/feature that you absolutely need for your work that is absent on other meters?

Frankly, I would not spend that much on a light meter of just about any kind.

There have to be equally capable meters for far less; it just depends on what you need/want to do with the meter.

Are you actually doing DP/Cinematography work?

For that price, you could buy a good Seconic Studio Deluxe, a Pentax Digital Spot meter and have a real good meal at a Four Star Restaurant.

Don't get me wrong, they are great meters but... really.

waffles · May 3, 2024

Right now I don’t need to second-guess the meter’s necessity. I just need to understand if it’s a good deal at that price.

waffles · May 3, 2024

And just for reference my use case is I’m going to be doing flash reflected PocketWizard-truggered metering of models, to try and predict which zone the skin tones will fall into when I develop & print my film normally after shooting in a variety of different lighting scenarios.

So I’m going to need either an L-608, L- 558, L-758, or L-858. None of the meters you mentioned above will work for me (although the 4 star restaurant sounds nice)

bernard_L · May 4, 2024

waffles said:
And just for reference my use case is I’m going to be doing flash reflected PocketWizard-truggered metering of models, to try and predict which zone the skin tones will fall into

The Sekonic L-308 meets that requirement. Cable or flash triggered. I got my L-308B for 100€ at a camera swap.

Kino · May 4, 2024

waffles said:
And just for reference my use case is I’m going to be doing flash reflected PocketWizard-truggered metering of models, to try and predict which zone the skin tones will fall into when I develop & print my film normally after shooting in a variety of different lighting scenarios.

So I’m going to need either an L-608, L- 558, L-758, or L-858. None of the meters you mentioned above will work for me (although the 4 star restaurant sounds nice)

Yeah, the reason you are using it DOES determine if it is a good deal or not.

If you were going to prop up a wobbly table with it, that would make it not a good deal...

waffles · May 4, 2024

One of my biggest pet peeves is when you ask a question, and people post an answer ... but its not an answer to your question, its an answer to a different question that the respondent thinks you should have asked. I'm sorry but that is not my question, and its patronizing

This isn't helpful guys. No, the Sekonic L-308 doesn't meet a single one of my requirements. First off, it doesn't do reflected flash metering (it's not a spot-meter.) Second off, it doesn't support radio-triggering (it doesn't have a slot for a PocketWizard transceiver chip.)

I already own a Sekonic L-358 that does incident, radio-triggered metering. But it doesn't do reflected, radio-triggered metering. So I need to upgrade to either a 608, 558, 758 or 858.

I bought a Sekonic L-608 on eBay for $300, but it was defective and I'm returning it
There is another L-608 for sale for $400, but I am worried the limit of EV 2 will be a problem
... if I was going to spend $400 I might as well spend another $100 to buy an L-758DR, right?
... however, I have a rare opportunity to buy a mint-condition L-758Cine for $650
... I'm just trying to determine if the extra $150 is worth it for a Cine version, especially since for $25 less, I could buy a brand-new L-868DR that goes to EV -1

I'm not doing cinematography right this moment. But I actually might in the near future (no, really). And of equal or greater important to me: if the L-758Cine is rarer and higher in demand among professionals, then it might hold its value better over the long term. And I love a getting a good deal. I also haven't really looked into the L-558 much. I should probably do that.

Anywho, I'm just trying to make sure I don't get burned here. If I buy it at the right price, then I can always sell it later without a penalty. I really don't need anyone to help fix my gear acquisition syndrome

I really did want to buy something actually Made in Japan, though ...

BrianShaw · May 4, 2024

That’s a lot of different variables to consider. Are you more interested in achieving your functional objectives, or making a financial investment? I hope it’s the former and not the latter.

Kino · May 4, 2024

waffles said:
One of my biggest pet peeves is when you ask a question, and people post an answer ... but its not an answer to your question, its an answer to a different question that the respondent thinks you should have asked. I'm sorry but that is not my question, and its patronizing

This isn't helpful guys.

And, without knowing the REASON you are buying the item, the question cannot be objectively answered as to if it is a "Good Deal".

In this vein, it projects a rather privileged, dismissive attitude to demand a question be answered without being willing to clarify the intent of the buyer.

Did someone say patronizing?

Never worry, I shall never sully your posts with responses in the future; please put me on ignore.

Sekonic Cine vs Cine-U

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