Sekonic l-358 1 degree spot finder worth it?

[SafetyBob]

I have had my l-358 for a couple of years now and mainly break it out whenever the studio flashes come out for special occasion photos such as Christmas, Easter and a prom or two. Using this meter in my livingroom and around the house for those photos has allowed my flash photography to be much more repeatable and correctly exposed. I actually got complimented by the wife for the prom pictures I did about a month ago...

Now, wanting to head outdoors for all types of photography.....basic 358 still OK, or will the 1 degree spot finder be the "perfect" addition to a solid meter? I would love to here from 358 owners who have done this or the l-758 guys who bypassed the 358 for the 758.

I just need to know before I blow good money on this if it is worth it.

Thanks,

Bob E.

 

[benjiboy]

Hi Bob, I have a Sekonic L358 and the 1º spot finder and I find the attachment to be a very useful additional although expensive addition to the meters capability especially outdoors although I'm not a good or dedicated landscape photographer I find it excellent for assessing the contrast range of the subject by spot metering the highlights and shadows, also metering specific areas of my sitters faces when shooting outdoor portrait especially in back lighting I can meter the subjects face and the background from a distance without shoving the meter in their face.
I.M.O. spot meters are very useful tools in the hands of someone who has an understanding of the basic principals of exposure and sensitometry and that meters only read 18% grey, but in the hands of an absolute beginner can be dangerous, and that photographers were still shooting good outdoor pictures before they were invented, I managed for about forty years before I owned one.

 

[markbarendt]

The 358 is great outdoors even without the spot attachment.

 

[daleeman]

I have a s 358 and use it indoors and out for continous light and flash. Flash fill too it is very useful, it is a great meter. I pickedup a 5 or 10 degree (forget) spot attachment from EvilBay and have not tried it yet. No instructions came with it.

So I wonder if someone can help the OPster (SafetyBob) and I know about usage. I know there are dip switches in the 358 and do they need to be set in any way to use the spot attachment?
Lee

 

[benjiboy]

You don't need to use the dip switches on the L-358 to use the spot attachments, just attach it to the meter in the normal way.
Sekonic L-358 and L-758 digital meters have become just about the industry standard, I love my L358.

 

[SafetyBob]

Thanks for the replies.....

Ben, thank you for your opinion AND advice. I have been reading all I can get ahold of on the proper use of spot meter and how to use it to measure highlights and shadows. I have the concept down, now I am ready to go and try it out. Oh, I need to get the spot meter attachment too, but think I will try it out first just as the meter sits so I can then judge the results of spot meter later.

Lee, not sure what the instruction manual for the attachment says on usage, haven't got that far on the Sekonic website. I do seem to read the manual for the 358 about once a month.....so check their website and see if there is any help there.

I also thought about the 5 degree attachment, but found from reading that for 99.9% of the time, the 1 degree finder was the way to go.

Bob E.

 

[benjiboy]

Thanks for the replies.....

Ben, thank you for your opinion AND advice. I have been reading all I can get ahold of on the proper use of spot meter and how to use it to measure highlights and shadows. I have the concept down, now I am ready to go and try it out. Oh, I need to get the spot meter attachment too, but think I will try it out first just as the meter sits so I can then judge the results of spot meter later.

Lee, not sure what the instruction manual for the attachment says on usage, haven't got that far on the Sekonic website. I do seem to read the manual for the 358 about once a month.....so check their website and see if there is any help there.

I also thought about the 5 degree attachment, but found from reading that for 99.9% of the time, the 1 degree finder was the way to go.

Bob E.

I agree, I can't see any reason if you have the 1 degree attachment why you would need the 5 or 10 degree one.